Search for your favorite player or team
© The Hockey News. All rights reserved. Any and all material on this website cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from Roustan Media Ltd. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
November 7, 2006
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.
Robert Frost approach Grants unique journey
To paraphrase the poet Robert Frost, Princeton senior Grant Goeckner-Zoeller took the road less traveled and it made all the difference. Goeckner-Zoeller’s hockey exodus has taken him from his home in the suburbs of Los Angeles, to Topeka, Kan., to Princeton, N.J., and next year, he’ll probably be calling up mapquest to get directions to the next stop on his itinerary. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound free agent right winger was primarily a playmaker in his first two years, but last season he switched roles and had a career-high 15 goals. “I think he would consider himself more of a playmaker than a pure goal-scorer,” said Tigers coach Guy Gadowsky. “But the truth is, he does both extremely well. There isn’t a player in the league I’d rather have on a breakaway.…
Luongo seals crease, provides confidence
GOALIE ZONE When the Canucks acquired Roberto Luongo last June, it was assumed their net problems were over. Ten games in, those assumptions looked very accurate. Luongo wasn’t Vancouver’s savior every night, but he was solid. Most importantly, he gave his teammates the belief they could win. “He’s so poised back there,” said captain Markus Naslund. “It rubs off on the rest of the team.” Luongo went 6-3-1 in 10 starts for the offensive-challenged Canucks and had just one poor outing, surrendering six goals to San Jose. “Everybody sees the saves he makes and some of them are unreal,” said defenseman Lukas Krajicek. “That’s what he’s here for, what he’s paid for. It’s what he does every game.” Luongo’s durability is another valued trait because backup Danny Sabourin has almost no NHL experience.…
Turco paces Dallas to blazing start
GOALIE ZONE Marty Turco is different this year. He’s on a new diet, and leaner than ever. He’s on a new exercise program, and stronger than ever. He’s a little more on his own, and more focused than ever. Turco is one motivated goalie, from his new close-cut hairdo to his ability to let criticism bounce off like a one-timer from the slot. Bottom line, he has been great. Turco was a key to the Stars’ strong start as he single-handedly stole two games en route to a 8-1-0 record. He began the season with 137 career wins and should easily overtake Ed Belfour (160) for most wins in franchise history. He was so good, in fact, that he forced rookie backup Mike Smith to wait until Game 7 for his NHL debut. So much…
Euro leagues need assistance
It’s not often you’ll find the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and Don Cherry in agreement. But when it comes to the topic of European players in North American development systems, they are. And you can lump me in that unlikely alliance, too. In their newly released study of professional minor leagues and Canadian major junior teams, the IIHF arrived at the conclusion that an excess of marginally talented European players are: (a) languishing in North America; and, (b) downgrading the long-term quality of European leagues and national systems. Rather than maintaining the current 70-30 split of North Americans-to-Europeans playing here, the IIHF says, an 80-20 ratio should be the goal. Th at would mean no more than 180-190 Europeans per year in the NHL (down from 260 during the entire 2005-06…
Made possible with the support of
