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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.
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.…
2 MINUTES IN THE BOX
WITH Karl Stewart Chicago Blackhawks Pos LW Age 23 Birthplace Aurora, Ont. START THE CLOCK What was your ‘Welcome to the NHL’ moment? Seeing my own NHL jersey with my name on the back and getting my first paycheck. Most memorable vacation? Going to Europe with my Aurora boys. We had a pretty good time. Best party city you’ve been to? Barcelona was really cool. Fast car or off-roader? I have a fast car right now, but I’m more inclined towards an SUV. Strangest encounter with a fan? I get sent all kinds of crazy things. Like a quail – somebody shot a bird and gave it to me. And I get cookies, everything. Favorite video game as a kid? ‘Blades of Steel.’ Favorite junk food? Chocolate. I’m pretty crazy on that. What do you like to do on team flights? Play cards. Who was your hockey idol as a kid? Coming…
Swedish stopper ready for Nations
Kim Martin knows a thing or two about upsets. Martin backstopped the Swedish team which stunned the U.S. in the semifinal at the Turin Olympics before losing to Canada in the gold-medal game. Now, she’s ready to take her act to the Four Nations Cup, which she calls “the tournament with the best teams in the world.” Canada, Finland and Team USA will all join Martin’s Swedes at the event. “It’s an important competition and it is always fun to play the best,” Martin said. It’s easy to spot the stopper’s influences; she grew up with a father and brother who both played goal. “I loved playing and practicing with them all the time,” said Martin, who originally made the national team at 14. This season Martin is playing for…
Coach calling all the shots
Having successfully made the transition from player to coach, Todd Richards is working on the next step. Richards, 39, is in his first season as a head coach, taking over behind the bench of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Called “one of the brightest young coaching minds in the AHL” by Pittsburgh assistant GM Chuck Fletcher, Richards is the franchise’s third coach in 12 months. He replaces Joey Mullen, who took over last November when Michel Therrien was promoted to the parent team. “I have things the way I want to do it and I have a vision and a plan or idea of how to get us there,” Richards said. “I’m open to suggestions, also, and I think as a head coach and a leader you have to be. You need to assess things and take…
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