The Hockey News - 17 February 2014

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FEBRUARY 17, 2014
VOL. 67 NO. 16
DISPLAY UNTIL
FEBRUARY 17, 2014
Take a pre-game nap.
First things first.
Tape my stick when no one’s around.
The same as yesterday.
And before that.
Always.
Warm-up 30 minutes.
Finesse. Precision.
Focus.
Take a breath. Deep.
Tame the butterflies.
Hit the ice.
My best is out there.
This is my game face.
© 2014 The Gillette Company
Gillette proudly supports John Tavares,
Team Canada Forward
OPENING FACEOFF
February 17, 2014
Vol. 67 No. 16
SORE NECK YET?
Martin Brodeur looks
back at one of the six
goals he let in Jan. 26
at Yankee Stadium.
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
48 The Mighty Ducks
06 Editor’s Notebook
How important is Olympic goalkeeping?
08 Inside Hockey
Anaheim’s old moniker is apropos as the
Ducks are kicking the crud out of the competition
By Ryan Kennedy
53
Martin St-Louis
28 Proteau Type
Bolts could turn snubs into a Stanley Cup
Ovechkin’s assist machine is more than
happy to let his flamboyant linemate get the glory
By Ken Campbell
Tampa captain turns rebuff into success
and hopes rest is best for playoff push
By Adam Proteau
ON THE COVER
Carey Price by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images
4 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 4
54 NHL Team Reports
16
Olympic
Goalies
When the spotlight flips on in
Russia, it’ll burn brightest for
the masked men in net. Each
nation has a No. 1 in mind, but
all it takes is one bad game
for its Plan B to take over
60 Prospect Report
63 Beyond The Spotlight
Shinny takes center stage in Beijing
65 Last Minute
66 Overtime
Reward outweighs risk of going to Sochi
BRIAN BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
52
Nicklas Backstrom
Finland’s freakishly good goalie factory
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EST. 1947
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
WITH JASON KAY
ACTING VP & GROUP PUBLISHER Carlos Lamadrid
EDITOR IN CHIEF Jason Kay
EDITORIAL
OLYMPIC
GOALIE
MYTH
Recent history shows
teams that win gold do it
with good goaltending, but
not mainly because of it
I
N THE LEAD-UP TO THE NAMING of the Olympic teams, there was much
hand-wringing in Canada over the makeup of the roster, particularly who would tend crease. Netminding is indisputably the most
important position in the game – one we focus on in this issue – and
the gold medal might hinge on that one extra save a country gets. Or it
might not. Are we giving stoppers too much of the responsibility? Let’s
review the four Olympiads in which NHLers have participated:
1998 Nagano If a myth exists you need all-time excellence in net to
ƒ…Š‹‡˜‡—Ž–‹ƒ–‡‰Ž‘”›ǡ„Žƒ‡‘‹‹ƒ•‡Ǥ‡‹•–Š‡ϐ‹”•–ǡ•‡…‘†
and third reasons why the Czechs triumphed, allowing just six goals
in six games while posting a .963 save percentage. Included was a draƒ–‹…ʹǦͳ•Š‘‘–‘—–˜‹…–‘”›‘˜‡”ƒƒ†ƒ‹ƒ•‡‹ϐ‹ƒŽǤ
2002 Salt Lake City After replacing Curtis Joseph following the tournament opener, Martin Brodeur did what he has excelled at over the
›‡ƒ”•Ȃ’Žƒ›‹‰˜‡”›™‡ŽŽ„‡Š‹†ƒ•–”‘‰–‡ƒǤϐ‹˜‡ƒ’’‡ƒ”ƒ…‡•ǡŠ‡
had a respectable .917 SP. Top goalie honors went to Mike Richter, who
carried the Americans to silver on home soil, posting a .932 SP. Still, he
couldn’t quell Canada and its monster attack alone.
2006 Turin Antero Niittymaki pulled a Hasek until the halo fell off to™ƒ”†•–Š‡‡†‘ˆ–Š‡‰‘Ž†Ǧ‡†ƒŽ‰ƒ‡Ǥ™‡†‡‘˜‡”…ƒ‡ƒʹǦͲ†‡ϐ‹…‹–
to stop a Finnish uprising. On the strength of his .951 save percentage,
Niittymaki was named the event’s best in goal. Golden goalie Henrik
Lundqvist was an adequate seventh in SP, at .907. Canada’s Achilles
was scoring, not stopping – it was shut out twice.
2010 Vancouver Brodeur was benched, like Joseph before him, after
a shaky start to the event. Enter Roberto Luongo, who made the saves
when he had to. The best goalie and MVP at the event was Team USA’s
Ryan Miller, who had a .946 SP, but also allowed a seeing-eye Sidney
Crosby shot to elude him and end the Games.
The conclusion? While it’s possible for a goalie to carry a nation to
—Ž–‹ƒ–‡‰Ž‘”›‘”Š‘””‡†‘—•Ž›ϐŽ‘’ǡ‹–ǯ•—Ž‹‡Ž›ǤŠ‡–‘’–‡ƒ•ƒ”‡–‘‘
well balanced overall, and have enough goaltending depth, to give any‘‡ƒ†‡…‹†‡†‡†‰‡‘”†‡ϐ‹…‹–ǡ™‹–Š–Š‡‹”ƒ•‡†‡ǤŠ‹•™‹ŽŽ„‡™‘
or lost on the entire 200-by-100 foot international-size ice surface, not
just the wee patch of blue paint.
ART
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Brian Costello
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MANAGING EDITOR
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Ryan Kennedy
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Adam Proteau
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6 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 4
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INSIDE
HOCKEY
GOALIE HOT HOUSE
IN COLD FINLAND
Secret to Finnish goaltending success
is generations of deep tradition and a
well thought-out system for learning
8 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 4
A
SK A FINN ABOUT THE “RECENT
rise of great Finnish goaltenders” and he or she will
be baffled.
The younger generation doesn’t understand the
question because for them,
Finland’s always produced
great NHLers, such as Miikka
Kiprusoff, Kari Lehtonen, Niklas
Backstrom, Pekka Rinne, Antti
Niemi and Tuukka Rask. Older
fans think back to previous
generations – Urpo Ylonen, Kari
Takko, Jarmo Myllys, Markus
Mattsson, Jorma Valtonen,
Hannu Kamppuri – and wonder
what the fuss is about
Good goalies have always
been the trademark of Finnish
hockey. Of the 22 stoppers who
have represented Finland in the
Olympics, 17 are eligible to be
inducted into the Finnish Hall of
Fame. Fourteen are already in.
It wasn’t until 1967 that Finland beat any of the big nations
in world play. That 3-1 win over
Czechoslovakia was largely
due to Ylonen’s play between
the pipes. Three years later, in
1970, he was named best goalie
at the worlds, the first Finnish
player to gain that recognition.
But in 1969, “I was the worst
goalie of the tournament,” he
says. In the off-season, he got
his knees fixed and decided to
study for a Finnish federation
coaching diploma, focusing only
on goaltending.
In 2014, the 70-year-old
Ylonen is considered the goaltending guru of Finland. In a few
years in the 1990s, Kiprusoff,
Markus Ketterer, Antero Niit-
tymaki, Jani Hurme and Fredrik
Norrena honed their craft under
Ylonen in Turko, then left for the
NHL, with varying degrees of
success. In the 2000s, Ylonen
has worked with Teemu Lassila,
Alexander Salak and Joni Ortio.
But Ylonen downplays his
role in their development. “I’m
not sure I’m really coaching,” Ylonen says. “I’m just the
goalies’ assistant. I try to give
them something to think about.
After games, we’ll go over what
happened and see how they did
compared to what we wanted.
We never compare our goalie to
the other team’s goalie.”
Ylonen is also careful to
make sure the heavy lifting, so
to speak, is done elsewhere.
The players do a lot of it, but so
do the goaltending coaches in
the TPS youth hockey system
and the Finnish federation’s
district goaltending coach.
Until a few years ago, that instructor was Valtonen, Ylonen’s
backup in the 1970 tournament. Valtonen is now the
goaltending coach of Yaroslavl
Lokomotiv in the Kontinental
League. “Producing good goalies is not a new phenomenon,”
says Arto Pyykko, a district
goalie instructor in Eastern
Finland. “Finnish goalies have
always ranked fairly high internationally. With idols always so
close, it’s been easy to attract
talented kids to the game, but
the thing that keeps them coming is the system set up by the
federation.”
In each of Finland’s nine
districts, there’s a goalie coach
KIPRUSOFF: JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES; TAKKO: JUKKA RAUTIO/GETTY IMAGES
KARI
TAKKO
MIIKKA
KIPRUSOFF
SCHWARTZ: ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
INSIDE HOCKEY
who pays visits to the clubs and
supports their coaches by attending practices and organizing training and educational
sessions. The structure dates
back to the 1980s.
When Pyykko – now in his
12th season as a district goaltending instructor – comes to
town, there can be up to two
dozen coaches waiting for him.
Half of them are goalie coaches,
the rest being coaches wanting
to learn more about goaltending, something every coach
should know, says Pyykko.
A typical session takes two
full days, often divided into four
weekday nights, and consists of
10 hours in the classroom and
six on the ice. It’s the passion
of people such as Pyykko, who
still has a regular day job as a
business consultant, that keeps
the factory churning.
In addition to his district
duties, Pyykko also works with
the goalies in his local Joensuu
club. There, the club has weekly
goaltending sessions for three
age groups. Each team within
the youth system also has its
own goalie coach and a club
rule states that the goalie and
the goaltending coach should
get at least 15 minutes of their
own time during every practice.
According to Pyykko, the
Finnish style differs a little
from the North American and
Swedish styles. The Finns have
identified 10 ways of scoring
in hockey, each defined by the
distance of the puck from the
net and the goalies are coached
to deal with all of them. They’re
expected to stand up a little
longer than their North American counterparts and to catch
or block pucks with gloves or
the stick, instead of just staying
square to the puck. “Everything
is derived from game situations,
we’re deep inside the game,”
Pyykko says. “Then again,
different techniques can be
taught and learned, but there’s
also the X-factor we’ll only see
when the puck drops for real.”
And maybe that is in the
genes. According to genetical
mapping of Europe, Finns are a
little different from the rest. And
as we know, goalies are a little
different, too. – RISTO PAKARINEN
The Instigator
The Best & Worst
OF THE HOCKEY WORLD
PLUS
By Charlie Teljeur
+PLUS
+PLUS
ALL FOR ONE
BLACK HAWK CROWN
The St. Louis Blues all travel
to Yale’s White Out for Mandi
during a road trip in support of
teammate Jaden Schwartz’s
courageous late sister.
Waterloo’s P.K. O’Handley
becomes winningest coach
in USHL history, passing Mike
Hastings with 530 victories
and counting.
–MINUS
–MINUS
EXCUSES, EXCUSES
LEAD BY EXAMPLE?
Martin Brodeur blames the
outdoor ice at Yankee Stadium
after yielding six goals in a
7-3 loss to the Rangers yet
ignores his .899 SP.
ECAC Union College coach
Rick Bennett goes after RPI
bench boss Seth Appert after
teams brawl in Albany. Both
coaches were suspended.
F E B R U A R Y 17, 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 9
INSIDE HOCKEY
INTERNATIONAL SAVINGS
OLYMPIC
WATCH
A SIZABLE
DIFFERENCE
International ice surfaces are a tricky
adjustment for some, but goalies may
have the biggest challenge in Sochi
S
WITCHING TO INTERNATIONALsized ice at the Olympics
presents a challenge for
NHL goalies used to playing on the smaller surface. And
if history is any indicator, there
will be a few bumps in the road
at Sochi, as goalies are forced
to make the switch mid-season.
International ice is 200 feet
in length, just like the NHL, but
it’s 15 feet wider (100 compared
to 85). The end red line is an
additional two feet in from the
end boards, creating extra
space behind the net. The differences seem minor, but for
an NHL goalie, they’re enough
to change the shooters’ angles
and allow opponents more
room behind the goal where it’s
harder to track the puck.
With precious little practice
time before the men’s Olympic tournament begins, NHL
goalies representing their
home countries will have to
adapt on the fly. Jaroslav Halak,
Slovakia’s starter, didn’t have to
make the adjustment in 2010,
with the Games on NHL-size
ice, but he’ll have to this time
around in Sochi. “Just go out
there, practise with the team,
try to see the angles,” Halak
said. “Probably the angles are
going to be a little bit different,
so that’s going to be the biggest
adjustment. But other than that,
as a goalie, you have to stop the
puck. That’s the bottom line.”
