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December 12, 2006

December 12, 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

COUNTDOWN

Which NHLers are in desperate need of a snow day? 10 Alex Steen Toronto sophomore taking jinx to a whole other level. 09 Kyle Calder Michal Handzus is gone for the year, but may outscore trade partner. 08 Fernando Pisani Oilers playoff hero has ruined a lot of hockey pools this year. 07 Dany Sabourin Canucks backup waxed in two 6-0 November losses. 06 Bryce Salvador Jay McKee will be back soon, Jay McKee will be back soon… 05 Enver Lisin Coyotes rookie must really love snow. He’s going back to Russia. 04 Patrik Elias Below-average offensive output matches drooping plus-minus. 03 Jeff Friesen Flame is ice-cold, with one point (an assist) in 18 games. 02 Dan Cloutier Kings goalie is at bottom of the pile in GAA and save percentage. 01 Janne Niinimaa Tough to want the day off…

DEPARTMENTS

Killer Bees invest in sweater ties

Compared to Janet Jackson’s infamous ‘wardrobe malfunction,’ the wardrobe problems of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees aren’t as historic. On consecutive Saturdays in November, Bees left winger Bill Newson and forward/defenseman Dennis Maxwell were ejected for not properly tying down their sweaters. Both game misconduct penalties were later rescinded…Colorado Eagles coach Chris Stewart is the third coach in CHL history to reach 300 wins and ranks behind Oklahoma City Blazers coach Doug Sauter and Bill McDonald of the Austin Ice Bats in all-time wins…The Youngstown Steelhounds signed right winger Doug Orr, the nephew of NHL legend Bobby Orr. Orr spent the previous five seasons at McGill University in Montreal.…

DEPARTMENTS

Ohio State’s Elkins notches unique hat trick

While Corey Elkins scored a couple of hat tricks in youth hockey, he doesn’t remember much about them. But the Ohio State sophomore forward’s three-goal game against Bowling Green Nov. 17 will stay in his memory banks for a while. In addition to notching his first college goal, Elkins scored what is believed to be the first three-goalie hat trick in CCHA history in Ohio State’s 9-3 win against the Falcons. Elkins chased Bowling Green starter Jimmy Spratt with his first goal at 7:48 of the opening period, scored his second goal against Falcons reliever Eddie Neville at 13:21 of the third period and completed the three-goal night with 2:51 to play against freshman Phil Greer, who was seeing his first collegiate action. “It’s kind of cool,” said Elkins, who…

DEPARTMENTS

GM losing patience with young patients

TOP 2006 PICK Riku Helenius, 18, G, Ilves (Fin.), 15th overall. In an organization with plenty of goaltending depth, Helenius was good enough to become the Lightning’s first-ever goalie selected in the first round. He is a terrific building block, but he’s out until at least February after shoulder surgery. The Lightning loves his size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) and upside. He’s very athletic and plays a modified butterfly style like Marc Denis. KEY PROSPECT Andy Rogers, 20, D, Springfield (AHL), 30th overall, 2004. This was the season Rogers was supposed to make an impact, but he can’t shake the injury bug. The 6-foot-5, 201-pounder with a huge shot and tremendous raw skills has been bothered by a hip injury. He missed much of last season because of ankle surgery. “He has…