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July 1, 1991
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
CANADA STRONG DESPITE ABSENTEES
Several of the greatest players in the world will play for Team Canada this fall. But the burning question remains, will several prominent stars not play? “We’re still waiting to hear back from some players,” said Canada Cup chairman Alan Eagleson, “but there are a few players we’ll keep spots open for until the first game.” While the Canadians will have a lineup that features the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Steve Yzerman, Adam Oates and Joe Sakic, (a veritable who’s who of hockey), there are as many stars either unwilling to compete, or unsure. Norris Trophy winner Raymond Bourque, for instance, has politely declined, as have teammates Cam Neely and Andy Moog. Brett Hull chose to play for Team USA. Mario Lemieux hasn’t returned the call from Eagleson. Neither has Mark Messier, although…
MEET THE ALL-CANADIAN KID AND HIS FAMILY
Celebrity status spills over generously to those who surround stars. When Brett Lindros accompanied his brother to the interview area following Eric’s selection at the 1991 entry draft in Buffalo, he was asked for his autograph by fans ringing the boards. The 15-year-old is a pretty good hockey player himself but that’s not why people were seeking his signature. In the moments that followed, nobody asked for Rob Nieder-mayer’s autograph. Bad move. He is the brother of Scott Niedermayer, the New Jersey Devils’ third pick overall from the Kamloops Blazers. More significantly, 16-year-old Rob is one of the early frontrunners to be chosen first overall in the 1993 entry draft. Fame will eventually be his but the scene neatly summed up the world of difference that exists between a pair of families who…
LOU ROLLS DICE WITH TALENTED NIEDERMAYER
In rehiring Tom McVie with a two-year contract after undergoing an extensive search for a new head coach, New Jersey Devils’ general manager Lou Lamoriello made what he viewed as the safe choice. At the draft table five days later, Lamoriello decided to gamble. Instead of selecting Boston University’s Scott Lachance, who was rated by many as the entry draft’s best defenseman, the Devils chose Kamloops’ defenseman Scott Niedermayer with the third overall pick they had acquired from Toronto. “This pick could be a home run,” Lamoriello said of the 6-foot, 195-pound Niedermayer. “He’s not a safe pick. We got a player who has the ability to control a game, one who filled both our positional need and the requirement of being the best player available.” Using their own first-round pick, No. 11 overall,…
FLETCHER TAKES ON ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
They’ve missed the playoffs five of the last 10 seasons. They haven’t posted a winning record since 1978-79. The last time they finished higher than third place was 28 years ago. They didn’t have a first- or a second-round draft choice this year and they don’t have a second-rounder next year. Their leading scorer, Vince Damphousse, produced only 73 points this season. Nobody on the roster even scored 30 goals. On the day he resigned as Calgary Flames’ general manager, Cliff Fletcher said he wanted a new challenge. Well, he got it. In mid-June, when Fletcher took over as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ president, GM and chief operating officer, he inherited a mess that was 12 years in the making, one which could take equally long to undo. Fletcher professes to thrive under pressure, which is good. Because with…
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