Four-time Olympian Martin
Brodeur didn’t make Canada’s
roster this time around, but he
knows a thing or two about playing on the bigger ice. He had to
make the switch from NHL rinks
to international-sized surfaces
at the Olympics in ’02 and ’06.
“The biggest difference is how,
10 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
offensively, teams are controlling (the puck), getting in dead
areas of the ice, so you have to
be careful not to overplay,” Brodeur said. “It’s not the dumpand-chase game, so there’s
much more puck control.”
The adjustment is a familiar
one for Euro-born goaltenders,
but for those from the United
States and Canada, the learning
curve will be particularly steep
in Sochi. Goalies such as Jimmy
Howard and Carey Price have
only played a handful of games
on international-sized rinks
during world juniors or world
championships, while Jonathan
Quick has never played a major
tournament on the bigger pond.
Thirteen U.S. or Canadian-born
goalies have appeared in at
least one Olympic game since
NHLers started competing in
1998 and the numbers show
it’s not an easy adjustment. The
combined regular season save
percentage for goaltenders in
1997-98 dropped from .906 to
.901 at the Nagano Games and
the same thing happened in
’06, when the regular season
average went from .904 to .899
at Turin. Salt Lake ’02 was the
exception, as the season average .906 actually jumped to
.925, due in large part to a pair
of shutouts for the Americans
against Germany and Belarus.
On average, playing behind
some of the best defensemen
in the game, the combined
regular season save percentage for goaltenders inches up
from .905 to .906 in internationally hosted Olympic years.
But compare that to 2010 in
Vancouver (where the Games
were played on an NHL rink)
when the numbers shot up from
a .919 regular season average
to a .925 success rate.
If there’s one obvious adjustment goalies must make, it’s
playing the puck. There is no
trapezoid, so they’re allowed
to roam anywhere in their own
zone. Brodeur, a legendary
puckhandler, said the bigger ice
is freeing, but still dangerous
for goalies. “You have to be a
little more selective when you
do play the puck,” Brodeur said,
“because it’s a long ways to
come back.” – JOSH ELLIOTT
JAROSLAV
HALAK
BRODEUR: DAVID E. KLUTHO/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED; HALAK: GEORGE BRIDGES/MCT
Martin Brodeur knows well the
difference between NHL- and
international-sized ice surfaces.
INSIDE HOCKEY
VILLE
PELTONEN
OLYMPIC
SURPRISES
Out-of-the-blue performances
have left lasting impressions
C
ITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS
(faster, higher, stronger).
The Olympics’ Latin motto
makes a bigger impression on some players more
than others. The following five
took their games to a level in
Olympic competition that no
one ever saw coming:
PHILIPPE BOZON – In 144
NHL games with St. Louis,
Bozon managed only 16 goals
and 41 points. But he was
dynamite in four Olympics for
France. He scored 14 goals and
23 points in just 21 games in
1988, 1992, 1998 and 2002.
He put up his best numbers
in Nagano, Japan, in 1998,
but Bozon’s fondest Olympic
memories are from the 1992
Games when France qualified
for the playoffs before losing
4-1 to the United States in the
quarterfinal.
JOE JUNEAU – Juneau
played in only one Olympics,
leading the tournament in
scoring in 1992 with six goals
and 15 points in eight games
while centering Canada’s top
line. His production was a major
factor in a silver medal showing
and it earned him his first NHL
contract. Heavy underdogs,
the Canadians were locked in
a 0-0 tie with the Unified Team
(Russia) after two periods of
the gold medal game, before
losing 3-1. He went on to play
13 years in the NHL, spending
time with Boston, Washington
and Montreal. His best season
came in 1992-93 when he had
102 points as a Bruins rookie.
MATS NASLUND – The
highlight of Naslund’s Olympic career was winning a gold
medal with Sweden on Peter
Forsberg’s shootout goal in
Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994.
Yet, his achievements date
back 14 years earlier to 1980 in
Lake Placid, N.Y., where he led
the Swedish team in scoring
with three goals and 10 points
PELTONEN: DAVID E. KLUTHO/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED; LANG: BRIAN BAHR/GETTY IMAGES; POSTCARD: SOCHI 2014
Postcard From SOCHI
in seven games at just 20 years
old. Altogether, he averaged
a point per game over three
Olympics, with four goals and
23 points in 23 games. He
missed the Games in 1984 and
1988 because he was playing in
the NHL and NHLers didn’t start
participating in the Olympics
until 1998.
ROBERT LANG – Over four
Olympics, Lang brought back
a gold and two bronze medals. He matched Naslund in
points with 23, though it took
him 26 games to do it. Lang’s
native country was still called
Czechoslovakia when he placed
third in tournament scoring
in 1992 with five goals and 13
points in eight games. He’d go
on to earn his only gold medal
with the Czech Republic in 1998
and later captained the team in
the 2006 games in Turin, Italy,
where his team was shut out
3-0 in the bronze medal game
by Russia.
VILLE PELTONEN – Ville
and father Esa are the only
father-son combo in history to
play in four Olympic Games. Esa
scored eight goals and had 16
points in 27 games for Finland
between 1968 and 1980. Ville
bettered that with 10 goals and
20 points in 28 games from
1994 to 2010. Ville’s best NHL
season came in 2006-07, when
he had 17 goals and 37 points
in 72 games with the Florida
Panthers. Though his father
never medalled, Ville wound up
with one silver to go with three
bronze. – DENIS GIBBONS
ROBERT
LANG
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 11
INSIDE HOCKEY
PRIDE AND GLORY
New York punk rockers Two Man
Advantage wear customized
hockey apparel for their shows.
PUNK ROCK
PUCKHEADS
Long Island band serves up a loud and
proud mix of punk music and hockey.
They love it when gigs go into overtime
I
T WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE
night only. Instead, it has
lasted 16 years and counting.
Since 1997, Two Man Advantage, a band from Long Island, N.Y., has been fusing lyrics
about hockey with its punk rock
style. It’s a unique combination
that extends even into its live
performances. The band has its
own jerseys, with its Two Man
Advantage logo emblazoned
on the front, and the members
wear various pieces of hockey
equipment and refer to parts
of their sets as “periods.” Even
encores are hockey-inspired.
“Sometimes the audience will
call for an overtime,” said Jeffrey ‘Captain’ Kaplan, one of
the band’s guitarists and a New
York Islanders fan. “They’ll start
chanting – ‘O-ver-time! O-vertime!’ – to get us back to play a
couple more.”
The band even keeps score
during shows. Nothing official,
Kaplan said, it’s just a way
to grade themselves. If they
perform in front of an energized
audience, they get the win. Play
to a handful of people in a small
club and they get shut out.
Two Man Advantage came
together when they were
supposed to play a friend’s Halloween party in 1997 dressed
up as hockey players. The party
ended up being cancelled, but
the band later played a show
on Long Island and the rest is
history. The guys have since
released four full-length albums
and four split seven-inch records, including their latest split
with the Blackout Shoppers,
released Oct. 1.
The key to the band’s longevity is friendship. They’re all
close buddies who love combining their passions of hockey
and punk. “When we stop
enjoying it, we physically can’t
do it anymore or people are no
longer interested, we’ll stop,”
Kaplan said. “Until the time
comes, there’s no reason to not
keep doing what we love.”
They haven’t taken sticks
and nets along on a road trip in
years, but don’t be surprised
In The
if they stop to play a pickup
game. “We’re all late 30s to
mid-40s, so we’re not quite
as athletic as we used to be,”
Kaplan said. “If we showed
up somewhere and someone
wanted to throw us a challenge
and we have some time, it would
be fun to do.” – BRIAN O’NEILL
POWER
PLAYLIST
Songs that Two Man
Advantage would play
at an NHL arena:
1. ‘DRUNK BASTARD’
(VOCALS)
We Are the Champions
Queen
(played only at Nassau
Coliseum after the Islanders’
win their fifth Stanley Cup)
2. ‘SKATE’
(GUITAR/VOCALS)
Apocalyptic Havoc
Goatwhore
3. ‘CAPTAIN’
(GUITAR)
Warriors of Ice
Voivod
4. ‘SNAPSHOT’
(BASS)
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
War
5. ‘THE COACH’
(DRUMS)
Hard Rain Fallin
Sir Lord Baltimore
CARDS
ball Hall of Fame in January, but he might have made a great hockey
player instead. In his senior year of high school hockey, Glavine
scored 47 goals and had 94 points in only 23 games. That was alluring enough for the Los Angeles Kings to pick him in the fourth round
of the 1984 draft, ahead of future stars like Kirk McLean, Gary Suter,
Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille. But Glavine was also selected by the
Atlanta Braves in that year’s MLB draft and chose to pursue baseball
over hockey. This offbeat trading card from the 1992 Pinnacle baseball set shows the Cy Young Award winner (1991, 1998) on the ice.
BY SAL BARRY, WEBMASTER OF THE HOCKEY CARD SITE PUCKJUNK.COM
12 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
JEFF COSTELLO
MLB ALL-STAR PITCHER TOM GLAVINE was inducted into the Base-
INSIDE HOCKEY
HOCKEY HEROINES
In 1914, the Vancouver Ladies
Hockey Team helped pioneer
women’s hockey in B.C.
A century ago, three B.C. rivals vied for
provincial supremacy to become the first
West Coast warriors of women’s hockey
A
S CANADA’S WOMEN’S TEAM
readies to defend its
Olympic crown in Sochi,
the host province of the
2010 Games celebrates some
of the pioneers of women’s
hockey in Canada. In British Columbia, it’s now been 100 years
since women first played organized hockey in the province.
In 1914 in New Westminster,
a group of young women from
well-known local sporting
families formed a team to face
their counterparts in Victoria
and in Vancouver, where the
Vancouver Ladies’ Hockey
Team formed and began practising at the home arena of the
Pacific Coast Hockey League’s
Vancouver Millionaires. In a
game refereed by Millionaires’
Fred ‘Cyclone’ Taylor and Sibby
Nichols, Vancouver beat Victoria to set up a showdown with
New Westminster, which had
only managed to tie Victoria. In
just its second game, however,
Vancouver experienced its first
defeat and New Westminster,
with a tie and a victory, was
declared B.C.’s first women’s
provincial champion.
A planned repeat of the
three-cornered contest proved
impossible when Victoria didn’t
re-form a year later. This left
a two-game series with New
Westminster. Vancouver won by
just one goal in the first game
and one local newspaper reported that the women “mixed
things in vigorous fashion
and used the body and stick
14 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
– WAYNE NORTON
Behind
THE
NAME
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (1970-present)
The “Canucks” moniker was first held by Vancouver’s minor pro
team in the old Pacific Coast League (later the Western League).
The team was named after “Johnny Canuck,” a political cartoon
that replicated the lumberjack stereotype associated with many
Canadians at the time. In 1965, then-Vancouver mayor Fred Hume
had his application for an expansion team rejected by the NHL’s
board of governors. But in 1970, the league granted the city a
franchise, which assumed the nickname of its minor pro team
after it folded that year. Today, Johnny Canuck is Vancouver’s
unofficial second mascot, as well as its alternate logo. Goalie
Roberto Luongo has featured Johnny on his mask. – GARETH BUSH
CITY OF VANCOUVER ARCHIVES
WHERE IT
ALL BEGAN
just like they meant it.” In the
return match, the Vancouver
women “swept down the ice in
regular big league fashion” and
defeated New Westminster’s
crew to claim the title and a new
trophy donated by renowned
Vancouver jeweller O.B. Allan.
Over the next two seasons,
Vancouver was hard pressed
to find opponents. When New
Westminster folded in 1916,
Vancouver turned to the new
varsity squad at the fledgling
University of British Columbia
and thrashed them soundly to
remain champion. Vancouver
had no option but to rest on its
laurels in 1917 as its title went
unchallenged.
Then in 1918, the Vancouver Ladies’ Team faced a new
squad in the city called the
Amazons. Since the challengers
were mostly high school girls
without competitive experience,
Vancouver agreed only to a
“friendly match.” So much for
that. Spectators and reporters alike were shocked by the
rough play and shin rapping of
the younger team. Playing with
the “hook check and everything
else,” the Amazons lost 1-0. But
in the second game they came
away with a 2-1 win and claimed
the championship. Vancouver,
however, believing the second
game was still just a friendly,
refused to relinquish the title.
With the Spanish influenza
epidemic hitting Vancouver, the
team didn’t play competitively
in 1919 and when several veteran members retired, the club
folded. As the city’s original
players of organized women’s
hockey, the Vancouver Ladies’
Hockey Team clearly deserves
its place in hockey history.
