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November 1, 2005
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.
Robitaille’s passion carries him forward
Brett Hull’s retirement was felt throughout the league, including in Los Angeles where Luc Robitaille, Hull’s former teammate and fellow elder statesman, expressed surprise. At 39 years old, Robitaille is 17 months younger than Hull, and there had been some question as to whether Robitaille would retire when the lock-out canceled the 2004-05 season. But Robitaille signed a one-year, $1-million contract with the Kings and worked hard to avoid the feelings that led to Hull’s retirement. “That was the toughest I worked in the summer in eight or nine years,” Robitaille said. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, so I did a lot of skating in July, which is something we usually don’t do…If Brett wasn’t there mentally any more, there’s no reason to play. The reason I am back is…
Early struggles kill elites’ hope for fast start
Jarring wakeup calls came early and often for the chosen elite in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Two weeks into the season, every team – including Minnesota, Denver, Colorado College, Wisconsin and North Dakota – had at least one loss. The most startling results involved Minnesota – an NCAA semifinalist last season and the No. 1 team in The Hockey News pre-season ranking. The Gophers unveiled one of the most heralded recruiting classes in recent memory during a 4-3 loss and 3-3 tie with Alaska-Fairbanks Oct. 14-15. “It’s great to have skill, but you have to have grit too,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Meanwhile, the Denver Pioneers opened at Maine and endured 5-1 and 4-2 losses. “If you’re not ready to play you’re going to struggle,” said coach George Gwozdecky. Two…
White helps fill void of departed leaders
The New Jersey Devils do not intend to name a new captain this season, but they already have a new leader. Defenseman Colin White may not always wear one of the rotating ‘A’s that coach Larry Robinson has handed out, but he has stepped up as the team looked for an eventual successor to retired captain Scott Stevens. “Colin White has elevated his game into more of a leadership role,” Robinson said. “There’s a huge difference. He’s more confident in what he does.” White, temporarily sidelined by a groin pull, was the first to stand up for his team-mates in several early-season incidents. “Part of my role is sticking up for our team, ”White said. “I did it in Albany (AHL). John Cunniff taught me a lot when I was down there. He showed…
Young Capitals learn to follow Kolzig
There aren’t a whole lot of fans who come to see the Washington Capitals play. But those that do make the effort come for the same reason – to see if 19-year-old Russian left winger Alex Ovechkin is for real. Almost all leave convinced he is. “I think he’s awesome,” said New York Ranger Kevin Weekes, after the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 broke a 2-2 tie and slammed a game-winning rebound behind the goalie Oct. 10. “(In Washington), he can fly under the radar and I think it will probably serve him better.” GOALIE ZONE Olie Kolzig’s early numbers are scraping the bottom. But ask and he’ll tell you with a very young team in front of him, every day is school and Kolzig is the teacher. The key lesson so far has…
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