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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.
WE’RE EVERYWHERE!
Try as he might to get a national “footprint” in the United States, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will someday have to come to grips with the fact hockey is a regional game south of the 49th parallel. And as an overrated television program featuring an overrated comedian once proclaimed, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” When you think about it, hockey is actually a hot property…where people have an inclination to watch and follow hockey. In terms of a U.S. national presence, things are getting better, just not at the rate everyone would like to see. The good thing is that it looks very much like NBC wants to continue as the league’s national broadcaster after its contract with the league expires this season. The only question is, will they be willing…
NO HURRY FOR NO. 2
James van Riemsdyk Philadelphia Phantoms Ht. 6-3 Wt. 200 Pos. LW Age 20 AND COUNTING 17 van Riemsdyk’s goal total this season, second on UNH. ONE-THIRD OF HIS FIRST ROUND brethren from 2007 have already seen NHL action. James van Riemsdyk figures to see his share, too. That said, the Philadelphia Flyers, who plucked van Riemsdyk from the U.S. national under-18s with the second pick overall in ’07, don’t intend to rush him. “There’s no question in my mind he’s going to be an NHL player for a long time,” said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. “We’re not sure when that process is going to start for him. “He’s a great big kid with tremendous skills. One thing we don’t want to do with any of our young players is put them in a situation before they’re ready.” A 6-foot-3, 200-pound left winger,…
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…
2 MINUTES IN THE BOX with IAN WHITE
What was your ‘welcome to the NHL’ moment? At about 10:30 at night, I got a call from (former GM) John Ferguson saying I had to be on a flight to New Jersey at six in the morning for my first NHL game. Who is your road roommate and how is he? Alex Ponikarovsky. He’s a really sound sleeper; he snores. A lot. What is your favorite sport other than hockey? Golf. I love playing it, I love watching it. We obviously have our summers off, so it works out perfect. Who is the hardest player in the NHL to defend? It’s got to be Alex Ovechkin. Just the quick release of his shot. I mean, he’s dangerous every time he’s out there. What is your favorite album? Any one of George Strait’s albums. They’re all outstanding. What is your…
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