Go deep into the crease
with the iPad edition of the hockey news
App Store and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
No team stands tall on the Olympic podium
unless its goalie stands tall in the crease.
The best puck-stoppers in the world will
strap on the pads in a battle for gold at
the Winter Games. Before they embark,
they share their stories on what it means
to be a nation’s last line of defense
16 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
BACK ON TOP
Lundqvist had turned a slow
start into his usual steady hand
as the Olympics approached.
HEAVY LIES
THE CROWN
LUNDQVIST: SCOTT LEVY/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; GUSTAVSSON: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
It’s not easy being the star on Broadway,
and it won’t be simple in the Sochi spotlight,
but the ‘King’ is ready to roll for Tre Kronor
BY STEVE ZIPAY
S
OMETIMES AN ELITE NHL GOALTENDER HAS
ˆƒ” ‘”‡ –‘ †‡ϐŽ‡…– ƒ† ƒ„•‘”„ –Šƒ Œ—•– ‡‡› ’—…•Ǥ
‘•‹†‡”–Š‡Š‹‰ŠǦ’”‘ϐ‹Ž‡Ž‹ˆ‡‘ˆ‡”‹—†“˜‹•–ǡ™Š‘ǯ•
‹Š‹•‹–Š•‡ƒ•‘™‹–Š–Š‡ƒ‰‡”•Ǥ
Š‡ –Š‡ ˆƒ…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ˆ”ƒ…Š‹•‡ ƒ””‹˜‡† ƒ– –”ƒ‹‹‰ …ƒ’ǡ ƒ’Ǧ
’”‘ƒ…Š‹‰–Š‡ϐ‹ƒŽ•‡ƒ•‘‘ˆŠ‹•…‘–”ƒ…–ǡ‡‰‘–‹ƒ–‹‘•‘ƒ‡™
—Ž–‹Ǧ›‡ƒ” ’ƒ…– ™‡”‡ …”ƒ™Ž‹‰ ƒŽ‘‰Ǥ —†“˜‹•–ǡ ͵ͳǡ –‹”‡† ‘ˆ –Š‡
JONAS GUSTAVSSON
DETROIT RED WINGS (NHL)
So ‘The Monster’ finally delivers the moment the
monstrous expectations for him disappear. Go figure.
He’s been far better than imagined in relief of Jimmy
Howard in Motown and he’ll be ready if called upon
at the Olympics should Lundqvist be injured or lit up.
Gustavsson gets the nod over Buffalo backup Jhonas
Enroth due to better numbers.
‡†‹ƒ “—‡•–‹‘•ǡ •ƒ‹† Œ—•– „‡Ǧ
ˆ‘”‡‘’‡‹‰‹‰Š–Š‡™‘—Ž†ǯ–
ƒ††”‡•• –Š‡ ‡‰‘–‹ƒ–‹‘• ˆ—”Ǧ
–Š‡”Ǥ ˜‡–—ƒŽŽ›ǡ Š‡ •‹‰‡†
ƒ •‡˜‡Ǧ›‡ƒ”ǡ ̈́ͷͻǤͷǦ‹ŽŽ‹‘
‡š–‡•‹‘ǡ ™Š‹…Š …ƒ””‹‡• ƒ
̈́ͺǤͷǦ‹ŽŽ‹‘ …ƒ’ Š‹– ƒ† ’ƒ›•
Š‹—–‹Žƒ‰‡͵ͻǤ
––Š‡•–ƒ”–‘ˆ–Š‡•‡ƒ•‘ǡŠ‡
•‡‡‡†Œ‹––‡”›ƒ†™ƒ•–‘”…Š‡†
‹’ƒ”–•‘ˆ–Š‡ƒ‰‡”•ǯ„”—–ƒŽ
‹‡Ǧ‰ƒ‡ ‘’‡‹‰ ”‘ƒ† –”‹’Ǥ
‡™…‘ƒ…ŠŽƒ‹‹‰‡ƒ—Ž–ƒ†
Š‹• •–ƒˆˆ ‹•–ƒŽŽ‡† ƒ †‡ˆ‡•‹˜‡
•›•–‡ –Šƒ– ”‡Ž‹‡† ˆƒ” Ž‡•• ‘
–Š‡ •Š‘– „Ž‘…‹‰ †‡ƒ†• ‘ˆ
‘Š ‘”–‘”‡ŽŽƒǯ• ”‡‰‹‡ ƒ†
—†“˜‹•–•–”—‰‰Ž‡†–‘ƒ†ƒ’–Ǥ
† –Š‡”‡ ™‡”‡ ‘–Š‡” ƒ†Ǧ
Œ—•–‡–•–‘ƒ‡Ǥ‡™ƒ•–‘
Ž‡ƒ‰—‡Ǧƒ†ƒ–‡†•Š‘”–‡”’ƒ†•ǡ
™Š‹…ŠŠ‡†‡‹‡†ƒ†‡Š‹ˆ‘Ǧ
…—•ƒŽ‹––Ž‡‘”‡‘…Ž‘•‹‰–Š‡
ϐ‹˜‡ǦŠ‘Ž‡ǤŠ‡‘–Š‡”™ƒ•–‘–Š‡
™ƒ‹˜‹‰ ƒ† ‡˜‡–—ƒŽ ”‡–‹”‡Ǧ
‡– ‘ˆ ˆ”‹‡† ƒ† ˜‡–‡”ƒ
ƒ”–‹ ‹”‘ǡ ™Š‘ •‡”˜‡† ƒ•
Š‹• „ƒ…—’ ƒ† •—’’‘”–‡” ˆ‘”
ˆ‘—” ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ Š‡ —†“˜‹•–
™ƒ–…Š‡†ƒ•”‘‘‹‡ƒƒŽ„‘–ǡ
ʹ͸ǡ ™‡– ͳͲǦͶǦͲ ™‹–Š ƒ ͳǤ͹ͺ
‰‘ƒŽ•Ǧƒ‰ƒ‹•–ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ƒ†Ǥͻ͵ͷ
•ƒ˜‡ ’‡”…‡–ƒ‰‡ ‹ Š‹• ϐ‹”•– ͳ͸
ƒ’’‡ƒ”ƒ…‡•‹‡–Ǥ
†–Š‡”‡™ƒ•–Š‡‘……ƒ•‹‘Ǧ
ƒŽ Œƒ„ ˆ”‘ ‹‰‡ƒ—Ž– ȋƒ ”ƒ”‹–›
‹ –Š‡ ‘”–‘”‡ŽŽƒ ‡”ƒȌǤ ‘” ‹Ǧ
•–ƒ…‡ǡ ™Š‡ —†“˜‹•– †‹†ǯ–
•–‘’ ƒ •Šƒ”’Ǧƒ‰Ž‡† •Š‘– ‹ ƒ
Ž‘••–‘–Š‡‡˜‹Ž•ǡ‹‰‡ƒ—Ž–Žƒ–Ǧ
‡”†‡…Žƒ”‡†‹–Dzƒ”‘—–‹‡•ƒ˜‡Ǥdz
—– ‹‰‡ƒ—Ž– ™ƒ–• —Ǧ
†“˜‹•–ǡ™Š‘Šƒ••‹…‡•–‡ƒ†‹‡†
ƒ† ϐŽƒ•Š‡† Š‹• ˜‹–ƒ‰‡ ˆ‘”ǡ
–‘„‡”‡•–‡†ˆ‘”–Š‡•–”‡–…Š”—ǡ
•ƒ›‹‰ Š‡ǯŽŽ ‡‡’ —•‹‰ ƒŽ„‘–
–‘ƒ••—”‡–Šƒ–ˆ—–—”‡•…‡ƒ”‹‘Ǥ
 –Š‡ Š‘”‹œ‘ „‡Š‹† ƒŽŽ
–Š‹• ™ƒ• –Š‡ •’‡…–‡” ‘ˆ –Š‡
‘…Š‹ ‹–‡” Ž›’‹…• ƒ†
–Š‡ ‡š’‡…–ƒ–‹‘ ‘ˆ ”‡’”‡•‡–Ǧ
‹‰ ™‡†‡ ˆ‘” –Š‡ –Š‹”† –‹‡ǡ
™‹–Š ‘‡ ‰‘Ž†‡ ‡‡–‘
ˆ”‘ʹͲͲ͸„—–ƒϐ‹ˆ–ŠǦ’Žƒ…‡ϐ‹Ǧ
‹•Š‹ʹͲͳͲǤ–‡ƒ™‡†‡ǯ•
‘”‹‡–ƒ–‹‘ …ƒ’ ‹ —‰—•–ǡ
—†“˜‹•–…”‡ƒ–‡†ƒ‹‘”•–‹”
™Š‡ ƒ•‡† ƒ„‘—– ™Šƒ– ƒ›
•ƒ™ ƒ• —••‹ƒ ƒ–‹Ǧ‰ƒ› Žƒ™•Ǥ
DzŠ‡ ‹– …‘‡• –‘ –Š‡ Ž›Ǧ
’‹…•ǡ ›‘— •Š‘—Ž† Œ—•– ˆ‘…—•
‘ –Š‡ •’‘”–ǡdz —†“˜‹•– •ƒ‹†ǡ
‡˜‡–Š‘—‰Š‡”‹‡––‡”„‡”‰
ƒ† ‹…–‘” ‡†ƒ •’‘‡ ‘—–
•–”‘‰Ž›ƒ‰ƒ‹•––Š‡Žƒ™•Ǥƒ…
‹–Š‡ǤǤƒˆ‡™†ƒ›•Žƒ–‡”ǡ—Ǧ
†“˜‹•– …Žƒ”‹ϐ‹‡† Š‹• ’‘•‹–‹‘Ǥ
Dzˆ …‘—”•‡ †‘ǯ– ƒ‰”‡‡ ™‹–Š
–Š‡Žƒ™•–Š‡›Šƒ˜‡–Š‡”‡ǡdz—Ǧ
†“˜‹•––‘Ž†”‡’‘”–‡”•ƒ–ƒ…Šƒ”Ǧ
‹–› ‡˜‡–Ǥ Dz˜‡”›„‘†› •Š‘—Ž†
Šƒ˜‡–Š‡•ƒ‡”‹‰Š–•Ǥ–†‘‡•ǯ–
ƒ––‡”™Š‘›‘—ƒ”‡Ǥdz
Žƒ›‡”••ƒ›—†“˜‹•–Šƒ•ǯ–
…Šƒ‰‡†Š‹•’”‡’ƒ”ƒ–‹‘‘”‹Ǧ
–‡•‹–›‘–Š‡‹…‡ǤDz‘—ƒŽ™ƒ›•
ˆ‡‡Ž ›‘— Šƒ˜‡ ƒ …Šƒ…‡ –‘ ™‹
™‹–ŠŠ‹„ƒ…–Š‡”‡ǡdz•ƒ›•…‡Ǧ
–‡” ”‹ƒ ‘›Ž‡Ǥ Dz–ǯ• Œ—•– –Šƒ–
•‘‡–‹‡• ™‡ Šƒ˜‡ǯ– •…‘”‡†
‡‘—‰Š ƒ† –Šƒ–ǯ• ˆ”—•–”ƒ–‹‰
ˆ‘”—•Ȃƒ†Š‹Ǥdz
ˆˆ –Š‡ ‹…‡ǡ —†“˜‹•– ‹•
ƒŽ•‘ „ƒŽƒ…‹‰ ˆƒ‹Ž› Ž‹ˆ‡ Ȃ Š‹•
†ƒ—‰Š–‡”ǡŠƒ”Ž‹•‡ǡ™ƒ•„‘”‹
—Ž›ʹͲͳʹȂƒ†–Š‡ƒ”‡–‹‰
•‹†‡‘ˆŠ‹•…ƒ”‡‡”Ǥ
Š‘—‰Š Š‡ǯ• „‡‡ ˆ‘…—•‹‰
‘ –Š‡ ƒ‰‡”•ǡ ‘– –Š‡ Ž›Ǧ
’‹…•ǡ –Š‡”‡ Šƒ˜‡ „‡‡ ”‡‹†Ǧ
‡”•Ǥ‡™ƒ•‘‡‘ˆ•‡˜‡”ƒŽ’Žƒ›Ǧ
‡”• •‡Ž‡…–‡† –‘ „‡ ˆ‡ƒ–—”‡† ‹
ƒ ȀȀ ™‡‡Ž› •‡Ǧ
”‹‡• Ž‡ƒ†‹‰ —’ –‘ –Š‡ ‘—–†‘‘”
‰ƒ‡• ƒ– ƒ‡‡ –ƒ†‹— ƒ†
–Š‡ Ž›’‹…•Ǥ DzŠ‡›ǯ˜‡ „‡‡
ˆ‘ŽŽ‘™‹‰ ‘ ƒ† ‘ˆˆǡ ˆ‘” ƒ ˆ‡™
