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July 10, 2007

July 10, 2007

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

2007 NHL Entry Draft

The 2007 entry drat was held June 22-23 in Columbus, Ohio. Listed below are each team’s picks and the complete order of selection. Information provided includes round number/selection number, name, position, 2006-07 team and league. ANAHEIM DUCKS 1/19. Logan MacMillan, C, Halifax (QMJHL); 2/42. Eric Tangradi, C, Belleville (OHL); 3/63. Maxime Macenauer, C, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 4/92. Justin Vaive, LW, USDP (U18); 4/93. Steven Kampfer, D, Michigan (CCHA); 4/98. Sebastian Stefaniszin, G, Eisbaren Berlin (Ger Jr.); 4/121. Mattias Modig, G, Lulea HF (Swe); 5/151. Brett Morrison, C, P.E.I. (QMJHL). ATLANTA THRASHERS 3/67. Spencer Machacek, RW, Vancouver (WHL); 4/115. Niklas Lucenius, C, Tappara Tampere (Fin Jr.); 6/175. John Albert, C, USDP (U18); 7/205. Paul Postma, D, Swift Current (WHL). BOSTON BRUINS 1/8. Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL); 2/35. Tommy Cross, D, Westminster (HS); 5/130. Denis Reul, D, Mannheim…

IN THIS ISSUE

CLEARING THE (CREASE) AIR

Apparently it is possible to rattle Martin Brodeur. The three-time Stanley Cup champion resigned from the NHL’s competition committee, saying he didn’t feel as though his voice was being heard; that he wasn’t making a difference. His specific beef is lack of protection for goaltenders. His point is well-taken; goalies are vulnerable and need to be able to do their job with a high degree of immunity from physical contact. As much as bodies bumping is part of hockey, goalies simply can’t be expected to stop pucks when their crease is cluttered with intruders. But as much as puckstoppers need relief from over-anxious attackers, there’s no reason goalie armor can’t be further downsized. Masked men will claim 100-mph slapshots dictate the need for bulky equipment, but, as has been pointed…

DEPARTMENTS

More elite talent in Pens mix

TOP PICK Angelo Esposito, C, 20th overall. GM Ray Shero had Esposito as the sixth-best prospect on the board. Central Scouting Service had the Quebec City (QMJHL) star as the top-ranked prospect as recently as mid-season. The Penguins were shocked when the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder was available. Questions about Esposito’s passion level apparently led to his precipitous drop. “We’re not sure why he slipped that far, but from our standpoint, we don’t care because we really like the player,” Shero said. DRAFT RECAP The Pens acquired one center (Tim Brent) and drafted three others with their first four picks. Their second-rounder was 6-foot-4, 202-pound Keven Veilleux from Victoriaville (QMJHL). “He’s a big guy who can play center or wing,” Shero said. “I think he has a ways to go, like the rest…

DEPARTMENTS

Final spin for Trudel

Jean-Guy Trudel is finally coming home. He just doesn’t want to stay there long. The 31-year-old left winger, a veteran of 11 pro seasons, has signed a two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues. While Trudel is projected to be the veteran leader and go-to scorer for the Peoria Rivermen, he still has NHL aspirations. Trudel, whose played just five career NHL games, enjoyed playing the past four seasons with Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss League, but never completely gave up on his NHL dream. “After four years in Europe, I really wanted my last chance at the NHL,” Trudel said. “I’m giving myself a shot.” If he can’t crack the Blues lineup, playing with the Rivermen isn’t a bad alternative. Trudel’s wife, Amy, is a Peoria native and the couple makes their home in…