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December 5, 2006

December 5, 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.

DEPARTMENTS

Rough times for Oceanic, but tide will turn in future

Rimouski was last overall in the Quebec League at 5-18-3-1, but there are bright signs for the rebuilding team. The Oceanic have five forwards rated by International Scouting Service rankings for the 2007 NHL draft: Max Gratchev (No. 21); Olivier Fortier (41); David Skokan (43); Maxime Tanguay (146) and Marc-Andre Laroche (148). The Oceanic also have three players in the ISS rankings for 2008. Forwards Patrice Cormier and Philippe Cornet are No. 19 and No. 25, respectively, and defenseman Alexandre Neron is No. 46. “We have lots of young talent,” said Rimouski GM Andre Jolicoeur, whose team had four of the top eight picks in the 2006 QMJHL draft. “I think our team is going to be in good shape for the next three seasons.” And it has lofty ambitions. “We’ve told the league that…

IN THIS ISSUE

2 MINUTES IN THE BOX

Toronto Maple Leafs Pos C Age 23 Birthplace Windsor, Ont. START THE CLOCK What was your ‘Welcome to the NHL moment’? In my first NHL game, I got scored (against) during my first shift. It was against Ottawa. If you had your own theme song, what would it be? ‘Smile Like You Mean It,’ by The Killers. What’s the best thing about your hometown? The bars. Funniest encounter with a fan? We have a superfan named Andrew who hangs out with us every day. Whose autograph do you want? Jason Spezza. Favorite jersey of all-time? The Original Six Sergei Fedorov Red Wings jersey. Favorite video game as a kid? Tecmo Bowl. What do you do on team flights? I like to read. Right now I’m reading ‘Confederacy of Dunces,’ by John Kennedy Toole. Favorite junk food? Beef jerky. Is that considered junk food? Which player do you admire most? Mats Sundin. For how…

IN THIS ISSUE

Opening Faceoff

DEPARTMENTS

Badgered and bruised: Wisconsin sputtering

The task of repeating as NCAA champions is looking harder than anyone thought at Wisconsin, where injuries and a lack of offense have reigned. After 14 games, the Badgers had already lost 25 man-games to injuries. Last season they lost 28, total. The wounded list includes top returning scorer Ross Carlson (seven), top returning goal-scorer Jack Skille (11) and top scoring defenseman Kyle Klubertanz (three). Wisconsin was 4-8-2 on the season, including a five-game losing streak. Ten of those opening games were against ranked schools. The Badgers had 26 goals through 14 games, including two shutout losses. Their 1.81 scoring average was on school-record low pace (2.33). They were 2-5 in one-goal outings. “As we told the kids, you go through these times in life when you have to persevere…