†ƒ›• ƒ– ƒ –‹‡ǡ •‹…‡ ‡„”—ƒ”›ǡ
ƒ†‹–Š‡•—‡”ƒ†ƒ––”ƒ‹Ǧ
‹‰ …ƒ’ǡdz —†“˜‹•– •ƒ‹† ‹
‹†Ǧ‘˜‡„‡”ǤDz–ǯ•Ž‹‡24/7…
†‘ǯ–‹†ȋ–Š‡ƒ––‡–‹‘ȌǤdz
‹–Š –Š‡ ’”‡••—”‡ ‘ˆ ƒ ‡™
†‡ƒŽƒ†–Š‡ƒ‰‡”•‹ƒ†‘‰Ǧ
ϐ‹‰Š– ˆ‘” ƒ ’Žƒ›‘ˆˆ •’‘–ǡ –‹‡
™‹ŽŽ–‡ŽŽ‹ˆ–Šƒ–ƒ––‡–‹‘‹•’‘•‹Ǧ
–‹˜‡‘”‡‰ƒ–‹˜‡Ǥ
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 17
LIVING IN
THE NOW
The key to Price’s success in Sochi is to not
think about Sochi. A new goalie coach has him
preparing for games completely in the present
BY KEN CAMPBELL
L
EADING UP TO THE SOCHI OLYMPICS, TWO
interesting parlor games emerged north of the 49th parƒŽŽ‡ŽǤŠ‡ϐ‹”•–™ƒ•ǡLet’s Project Canada’s Olympic Hockey
Roster…Again̻ǤŠƒ–™ƒ•ˆ‘ŽŽ‘™‡†„›ǡLet’s Fret Incessantly About the State of Canada’s Goaltending™. The games turned out
–‘„‡‡“—ƒŽŽ›’‘’—Žƒ”ƒ‘‰–Š‡…‹–‹œ‡”›ƒ†’—†‹–”›Ǥ
Š‹…Š„”‹‰•—•–‘ƒ”‡›”‹…‡‘ˆ–Š‡‘–”‡ƒŽƒƒ†‹‡•Ǥ‘•–
‘ˆ –Š‹• •‡ƒ•‘ǡ ”‹…‡ Šƒ• Ž‘‘‡† ƒ† ’Žƒ›‡† Ž‹‡ –Š‡ Ž‘…†‘™
…Š‘‹…‡ƒ•–Š‡‘Ǥͳƒˆ‘”ƒƒ†ƒǡƒ”‘Ž‡‹™Š‹…ŠŠ‡Šƒ•‰‹˜‡
ƒƒ†‹ƒŠ‘…‡›ˆƒ•‘”‡ƒ†‘”‡…‘ˆ‘”–™‹–Š‡ƒ…Š’ƒ••‹‰
‰ƒ‡ǤŠ‡…ƒ‡ƒ’‡”‹‘†‹Žƒ–‡ƒ—ƒ”›™Š‡–Š‡–‡ƒ‹ˆ”‘–
‘ˆ”‹…‡Ž‘‘‡†ƒ•†”‡ƒ†ˆ—Žƒ•‡˜‡”ǡ•—””‡†‡”‹‰ƒ‹†Ǧ„‘‰‰Ž‹‰
—„‡”‘ˆ
”ƒ†‡Ǧ…Šƒ…‡•ƒ†Ž‘‘‹‰Ž‹‡ƒ•ƒŽŽ–‡ƒ‹ƒ„‹‰
Ž‡ƒ‰—‡ǤŠ‘—‰Š”‹…‡™ƒ•‰‡‡”ƒŽŽ›•Š‹‡Ž†‡†ˆ”‘„Žƒ‡ǡŠ‹•—„‡”•™‡”‡ǯ–‹—‡ˆ”‘–ƒ‹‰ƒ•‡˜‡”‡„‡ƒ–‹‰ǤŽŽ–‘Ž†ǡŠ‡™ƒ•
’—ŽŽ‡†–™‹…‡ǡŽ‘•–ϐ‹˜‡‘ˆ–Š‡•‹š‰ƒ‡•ƒ†Šƒ†ƒͶǤ͹ͷ‰‘ƒŽ•Ǧƒ‰ƒ‹•–
ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ƒ†ǤͺͷͶ•ƒ˜‡’‡”…‡–ƒ‰‡Ǥ—…Š‘ˆ–Š‡ˆƒ„ƒ•‡™ƒ•…ƒŽŽ‹‰
ˆ‘”‹…Š‡ŽŠ‡””‹‡–‘„‡ϐ‹”‡†ƒ†”‡’Žƒ…‡†„›
—›‘—…Š‡”Ǥ
Žƒ›‹‰ƒ‰ƒ‹•––Š‡„ƒ…†”‘’‘ˆƒ…‹–›‹™Š‹…Š–Š‡’”‡••—”‡–‘
’‡”ˆ‘”‹•˜‡”›”‡ƒŽǡ”‹…‡†‹†‘–”‡ƒŽŽ›…Šƒ‰‡Š‹•†‡‡ƒ‘”ǡƒ
ƒ„‹Ž‹–›–Šƒ–™‹ŽŽ•‡”˜‡Š‹™‡ŽŽ‹ˆŠ‡ǯ•–Š‡‘‡™Š‘‡†•—’…ƒ””›‹‰ƒƒ–‹‘ǯ•Š‘’‡•‘Š‹••Š‘—Ž†‡”•ǤDz†‘ǯ–‘™Š‘™Ž›’‹…
’”‡••—”‡…‘’ƒ”‡•–‘’Žƒ›‹‰‹‘–”‡ƒŽǡdz•ƒ›•ǤǤ—„„ƒǡ”‹…‡ǯ•
18 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
–‡ƒƒ–‡ǡ…Ž‘•‡ˆ”‹‡†ƒ†ˆ‡ŽŽ‘™ϐ‹”•–Ǧ–‹‡Ž›’‹ƒǡDz„—–‹ˆ
–Š‡”‡ǯ•ƒ›„‘†›”‡ƒ†›ˆ‘”–Šƒ–ǡ
‹–ǯ•Š‹Ǥdz
‘‹‰ ‹–‘ –Š‹• •—‡”ǡ
—…Š ‘ˆ ƒƒ†ƒ ™ƒ• ™‘””‹‡†
ƒ„‘—– ‹–• ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰ ‰‘‹‰
‹–‘ ‘…Š‹Ǥ † ‹– Šƒ† ‰‘‘†
”‡ƒ•‘ –‘ †‘ Œ—•– –Šƒ–Ǥ ‘‰
‡Ž‹–‡ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡”• Žƒ•– •‡ƒ•‘ǡ
–Š‡”‡™ƒ•”‡ƒŽŽ›‘–ƒƒƒ†‹ƒ
–‘„‡ˆ‘—†Ǥȋ‹…‡”‡ƒ’‘Ž‘‰‹‡•
–‘ ‘”‡› ”ƒ™ˆ‘”†ǤȌ † ”‹…‡
™ƒ•ǯ– ƒŽŽƒ›‹‰ ƒ›‘‡ǯ• ˆ‡ƒ”•Ǥ
‘‰ ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡• ™Š‘ ’Žƒ›‡† ͳͲ
‰ƒ‡•‘”‘”‡‹Žƒ•–•‡ƒ•‘ǯ•
ƒ„„”‡˜‹ƒ–‡† …ƒ’ƒ‹‰ǡ ͵ͺ ‘ˆ
–Š‡Šƒ†ƒ„‡––‡”•ƒ˜‡’‡”…‡–ƒ‰‡–Šƒ”‹…‡Ǥ†–Š‡’Žƒ›‘ˆˆ•
™‡”‡ ‘–Š‹‰ •Š‘”– ‘ˆ ƒ ‹‰Š–ƒ”‡ ˆ‘” Š‹Ǥ ‡ ™ƒ• „ƒ†Ž›
‘—–’Žƒ›‡† „› ”ƒ‹‰ †‡”•‘
‹–Š‡ϐ‹”•–”‘—†ƒ†’‘•–‡†ƒ
•ƒ˜‡’‡”…‡–ƒ‰‡‘ˆǤͺͻͶ„‡ˆ‘”‡
„‡‹‰‹Œ—”‡†‹
ƒ‡ͶǤ
‘‡ ‡˜‡ ™‘†‡”‡†
™Š‡–Š‡” ”‹…‡ Šƒ† ‡˜‡ ‡”‹–‡† ƒ ‹˜‹–ƒ–‹‘ –‘ ƒƒ†ƒǯ•
•—‡” ‘”‹‡–ƒ–‹‘ …ƒ’Ǥ
”‹…‡•–‡ƒ†ˆƒ•–Ž›”‡ˆ—•‡•–‘ƒ…‘™Ž‡†‰‡™Š‡–Š‡”–Š‡†‘—„–‡”•’”‘˜‹†‡†–Š‡‘–‹˜ƒ–‹‘ˆ‘”
Š‹–‘„‡„‡––‡”ǡ„—––Šƒ–ǯ•‘–
ƒ —‹˜‡”•ƒŽ ‘’‹‹‘ ‹ –Š‡ ƒƒ†‹‡• †”‡••‹‰ ”‘‘Ǥ DzŠƒ–
‡™‘ˆŠ‹ǡ™Šƒ–•ƒ™ˆ”‘
–Š‡‘—–•‹†‡ǡ‹•‡˜‡”›–‹‡’‡‘-
’Ž‡ ‰‘– ‘ Š‹ ˆ‘” ‘– ’Žƒ›‹‰
—’ –‘ ‡š’‡…–ƒ–‹‘ǡ Š‡ ƒŽ™ƒ›•
…ƒ‡ „ƒ… •–”‘‰ǡdz •ƒ›• …‡–‡”ƒ‹‡Ž”‹‡”‡ǤDz‡ǯ•ƒŽ™ƒ›•
•Š‘™•‘—…Š…Šƒ”ƒ…–‡”–Šƒ–
…‘‹‰ ‹ǡ –Š‘—‰Š–ǡ Ǯ‡ǯ• ‰‘‹‰ –‘ „‡ ‰‘‘† ƒ‰ƒ‹ –Š‹• ›‡ƒ”Ǥ
‡ǯ• ‰‘‹‰ –‘ „‡ ƒƒœ‹‰Ǥǯ —–
Š‡ǯ• „‡‡ ‡˜‡ „‡––‡” –Šƒ
™Šƒ–‡š’‡…–‡†Ǥdz
‘‘† ‡‘—‰Š –‘ ‡Ž‡˜ƒ–‡ ƒ
‹††Ž‡Ǧ‘ˆǦ–Š‡Ǧ”‘ƒ†ƒ†•‡˜‡”‡Ž› —†‡”•‹œ‡† ƒƒ†‹‡• –‡ƒ
–‘ –Š‡ —’’‡” ”‡ƒ…Š‡• ‘ˆ –Š‡
ƒ•–‡” ‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ –Š”‘—‰Š
–Š‡ ϐ‹”•– ŠƒŽˆ ‘ˆ –Š‡ …ƒ’ƒ‹‰
„‡ˆ‘”‡ ‹–• ‹†Ǧƒ—ƒ”› …‘ŽŽƒ’•‡ǤŠ‡”‡‹•Ž‹––Ž‡†‘—„––Šƒ–
•‹…‡–Š‡„‡‰‹‹‰‘ˆ–Š‡•‡ƒ•‘ǡ ”‹…‡ Šƒ• „‡‡ –Š‡ ‘•–
…‘•‹•–‡– ƒ† •‘Ž‹† ‘ˆ ƒƒ†ƒǯ• –Š”‡‡ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡”•Ǥ ‘ϐ‹†‡…‡Šƒ•—…Š–‘†‘™‹–ŠŠ‹•
•—……‡••ǡ „—– Š‡ ™‘—Ž†ǯ– Šƒ˜‡
–Š‡…‘ϐ‹†‡…‡Š‡Šƒ•—Ž‡••Š‡
™ƒ•’Žƒ›‹‰™‡ŽŽǤŠ‡™ƒ›”‹…‡
•‡‡•‹–ǡ—…Š‘ˆŠ‹••—……‡••Šƒ•
…‘‡ †‘™ –‘ ƒ––‹–—†‡ ƒ†
’”‡’ƒ”ƒ–‹‘Ǥ ‘…‡› ’Žƒ›‡”•
‹ ‰‡‡”ƒŽǡ ƒ† ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡”• ‹
’ƒ”–‹…—Žƒ”ǡ ‘ˆ–‡ …‘—”– –”‘—„Ž‡
™Š‡ –Š‡› Ž‘‘ –‘‘ ˆƒ” ‹–‘
–Š‡ ˆ—–—”‡Ǥ ‘” •‘‡ ”‡ƒ•‘ǡ
‹– ˆ‘”…‡• –Š‡ –‘ –ƒ‡ –Š‡‹” ƒ––‡–‹‘ƒ™ƒ›ˆ”‘–Š‡’”‡•‡–Ǥ
Former Red Wings goaltender
Š”‹••‰‘‘†•ƒ‹†‘‡›‡ƒ”Š‡
had the entire Detroit season
•…Š‡†—Ž‡ ‘ –Š‡ †ƒ•Š„‘ƒ”†
‘ˆ Š‹• …ƒ” ™‹–Š –Š‡ ‰ƒ‡• ƒŽŽ
Š‹‰ŠŽ‹‰Š–‡†‹›‡ŽŽ‘™ǤŠƒ–™ƒ›
Š‡ …‘—Ž† Ž‘‘ ƒŠ‡ƒ† –‘ ˆ—–—”‡
‰ƒ‡•Ǥ–”‡•—Ž–‡†‹–Š‡™‘”•–
•‡ƒ•‘ ‘ˆ Š‹• …ƒ”‡‡” ƒ† Š‡
˜‘™‡†–‘‡˜‡”†‘‹–ƒ‰ƒ‹Ǥ
—…ŠŠƒ•„‡‡–Š‡…ƒ•‡™‹–Š
”‹…‡ƒ•™‡ŽŽǡ™Š‘Šƒ••™ƒ’’‡†
Ž‘‰Ǧ–‡”‘„Œ‡…–‹˜‡•Ȃ•—…Šƒ•ǡ
•ƒ›ǡ–Š‡Ž›’‹…•Ȃ™‹–Š—…Š
‘”‡ ‹‡†‹ƒ–‡ ƒ† ƒ…Š‹‡˜ƒ„Ž‡‘‡•Ȃ•—…Šƒ•ǡ•ƒ›ǡ’—––‹‰
