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June 8, 2009
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.
HANG ’EM UP, OR HANG ON?
IT HAPPENS EVERY SPRING, as inevitable as cherry blossoms in Washington, young love in Paris and first round playoff exits in Calgary. Some of the NHL’s venerable old guard feel the push of Father Time and wonder if the moment is right to walk away from the game that defined them since childhood. Or do they have the will and energy to hang on for one more reason, chasing that elusive Stanley Cup dream, not ready to move on to the next chapters of their lives? It is a decision every person faces eventually, but is compounded – in professional athletic circles – by the fact their prime years come and go far more quickly than in the larger working world. Want to be president of the United States? You can’t…
Hall bound
The FIELD FOR FIRST-YEAR ELIGIBLE players for Hall of Fame induction is rich in quality and quantity. A maximum of four players, retired at least three seasons, can be elected in a single class. The Hall’s selection committee makes its decision June 23. Here’s how we seed the field. STEVE YZERMAN embodied leadership during his 22 seasons with the Red Wings. He set team rookie records for goals and points, became Detroit’s youngest captain and tallied 1,940 regular season and playoff points while leading the Wings to three Cups. His dogged determination and loaded trophy case, including an Olympic gold, makes his induction a no-brainer. BRETT HULL’S personality during his playing days was similar to his shot – quick and direct. ‘The Golden Brett’ tallied 741 goals and 1,391 points in 19…
CRITICAL OVERLOAD
Funny how you hear some pundits argue that Joe Thornton’s place on Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics is in jeopardy because of his playoff performance. Five points in six games isn’t bad. He was San Jose’s leading scorer, for whatever that’s worth. What’s funnier is how you don’t hear the same smack being talked about Roberto Luongo, who has done nothing to show he’s a money goalie. In Vancouver’s Game 6 loss, Luongo allowed seven goals in a must-win game. Don’t get me wrong, Luongo can play on my team anyday, but at the same time, so can Thornton. FREE SWAG! Each issue, we’ll give a cool THN hat to the top letter.…
THIS DOG’S SEEN BETTER DAYS
INJURED OR NOT, Simon Despres didn’t help his cause playing for Canada at the World Under-18 Championship in April. “I didn’t play the way I’m capable of,’’ he said. “The injury was part of the reason, but I still think I could’ve been better. I was not satisfied with my tournament.’’ It wasn’t the final impression the Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman wanted to leave before the 2009 NHL draft. The 17-year-old native of Laval, Que., dropped from No. 15 to No. 31 on the International Scouting Services rankings after that tournament (he’s since moved up one spot). “He had a bad world under-18s,’’ said a scout. “If it wasn’t for that, I would’ve said he would go in the top 15. He’s got a lot of tools. If he falls in the…
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