‹ƒ‰‘‘†’‡”ˆ‘”ƒ…‡–‘‘””‘™ ‹‰Š–Ǥ Dz‹…‡ –Š‡ •–ƒ”– ‘ˆ
–Š‡ ›‡ƒ” ™‡ǯ˜‡ ƒ†‡ ƒ ’‘‹–
–‘‡‡’‘—”‰‘ƒŽ•”‡ƒŽŽ›•Š‘”–Ǧ
–‡”ǡdz”‹…‡•ƒ›•ǤDz‡ƒŽŽ›•Š‘”–Ǧ
–‡”ƒ•‹–Š‡‡š–‰ƒ‡Ǥdz
‘‰ ‘–Š‡” –Š‹‰•ǡ –Šƒ–ǯ•
‘‡ –Š‹‰ ‡™ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰
…‘ƒ…Š–‡’Šƒ‡ƒ‹–‡‘–‹…‡†Ǥ
• –Š‡ ˆ‘”‡” ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰
…‘ƒ…Š ˆ‘” –Š‡ Š‹…ƒ‰‘ Žƒ…Šƒ™•ǡ ƒ‹–‡ Š‡Ž’‡† ––‹
‹‡‹ƒ†‘”‡›”ƒ™ˆ‘”†„‡-
RICHARD WOLOWICZ/GETTY IMAGES
ON THE MONEY
Showing more consistency than
in years past, Carey Price has
been Montreal’s MVP.
COOL ON THE HOT SEAT
PRICE: FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; LUONGO: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
Price fits the bill as Canada’s
No. 1 because he’s calm under
pressure and openly confident.
come the last line of defense, each for a Stanley Cup team. Waite
•ƒ›• Š‹• ϐ‹”•– ‘„Œ‡…–‹˜‡ ™ƒ• –‘ …‘’ƒ”–‡–ƒŽ‹œ‡ –Š‹‰• •‘ ”‹…‡
™‘—Ž†ǯ– Ž‘‘ „‡›‘† ™Šƒ– ™ƒ• †‹”‡…–Ž› ‹ ˆ”‘– ‘ˆ Š‹Ǥ ƒ‹–‡
…‘—Ž† –‡ŽŽ ”‹…‡ ™ƒ•ǯ– ’”‡’ƒ”‹‰ ™‹–Š –Š‡ –ƒ• ƒ– Šƒ† ‹ ‹†
„›Ž‘‘‹‰ƒ––Š‡™‹Ž†ϐŽ—…–—ƒ–‹‘‹–Š‡“—ƒŽ‹–›‘ˆŠ‹••–ƒ”–•ˆ”‘
ʹͲͳʹǦͳ͵ǤDz™ƒ•ǯ–Š‡”‡„‡ˆ‘”‡ǡ„—––Š‡‘‡–Š‹‰‡™™ƒ•–Šƒ–
Š‡™ƒ•‹…‘•‹•–‡–‹Š‹•’‡”ˆ‘”ƒ…‡•ǡdzƒ‹–‡•ƒ›•ǤDz‘‡–‹‡•
Š‡ ™ƒ• —„‡Ž‹‡˜ƒ„Ž‡ ƒ† –Š‡ ‰ƒ‡ ƒˆ–‡”ǡ ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ ‘” „‡Ž‘™ ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ǤŠ‡‰‘‘†ǡƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ǡ„‡Ž‘™ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ǡ‰‘‘†ǡ‰‘‘†ǡ‰‘‘†ǡ‰‘‘†ǡ
„‡Ž‘™ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ǥ›‘—‘™ǡŽ‹‡–Šƒ–Ǥ‘‡ǡ–Šƒ–ǯ•ƒŽŽƒ„‘—–‰ƒ‡
’”‡’ƒ”ƒ–‹‘ ƒ† –Š‡”‡ǯ• •‘‡–Š‹‰ –Š‡”‡ –Šƒ–ǯ• ‘– ‰‘‘†Ǥ ˜‡”›„‘†›–ƒŽ•ƒ„‘—––Š‡Ž›’‹…•ǡ„—–™‡ǯ˜‡‡˜‡”–ƒŽ‡†ƒ„‘—––Š‡Ǥ
‡˜‡”Ǥ‡ǯ˜‡‡˜‡”‡˜‡•ƒ‹†–Š‡™‘”†Ž›’‹…•„‡…ƒ—•‡–Š‡‘•–
‹’‘”–ƒ––Š‹‰‹•Œ—•––Š‡‡š–‰ƒ‡Ǥdz
Š‡”‡™‡”‡ƒˆ‡™–‡…Š‹…ƒŽƒ†Œ—•–‡–•‹Š‹•‰ƒ‡ǡ–‘‘ǡ‘•–
‘ˆ ™Š‹…Š Šƒ† –‘ †‘ ™‹–Š ”‹…‡ǯ• ’ƒ–‹‡…‡ ‹ –Š‡ ‡–Ǥ Š‡”‡ ™‡”‡
–‹‡•Žƒ•–•‡ƒ•‘™Š‡ƒ‹–‡‘–‹…‡†”‹…‡™ƒ••‘‡™Šƒ–‘—–‘ˆ
…‘–”‘Ž‹–Š‡™ƒ›Š‡„ƒ––Ž‡†ǡŠ‘™Š‡–”‹‡†–‘„‡ƒ––Š‡’ƒ••ǡŠ‘™Š‡
™‡–†‘™Œ—•–ƒ–‘—…Š–‘‘‡ƒ”Ž›ǤŠ‹••‡ƒ•‘ǡŠ‡ǯ•‘”‡ƒ’––‘•–ƒ›
‘Š‹•ˆ‡‡–ƒŽ‹––Ž‡Ž‘‰‡”„‡ˆ‘”‡
‰‘‹‰†‘™ƒ†•…”ƒ„Ž‹‰Ǥ
—– ƒ–—”ƒ–‹‘ Šƒ• „‡‡ ƒ
‡›ˆƒ…–‘”ǡ–‘‘Ǥ”‹…‡‹•‘Ž›ʹ͸
ƒ† Œ—•– ‡–‡”‹‰ –Š‡ ›‡ƒ”• ‘ˆ
Š‹• …ƒ”‡‡” ™Š‡ Š‡ •Š‘—Ž† „‡
‘•– †‘‹ƒ–Ǥ ‡ǯ• ƒŽ•‘ …‘–‹—‹‰ –‘ Ž‡ƒ” ™Šƒ– ‹– –ƒ‡•
–‘„‡ƒ‡Ž‹–‡‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡”ǡ—…Š
‘ˆ –Šƒ– ˆ”‘ Š‹• „ƒ…—’ ‡–‡”
—†ƒŒǡ ™Š‘ ”‹…‡ …ƒŽŽ• Dz–Š‡
„‡•– ’ƒ”–‡” ǯ˜‡ ‡˜‡” ’Žƒ›‡†
™‹–ŠǤdz ‘– ‘Ž› Šƒ• —†ƒŒǯ•
•—›†‡‡ƒ‘””—„„‡†‘ˆˆ‘
”‹…‡ǡ„—–•‘Šƒ•Š‹•™‘”‡–Š‹…Ǥ
Waite says he sometimes has
–‘‹…—†ƒŒ‘ˆˆ–Š‡‹…‡‘”Š‡ǯŽŽ
•–ƒ›‘—––Š‡”‡ƒŽŽ†ƒ›Ǥ‡†ƒ›
‹ ‘”‘–‘ǡ —†ƒŒ ™ƒ• –Š‡ Žƒ•–
player out on the ice after prac–‹…‡ƒ†ƒŽŽŠ‡†‹†ˆ‘”ƒ„‘—–ͳͷ
‹—–‡•™ƒ•‰‘„‡Š‹†–Š‡‡–ǡ
’‹˜‘–ƒ”‘—†™‹–Š–Š‡’—…‘
Š‹••–‹…ƒ†Ž‘‘—’–Š‡‹…‡Ǥ•
ˆ‘” —†ƒŒǡ Š‹• ™‘”†• ˆ‘” ”‹…‡
ƒ”‡ Œ—•– ƒ• ‹†Ǥ Dz †‘ǯ– ™ƒ–
–‘–ƒ‡ƒ›–Š‹‰ƒ™ƒ›ˆ”‘–Š‡
‘–Š‡” ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡• ‹ –Š‡ Ž‡ƒ‰—‡ǡdz
—†ƒŒ •ƒ‹†ǡ Dz„—– Š‡ǯ• –Š‡ „‡•–
‰‘ƒŽ‹‡‹–Š‡”‹‰Š–‘™Ǥdz
‘— ‹‰Š– ‰‡– ƒ ƒ”‰—‡– ‘ –Šƒ– ˆ”‘–ǡ „—– ”‹…‡
Šƒ• —†‰‡† Š‹• ™ƒ› „ƒ… ‹–‘
–Š‡ …”‘™† ‡ƒ” –Š‡ –‘’Ǥ Š‡””‹‡ ƒ…‘™Ž‡†‰‡• —…Š ‘ˆ
‘–”‡ƒŽǯ• •—……‡•• Šƒ• –‘ †‘
™‹–Š ”‹…‡ǯ• ’Žƒ›Ǥ ‡ǯ• ƒŽ•‘ ƒ••—‹‰ ‘”‡ Ž‡ƒ†‡”•Š‹’ ƒ†
‘™‡”•Š‹’ ‘˜‡” Š‹• –‡ƒǤ †
‹–…‘—Ž†ǯ–…‘‡ƒ‘‡––‘‘
•‘‘ˆ‘”ƒƒ†‹ƒˆƒ•™Š‘ƒ”‡
Ž‹‡Š‹‰ŠǦƒ‹–‡ƒ…‡•’‘—•‡•ǡ
‘– Šƒ’’› —Ž‡•• –Š‡› Šƒ˜‡
•‘‡–Š‹‰ –”‘—„Ž‹‰ ‘ –Š‡‹”
‹†•Ǥ”‹…‡ǡ‘ˆ…‘—”•‡ǡ†‘‡•ǯ–
•Šƒ”‡–Š‡…‘•–‡”ƒ–‹‘ǤDz‹‡
said at the orientation camp in
—‰—•–ǡ ƒŽŽ –Š”‡‡ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡”•
‰‘‹‰–Š‡”‡ƒ”‡”‡ƒŽŽ›…‘ϐ‹†‡–
‹‘—”ƒ„‹Ž‹–‹‡•ǡdzŠ‡•ƒ›•ǤDz†‘ǯ–
–Š‹ƒ›‘ˆ—•™‘—Ž†„‡‹–Š‹•
•‹–—ƒ–‹‘‹ˆ™‡™‡”‡ǯ–Ǥdz
ROBERTO LUONGO
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (NHL)
What must Roberto Luongo do to lock down a starting job on Team Canada? Apparently,
winning gold for his country in 2010 wasn’t enough to guarantee him the 2014 gig. Luongo
still carries a reputation as a goalie who can’t “win the big one” after his Canucks lost
Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup final on home ice. There’s no greater pressure, however,
than overtime in the Olympics with gold on the line in front of home fans. Luongo, now 34,
delivered in that situation four years ago and thus deserves consideration to start over
Price. Luongo, exiting his prime years and battling injuries, carries some risk, however.
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 19
WEATHER
THE STORM
Varlamov has endured a legal dispute and the
pressure of having Patrick Roy for a coach.
Suddenly, Sochi doesn’t seem so scary
BY KEN CAMPBELL
I
T’S DIFFICULT FOR PLAYERS TO PUT INTO WORDS
–Š‡…‘ϐ‹†‡…‡–Š‡›ˆ‡‡Ž™Š‡–Š‡›Ž‹‡—’ˆ‘”ƒˆƒ…‡‘ˆˆǡ Ž‘‘
„‡Š‹† –Š‡ ƒ† •‡‡ ƒ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‡” –Š‡› …‘’Ž‡–‡Ž› –”—•–Ǥ
‡›‘ƒ”Žƒ‘˜‰‹˜‡•–Šƒ–‹–ƒ‰‹„Ž‡ˆ‡‡Ž‹‰–‘–Š‡‘Ž‘”ƒ†‘
˜ƒŽƒ…Š‡Ǥ–ǯ•Šƒ”†–‘‡š’Žƒ‹Ǥ—–™‹‰‡”ƒ†ƒ”Žƒ‘˜–‡ƒƒ–‡
ƒš‹‡ ƒŽ„‘– ‰‹˜‡• ‹– Š‹• „‡•– •Š‘–Ǥ Dz‹…‡ ‰‘– Š‡”‡ǡdz Š‡ •ƒ›•ǡ
Dz–Š‡”‡ǯ•‘–ƒ‰ƒ‡‘”ƒ‘‡–™Š‡”‡ǯ˜‡„‡‡Ž‹‡ǡǮ‡™™™Ǥǯdz
˜ƒŽƒ…Š‡•†‘ǯ–—•—ƒŽŽ›‘˜‡—’ǡ„—––Š‹•‘‡‹•†‘‹‰Œ—•––Šƒ–ǡ
„‘–Š‹–Š‡•–ƒ†‹‰•ƒ†‹–Š‡‡›‡•‘ˆ–Š‡‹”‘’’‘‡–•ǤŠ‡”‡ƒ”‡
ƒ›”‡ƒ•‘•ˆ‘”–Š‹•‹Ž‡‹‰Š‡˜‹˜ƒŽǤŠ‹‡ˆƒ‘‰–Š‡‹•–Š‡
†”ƒƒ–‹……Šƒ‰‡‹…—Ž–—”‡–Šƒ–Šƒ•–ƒ‡’Žƒ…‡™‹–Š–Š‡‹•–ƒŽŽƒ–‹‘‘ˆ‘‡ƒ‹…ƒ•˜‹…‡’”‡•‹†‡–‘ˆŠ‘…‡›‘’‡”ƒ–‹‘•ƒ†ƒ–”‹…
‘›ƒ•…‘ƒ…ŠǤȋ‹”‹‰ƒŽ‡‰‡†–‘”—›‘—”‘’‡”ƒ–‹‘•‹•ƒ’’ƒ”‡–Ž›
–Š‡™ƒ›–‘‰‘‹‡˜‡”ǡ•‹…‡–Š‡”‘…‘•™‡”‡‹•Šƒ„Ž‡•™Š‡
‘ŠŽ™ƒ› –‘‘ ‘˜‡”ƒ† Š‹•‡›‡ˆ‘”–ƒŽ‡– ƒ’’‡ƒ”• –‘„‡ ‡˜‡”›
„‹–ƒ•‰‘‘†ƒ•Š‹•ƒ”ǤȌ‘–Š‡”Šƒ•„‡‡–Š‡…‘•‹•–‡–Ž›•‘Ž‹†Ǧ
–‘Ǧ•’‡…–ƒ…—Žƒ”’Žƒ›‘ˆƒ”Žƒ‘˜ƒ†„‘–Šƒ”‡‹‡š–”‹…ƒ„Ž›Ž‹‡†Ǥ
Š‡‘›™ƒ•Š‹”‡†–‘…‘ƒ…Š–Š‡˜•ǡ‘‡‘ˆ–Š‡ϐ‹”•––Š‹‰•Š‡
†‹†™ƒ•Šƒ˜‡†‹‡”™‹–Šƒ”Žƒ‘˜‹‘–”‡ƒŽǤ–™ƒ•–Š‡”‡‘›
–‘Ž†ƒ”Žƒ‘˜‹ˆŠ‡™ƒ–‡†–‘„‡–Š‡‘Ǥͳ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡‹‘Ž‘”ƒ†‘ǡŠ‡
™‘—Ž†Šƒ˜‡–‘™‘”…Ž‘•‡Ž›™‹–Š‡™‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰…‘ƒ…Š”ƒ…‘‹•
ŽŽƒ‹”‡Ǥ ‘ ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ ™‡– –‘ ŽŽƒ‹”‡ǯ• ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰ …ƒ’ ‹ ™‹–œ‡”Žƒ†ˆ‘”ƒ™‡‡ǡ–Š‡•’‡––™‘™‡‡•™‹–ŠŠ‹‘–Š‡‹…‡‹
20 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
‘–”‡ƒŽ †—”‹‰ –Š‡ •—‡”Ǥ
DzŠƒ– ”ƒ…‘‹• ‹• –”›‹‰ –‘
†‘ ‹• •‹’Ž‹ˆ› Š‹• ‰ƒ‡ „ƒ•‹…ƒŽŽ›ǡdz‘›•ƒ›•ǤDz‹•‰Ž‘˜‡™ƒ•
–‘‘Ž‘™ƒ†‘™‹–ǯ•—’ƒŽ‹––Ž‡
‘”‡Ǥ ”ƒ…‘‹• ™ƒ–• Š‹ –‘
•–ƒ› ‘”‡ ‹•‹†‡ –Š‡ ’‘•–Ǥ ˆ
›‘— Ž‘‘ ƒ– Ǯƒ”Ž›ǯ ‹ –Š‡ ’ƒ•–ǡ
Š‡ ™‘—Ž† ϐ‹‹•Š ‘—–•‹†‡ Š‹•
’‘•– ˆ‘” ‘ ”‡ƒ•‘Ǥ —– ‘™ǡ
Š‡ǯ• ‘”‡ …ƒŽǡ ‹ …‘–”‘ŽǤ
Šƒ–ǯ•–Š‡”‹‰Š–™‘”†Ǥdz
Š‡ ‡† ”‡•—Ž– Šƒ• „‡‡ ƒ
’Žƒ›‡”™Š‘ǡ‹ˆ–Š‡•‡ƒ•‘™‡”‡
–‘‡†”‹‰Š–‘™ǡ™‘—Ž†—†‡‹ƒ„Ž›„‡–Š‡–‡ƒǯ•‘•–˜ƒŽ—ƒ„Ž‡ ’Žƒ›‡”Ǥ † Š‡ƒ†‹‰ ‹–‘
–Š‡ ‘…Š‹ Ž›’‹…•ǡ Š‡ǯ• ƒŽ•‘
Š‡Ž’‡† –—” ™Šƒ– Šƒ• …‘•‹•–‡–Ž› „‡‡ ƒ —••‹ƒ ™‡ƒ‡•• ‹–‘ ƒ •–”‡‰–ŠǤ ‹–Š ƒ
–ƒ†‡‘ˆƒ”Žƒ‘˜ƒ†‡”‰‡‹
‘„”‘˜•›ǡ –Š‡ —••‹ƒ –‡ƒ
Šƒ• ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰ –Šƒ– •–ƒ…•
—’ˆƒ˜‘”ƒ„Ž›ƒ‰ƒ‹•–ƒ›‘–Š‡”
•“—ƒ† ‹ –Š‡ –‘—”ƒ‡–Ǥ Dz
Šƒ˜‡‘‹†‡ƒ™Šƒ––Š‡—••‹ƒ•
™‹ŽŽ†‘ǡdz‘›•ƒ›•ǤDz—–‘™
‘‡–Š‹‰Ǥƒ”Ž›™‹ŽŽ„‡”‡ƒ†›Ǥdz
ƒ”Žƒ‘˜™ƒ•—••‹ƒǯ•–Š‹”†
‰‘ƒŽ‹‡ ‹ ƒ…‘—˜‡” ‹ ʹͲͳͲǡ
™Š‡ Š‡ ™ƒ• Œ—•– ʹͳ ƒ† ‹
Š‹•ϐ‹”•–•‡ƒ•‘™‹–Š–Š‡ƒ•Š‹‰–‘ƒ’‹–ƒŽ•Ǥ‡™ƒ–…Š‡†ƒ•
˜‰‡‹ ƒ„‘‘˜ ™ƒ• …Šƒ•‡†
ˆ”‘ –Š‡ ‡– ‹ –Š‡ “—ƒ”–‡”ϐ‹ƒŽƒˆ–‡”‰‹˜‹‰—’•‹š‰‘ƒŽ•–‘
ƒƒ†ƒ ƒ† ™ƒ• ”‡’Žƒ…‡† „›
Ž›ƒ”›œ‰ƒŽ‘˜Ǥ‡‹–Š‡”‰‘ƒŽ‹‡‹•
‡˜‡‘–Š‡—••‹ƒ”ƒ†ƒ”–Š‹•
–‹‡ƒ”‘—†ƒ†‹–™ƒ•–‹‡ˆ‘”
•‘‡‘‡–‘•–‡’‹–‘–Š‡„Žƒ…
Š‘Ž‡ –Šƒ– Šƒ† „‡…‘‡ —••‹ƒǯ•
‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰ Š‘’‡•Ǥ ‘„”‘˜•›
™‘ –Š‡ ‡œ‹ƒ Žƒ•– ›‡ƒ” ƒ†
Šƒ•„ƒ…•–‘’’‡†–Š‡‘Ž—„—•
Ž—‡ ƒ…‡–• ƒ• –Š‡›ǯ˜‡ …‘‡
„ƒ…ˆ”‘–Š‡†‡ƒ†ǡ™Š‹Ž‡ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ Šƒ• „‡‡ –Š‡ „ƒ…„‘‡
‘ˆ–Š‡˜ƒŽƒ…Š‡ǯ•”‡˜‹˜ƒŽǤ
—–ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ƒ†‘„”‘˜•›
ƒ”‡ Œ—•– ʹͷǡ „‘” ϐ‹˜‡ ‘–Š•
ƒ’ƒ”–ǡ ƒ† „‡‹‰ –‘••‡† ‹–‘ ƒ
’”‡••—”‡ •‹–—ƒ–‹‘ –Š‡ Ž‹‡• ‘ˆ
™Š‹…Š–Š‡›ǯ˜‡‡˜‡”•‡‡Ǥ‹–Š
–Š‡Ž›’‹…•‘Š‘‡•‘‹Žƒ†
‡š’‡…–ƒ–‹‘•Š‹‰Šǡ–Š‡—••‹ƒ•
Šƒ˜‡„‡‡„—‹Ž†‹‰–‘–Š‹•‘‡–ˆ‘”›‡ƒ”•ǤDz–ǯ•‰‘‹‰–‘„‡
•‘ —…Š ’”‡••—”‡ǡdz ƒ”Žƒ‘˜
•ƒ›•ǤDz—–™‡Šƒ˜‡’”‡••—”‡‡˜‡”›™Š‡”‡Ǥ‡”‡‹–Š‡™‡
Šƒ˜‡’”‡••—”‡Ǥdz
”‡••—”‡ –ƒ‡• ƒ› †‹ˆˆ‡”‡– ˆ‘”•ǡ –Š‘—‰ŠǤ ‘” ͳʹ
†ƒ›• ‹ ‘…Š‹ ‹– ™‹ŽŽ „‡ ‘”‡
‹–‡•‡ ƒ† …Šƒ‘–‹…ǡ „—– ™‹ŽŽ
Žƒ•–ˆ‘”ƒ•Š‘”–’‡”‹‘†‘ˆ–‹‡Ǥ
Š‡‰ƒ‡•ƒ”‡Ž‹‡‰ƒ‡•
‘ˆƒ•–ˆ‘”™ƒ”†ƒ†‰‘ƒŽ‹‡•ƒ”‡
ˆƒ…‹‰ –Š‡ ‡“—‹˜ƒŽ‡– ‘ˆ ƒ –‘’
Ž‹‡ ‡˜‡”› –‹‡ ƒ ‘’’‘‡–
‹•‘–Š‡‹…‡ˆ”‘ƒ–”ƒ†‹–‹‘ƒŽ
Š‘…‡› …‘—–”›Ǥ Š‡ –Š‡”‡ǯ•
–Š‡ ’”‡••—”‡ ‘ˆ Ž‹˜‹‰ –Š”‘—‰Š
’‡”•‘ƒŽ –—”‘‹Žǡ •‘‡–Š‹‰
ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ Šƒ• ‡š’‡”‹‡…‡†
‘”‡–ŠƒŠ‡‡˜‡”™ƒ–‡†–‘Ǥ
ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ ™ƒ• …Šƒ”‰‡† ™‹–Š
‹•†‡‡ƒ‘” ƒ••ƒ—Ž– …–Ǥ ͵Ͳ
ƒˆ–‡” Š‹• ‰‹”Žˆ”‹‡†ǡ ˜‰‡‹›ƒ
ƒ˜”‹›—ƒ–ǡ –‘Ž† ’‘Ž‹…‡ ƒ”Žƒ‘˜‘…‡†Š‡”†‘™™‹–Š
ƒ ‹…ǡ •–‘’‡† ‘ Š‡” …Š‡•–
ƒ† †”ƒ‰‰‡† Š‡” „› –Š‡ Šƒ‹”
†—”‹‰ ƒ †‘‡•–‹… †‹•’—–‡ ‹
–Š‡‹” ƒ’ƒ”–‡–Ǥ Š‡ …Šƒ”‰‡•
™‡”‡ †”‘’’‡† ‡…Ǥ ʹͲ ™Š‡
‹–‡”˜‹‡™• ™‹–Š ™‹–‡••‡•
’”‘’–‡† –Š‡ †‹•–”‹…– ƒ––‘”‡›–‘•—”‹•‡–Š‡”‡™‘—Ž†„‡
‘ ’‘••‹„‹Ž‹–› ‘ˆ ƒ …‘˜‹…–‹‘Ǥ
ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ǯ• ƒ‡ ™ƒ• …Ž‡ƒ”‡†ǡ
„—– ‘– „‡ˆ‘”‡ ‹– ™ƒ• †”ƒ‰‰‡†
–Š”‘—‰Š–Š‡—†Ǥ
Š‡”‡ ™‡”‡ …ƒŽŽ• ˆ‘” ƒ”Žƒ‘˜ –‘ •–‡’ ƒ™ƒ› ˆ”‘ –Š‡
–‡ƒǡ „—– Š‡ ƒŽ™ƒ›• Šƒ† –Š‡
•—’’‘”–‘ˆ‘›Š‹•ƒ–‡•ƒ†
–Š‡ –‡ƒ ȋ™Š‹…Š ƒ™ƒ”†‡† Š‹
™‹–Š ƒ ϐ‹˜‡Ǧ›‡ƒ”ǡ ̈́ʹͻǤͷǦ‹ŽŽ‹‘
GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
SEASON OF CHANGE
Semyon Varlamov is a big reason
why Colorado has exploded
into the playoff picture.
VARLAMOV: ANDRE RINGUETTE/HHOF-IIHF IMAGES; BOBROVSKY: JAMIE SABAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
extension Jan. 30). Perhaps Varlamov had a kindred spirit in Roy,
who was charged in 2000 for domestic violence. The charges were
dropped and it was later reported Roy was basically guilty of assaulting a door in his house. Varlamov maintained his innocence,
stayed with the team and played through the process. “No, no, no.
Believe me, it was not bothering me,” Varlamov says when asked
whether the specter of the charge ever affected his play.
His teammates say his focus remained the same, but in 17
games between the laying and dropping of the charges, Varlamov
went 9-7-1 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .913 save percentage, but in 13 games after, he posted an 8-1-4 record – including 12 straight games where he didn’t lose in regulation time – and
a 2.44 GAA and .927 SP. “If it did ever bother him, we never felt it,”
Talbot says. “Maybe off the ice now he’s just more free – maybe
that’s a bad word to use – a little more upbeat maybe? What I hate
about those things is you get accused and it’s a big headline and
everything and it stays there and when you get cleared, it’s a little
•Š‘”–Ž‹‡Ǥ—–Š‡ǯ•†‡ϐ‹‹–‡Ž›„‡‡‰‘‘†ƒ„‘—–‹–Ǥdz
Roy sees his relationship with his players as more of a partnership than one based on power. He spoke a number of times to Varlamov during the legal problem and while he won’t disclose what
was said, he stresses the team had information early in the process
that led it to believe Varlamov would not be convicted. Roy, too,
says Varlamov never seemed to wear the burden of the charges
when he showed up for work. “It probably affected him, but he
never showed it,” Roy says. “I told him, ‘If you need to talk, we can
talk.’ I’m there for him.”
The same way Varlamov put his trust in Roy and Allaire that
the changes they were demanding of him would help his game,
Roy continued to put his trust in Varlamov during the ordeal. That
kind of faith can gain a lot of currency in a relationship. You can
bet if Varlamov ever starts creeping too far back into his net, Roy
and Allaire will be able to point it out to him and that it will result
in improvement.
It seems strange now, but when Varlamov was dealt to the Avalanche – in a deal made by much maligned GM Greg Sherman, who
kept the title, but not the role after Sakic came on board – many
‘—–•‹†‡–Š‡‘”‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘–Š‘—‰Š––Š‡›Šƒ†„‡‡ϐŽ‡‡…‡†ǤŠ‡–Š‹ing was the Capitals were set in goal and had given up something
they already had for what might be a lottery pick. That pick turned
out to be 11th overall and the Capitals chose Filip Forsberg, whom
they dealt to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Martin Erat
and prospect Michael Latta. The Avs also gave up a second-round‡”ǡ‘‡–Š‡ƒ’‹–ƒŽ•ϐŽ‹’’‡†–‘–Š‡ƒŽŽƒ•–ƒ”•ˆ‘”‹‡‹„‡‹”‘Ǥ
The Capitals have almost nothing to show for the deal and are
still looking for someone to take hold of the No. 1 goaltending
job. The Avs, meanwhile, have a goaltender who allows them to
’Žƒ›–Š‡”‹•‹‡”•–›Ž‡‘›†‡ƒ†•„‡…ƒ—•‡–Š‡›Šƒ˜‡…‘ϐ‹†‡…‡
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Team Russia is going with a
younger goaltending brigade at
the Olympics, led by Varlamov.
their goaltender will be able to
bail them out. “There are times
when you look in his eyes and
he’s so focused that he’s just
not letting anything into the
net,” says Avs center Ryan
O’Reilly. “I’ve seen it in practice. You think you’ve got him
ƒ†Š‡ϐŽ‹‡•ƒ…”‘••–Š‡‡–ƒ†
makes a save and you’re thinking, ‘How did he do that?’ ”
They don’t spend a lot of time
wondering about those things
in Colorado anymore. When it
comes to playing against him in
Sochi, Avs leading scorer Matt
—…Š‡‡ ‹• “—‹‡–Ž› Š‘’‹‰ ˆ‘”
a dip in Varlamov’s play that
he’s pretty certain won’t come.
“I can’t say enough good about
Š‹ǡdz—…Š‡‡•ƒ›•ǤDz‘’‡ˆ—ŽŽ›
he’s not as good for Russia as
he has been for us here.”
SERGEI BOBROVSKY
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (NHL)
The battle for Russia’s No. 1 goalie job in Sochi has become so razor-thin that it may be
decided in the opening-game warmup. That wasn’t the case last summer, as Columbus’
Sergei Bobrovsky was fresh off winning the Vezina Trophy in 2012-13. As Varlamov started
2013-14 strongly, however, ‘Bob’ and the Jackets stumbled. He eventually landed on injured
reserve with a groin strain, all but handing the Team Russia gig to Varlamov. Then, January
happened. Bobrovsky returned and caught fire, winning his first seven outings and flashing
his Vezina form. Will Russia turn to Varlamov’s consistency or Bobrovsky’s hot hand?
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 21
Given Finland’s abundance of
great goalies, Tuukka Rask was
honored just to make the team.
TREAD ON
HIS TIRES
Now that Rask is an elite NHL goalie,
the Bruins have no choice but to accept
he’ll have a heavy workload at the Olympics
BY MIKE LOFTUS
B
R U I N S FA N S A R E G E N U I N E LY H A P P Y
Tuukka Rask is on Finland’s Olympic roster. They’re just
not sure they want him to actually play in Sochi.
Understandable, since so much has been made of the
ˆƒ…––Š‹•‹•ƒ•ǯ•ϐ‹”•–ͺʹǦ‰ƒ‡•‡ƒ•‘ƒ•ƒ‘Ǥͳ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡Ǥ‘ǯ–
™ƒ––‘„—”‘—––Š‡‰—›™Š‘„ƒ…•–‘’’‡†–Š‡ǯ•–‘Žƒ•–›‡ƒ”ǯ•
–ƒŽ‡›—’ϐ‹ƒŽǡƒˆ–‡”ƒŽŽǤ
ANTTI NIEMI
SAN JOSE SHARKS (NHL)
Plenty of countries have respectable No. 2 options,
but Finland is peerless in this category. San Jose’s
Antti Niemi is so good, he could start over Rask – and
for just about any other nation at the Games. Niemi, a
Cup champion with Chicago in 2010, is no stranger to
playing lots of minutes. In the past two seasons, he’s
started 87 of the Sharks’ 101 games (86 percent).
22 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
Rask isn’t worried, not even
„› ƒ •–”‡–…Š „‡–™‡‡ ‡…Ǥ ͳͶ
and Jan. 9 in which he was
’—ŽŽ‡†–Š”‡‡–‹‡•‹ͳͲ•–ƒ”–•
ƒ† ™‡– ͷǦͶǦͲ ‘” „› ƒ ʹǦͶǦͳ
ˆ— –Šƒ– ”ƒ –Š”‘—‰Š ƒǤ ͳͻǤ
Š‡ ”—‹•ǯ Ž‹‡—’ǡ ‡•’‡…‹ƒŽŽ›
their defense, was shredded
by injuries for much of that
•’ƒƒ†–Š‹‰•™‡”‡ƒ„‹–†‹•Ǧ
‘”‰ƒ‹œ‡†Ǥ
ƒ•ǡʹ͸ƒ†‹–Š‡ϐ‹”•–•‡ƒǦ
•‘ ‘ˆ ƒ ‡‹‰Š–Ǧ›‡ƒ”ǡ ̈́ͷ͸Ǧ‹ŽǦ
lion contract, doesn’t think that
will be the case for the remainǦ
der of the season. And he trusts
–Š‡”—‹•™‘ǯ–™‡ƒ”Š‹‘—–
™Š‹Ž‡ –Š‡› ƒ††”‡•• –Š‹‰• Ž‹‡
†‡ˆ‡•‡ƒ ‡‹• ‡‹†‡Ǧ
„‡”‰ǯ• •‡ƒ•‘Ǧ‡†‹‰ ‡‡
injury. “The schedule is what
it is and it drains you someǦ
–‹‡•ǡdz ƒ• •ƒ›•Ǥ Dz—– –Š‡
coach (Claude Julien) is smart
ƒ†–Š‡–‡ƒ”‡ƒŽ‹œ‡•ǯ‰‘‹‰
–‘ –Š‡ Ž›’‹…•Ǥ ‹‰Š– Šƒ˜‡
to play there and there’ll be all
the travel.
DzŠ‡›ǯ˜‡†‘‡ƒ‰‘‘†Œ‘„•‘
ˆƒ”–‘•Šƒ”‡–Š‡’Žƒ›‹‰–‹‡„‡Ǧ
tween me and Chad (Johnson).”
–ǯŽŽ „‡ ‘”‡ ‘ˆ ƒ …ŠƒŽŽ‡‰‡
for Finnish coach Erkka WestǦ
erlund to choose his startǦ
‹‰ ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡ ‹ ‘…Š‹ –Šƒ ‹– ‹•
for Julien to make that call in
‘•–‘Ǥ ˜‡ ™‹–Š …ƒ†‹†ƒ–‡•
‡ƒ ‹‡ ƒ† ‹Žƒ• ƒ…Ǧ
•–”‘ ‘—– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ʹͲͳͶ ’‹…–—”‡
because of injuries, the Finns
„‘ƒ•– ƒ ‡˜‹ƒ„Ž‡ ‰‘ƒŽ–‡†‹‰
trio of Rask, San Jose’s Antti
‹‡‹ ƒ† ƒ”‹ ‡Š–‘‡ ‘ˆ
ƒŽŽƒ•ǤŽŽƒ”‡ϐ‹”•–Ǧ–‹‡Ž›Ǧ
pians and all are workhorses.
Each has appeared in at least
͹͸’‡”…‡–‘ˆŠ‹•–‡ƒǯ•‰ƒ‡•Ǥ
So who plays in Sochi?
Rask approached FebruǦ
ƒ”› ™‹–Š –Š‡ „‡•– •–ƒ–• ȋʹǤͲͺ
‰‘ƒŽ•Ǧƒ‰ƒ‹•– ƒ˜‡”ƒ‰‡ǡ Ǥͻ͵Ͳ
•ƒ˜‡ ’‡”…‡–ƒ‰‡ǡ Ž‡ƒ‰—‡ǦŠ‹‰Š
ϐ‹˜‡ •Š—–‘—–•Ȍǡ „—– Š‡ ™‘ǯ–
…ƒ’ƒ‹‰Ǥ ‡ǯ• –Š”‹ŽŽ‡† Œ—•– –‘
have earned a roster spot for a
ƒ–‹‘™‹–Š•—…Šƒ•–”‘‰‰‘ƒŽǦ
–‡†‹‰ Ž‡‰ƒ…› ƒ† ‹• ‡š…‹–‡†
for the chance to represent his
…‘—–”›ˆ‘”–Š‡ϐ‹”•––‹‡•‹…‡
–Š”‡‡ •–”ƒ‹‰Š– ‘”Ž† —‹‘”
Championship
appearances
ˆ”‘ ʹͲͲͷ –‘ ʹͲͲ͹Ǥ DzŠ‹• ‹• ƒ
†‹ˆˆ‡”‡– ‹† ‘ˆ ˆ‡‡Ž‹‰ǡ ˆ‘”
sure,” Rask says. “World juǦ
‹‘”•ǡ ›‘— ‰”‡™ —’ ™‹–Š –Š‘•‡
‰—›• ƒ† ›‘— ’Žƒ›‡† ƒ›
›‡ƒ”•–‘‰‡–Š‡”Ǥ‹–Š–Š‡Ž›Ǧ
’‹…•ǡ ›‘—ǯ”‡ ’Žƒ›‹‰ ˆ‘” ›‘—”
…‘—–”› ƒ† ›‘—ǯ”‡ ’Žƒ›‹‰
™‹–Š ‰—›• ›‘— †‘ǯ– —•—ƒŽŽ›
play with.
Dz†–Š‡”‡ƒ”‡•‘ƒ›‰‘‘†
‰‘ƒŽ‹‡•ˆ”‘‘—”…‘—–”›–Šƒ–‹ˆ
›‘—ǯ”‡ ‘– ”‡ƒŽŽ› ‰‘‘†ǡ ›‘—ǯ”‡
‘– ‰‘‹‰ –‘ „‡ ‘ –Š‡ –‡ƒǤ
‘ ‹–ǯ• ƒ ”‡ƒŽ Š‘‘”Ǥ ǯ ”‡ƒŽŽ›
happy to be part of the team.”
That said, the only evidence
Rask had the Olympics on his
mind shortly before the Games
„‡‰ƒ ™ƒ• ƒ ‡™ •‡– ‘ˆ ’ƒ†•
ƒ† ‰Ž‘˜‡• ‹ ‹Žƒ†ǯ• ™Š‹–‡
and blue color scheme.
‹• ‰‘ƒŽ ™ƒ• –‘ Š‡Ž’ ‡‡’
–Š‡ ”—‹• ƒ– ‘” ‡ƒ” –Š‡ –‘’
‘ˆ –Š‡ –Žƒ–‹… ‹˜‹•‹‘ ƒ†
ƒ•–‡” ‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ •–ƒ†‹‰•
until the break, which would
‹…”‡ƒ•‡Š‹•…Šƒ…‡•‘ˆƒŽ‹‰Š–Ǧ
er workload down the stretch.
Dz‘— †‘ǯ– ™ƒ– –‘ „‡ „ƒ––Ž‹‰
really hard down that last
stretch if you don’t have to,”
Rask says. “You don’t want to
be all drained when they drop
–Š‡’—…ˆ‘”–Š‡’Žƒ›‘ˆˆ•Ǥ‡‹‰
fresh when the playoffs start is
•–‹ŽŽ–Š‡„‹‰‰‡•––Š‹‰Ǥdz
That’s not to say Rask needs
–‘ „‡ …‘††Ž‡†Ǥ ‡ ’Žƒ›‡† ͹ͷ
‰ƒ‡• Žƒ•– ›‡ƒ”ǡ ‹…Ž—†‹‰ ʹʹ
‹ –Š‡ ’Žƒ›‘ˆˆ• ƒ† ͳ͹ ‹ –Š‡
œ‡…Š‡ƒ‰—‡†—”‹‰–Š‡Ž‘…Ǧ
‘—–ǡ ’Ž—• ͹͵ ‡”‹…ƒ ‡ƒ‰—‡
‰ƒ‡• ‹ ʹͲͲͺǦͲͻǤ ‘ Š‡ǯ•
more durable than some peoǦ
’Ž‡”‡ƒŽ‹œ‡Ǥ
RASK: JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES; NIEMI: RICH LAM/GETTY IMAGES
FLATTERED FINN
SPARKLING RESUME
A gold medal would add shine
to Jonathan Quick’s already
long list of career accolades.
EYES ON
THE PRIZE
Quick is so focused, he won’t even talk about
the job he has ahead of him in Sochi. In his
case, actions speak louder than words
QUICK: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES; MILLER: CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES
BY ADAM PROTEAU
J
ONATHAN QUICK HAS BEEN CONSISTENT
all season about his thoughts on being the presumptive
starting goalie for Team USA at the 2014 Olympics: he has
none he’s willing to share. He has been focused on NHL
†—–‹‡•ƒ†ƒ‹–ƒ‹‹‰Š‹•Š‡ƒŽ–Šǡ•‘’‘–‹ϐ‹…ƒ–‹‰‘Š‹•”‘Ž‡‘”
actions at the Sochi Games isn’t a priority. In addition, this will be
–Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‹‡ Š‡ Šƒ• ”‡’”‡•‡–‡† Š‹• Š‘‡Žƒ† ‹ ‹–‡”ƒ–‹‘ƒŽ
RYAN MILLER
BUFFALO SABRES (NHL)
Erase 2011 to 2013 and Miller would still have his job
as Team USA’s starter. There was no better player on
any team at any position than Miller at the 2010 Olympics. He was the tournament’s MVP and he captured
the NHL’s Vezina Trophy that season. In the years to
follow his game slipped, but Miller, 33, has regained
his vintage form in time to make the U.S. squad again.
play and maybe there are
nerves and or/superstitions at
work.
But if he leads the Americans
to improve on their surprising
•‹Ž˜‡” ‡†ƒŽ ϐ‹‹•Š ‹ ƒ…‘—ver, Quick, 28, will have to get
accustomed to mega-fame. And
not simply because of the hype
that will envelop him at home:
on top of that, a gold medal victory would propel him into the
‘•– ”ƒ”‹ϐ‹‡† ‘ˆ ƒ‹” ‹ –Š‡ Š‹•tory of world-class goalies. He
would join Dominik Hasek and
Martin Brodeur as the only netminders to win a Stanley Cup
and an Olympic gold as a starter.
Quick is already acknowledged as one of the NHL’s best
between the pipes, but making
it to the top of the podium in
Sochi would put his career on a
Hall of Fame trajectory, assuming his body and performance
hold up into his 30s. And those
who have been around him
in his ascent talk about him
as you would an icon-in-themaking. “He’s one of the fastest goalies I’ve seen in this
league,” says Toronto Maple
Leafs goalie and Quick’s former Kings teammate Jonathan
Bernier. “He’s so quick from
•‹†‡–‘•‹†‡ǡŠ‡ǯ•”‡ƒŽŽ›ϐŽ‡š‹„Ž‡ǡ
he improved on his technique
and he works really hard. He’s
got everything. When he’s on
top of his game, he’s square to
the puck and he never quits on
pucks, which makes him pretty
hard to beat.”
Adds Teddy Purcell, another
‘ˆ —‹…ǯ• ‡šǦ–‡ƒƒ–‡• ƒ†
current Lightning right winger:
“Sometimes it may look like
he’s out of position, but he almost always makes the right
read and the guy can do the
splits through the whole crease.
It’s fun to watch him play. It’s
not fun to play against him.”
Rob Blake, legendary NHL
defenseman and Kings assistant GM, doesn’t think Quick
will have any issue adjusting
to the bigger ice surface or the
spotlight in Sochi. Blake believes Quick can handle anything thrown his way – pucks,
pressure, health challenges –
and calls him the backbone of
the Kings, not just because of
his mental strength. “The thing
that’s amazed me about him
since I met him is how strong
and how big he really is,” Blake
says. “His legs and the strength
he has in them – you watch him
go side to side, the push he has
across the crease, the way he
challenges. He seems to push
out at shooters and take everything away.”
Quick has a reputation as
a battler who uses his athleticism for a second wind on plays
other goalies might quit on.
But for as much as he’s able to
take things away from the opposition, Quick has had health
issues take away his ability to
play as often as he’d like. He
underwent back surgery in
the summer of 2012, but he
rebounded strong and helped
–Š‡‹‰•–‘–Š‡…‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ϐ‹nal the season after their Cup
™‹ȋƒ”ƒ”‹–›‹–Š‡’ƒ”‹–›Ǧϐ‹ŽŽ‡†
NHL). This season, he missed
24 games after sustaining a
groin injury in mid-November,
but he returned in January
looking like his old self.
But that’s the key to Quick’s
success: he can shake off just
about anything – a bad game,
health woes, etc. – and relocate
Š‹• …‘ϐ‹†‡…‡ ƒ• ‹ˆ Š‡ ’Žƒ…‡†
a GPS tracker in it. That’s just
what America needs from him
in Sochi. “He’s not going to
dwell on things that don’t go
right,” Purcell says. “That’s another part of why he’s so successful.”
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 23
Ondrej Pavelec is beaming with
joy knowing he’ll get to play with
his fellow countrymen in Sochi.
TURNING IT
AROUND
Olympic bound Pavelec is beginning to show
signs of his old self as the Jets defense
improves under new coach Paul Maurice
BY TIM CAMPBELL
O
N D R E J PAV E L E C I S C E R TA I N O F H I S
comfort level well before the 2014 Olympic tournament
begins in Sochi.
And why not? He’s been to the international main
stage before, manning the pipes for the Czech Republic at the 2010
Games in Vancouver, and at this edition he’ll be spending time with
many of his good friends, including hometown buddies Jakub Vo-
ALEXANDER SALAK
SKA ST. PETERSBURG (KHL)
Salak might well be the best option for the Czech
Republic’s net. Since the natural bias is toward NHL
experience, however, we may never find out. Salak
has two career NHL appearances – both in relief – to
his name. He has dazzled in the KHL, posting a .933
SP and being named the league’s goaltender of the
month for November. He’s a reasonable fallback.
24 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
racek, Tomas Plekanec, Marek
Zidlicky, Radko Gudas and his
Winnipeg Jets teammate Michael Frolik.
It’s the Kladno crew. “I think
there are 10 guys from my
hometown, (Jaromir) Jagr and
(Tomas) Kaberle, too,” Pavelec
says. “Some of the guys are a bit
older, but I can’t wait to see all
of them. We always have fun in
the summer. It’ll be great to see
the whole team.”
The Jets’ No. 1 goalie, 26,
will add a second Olympic appearance to his resume, which
also includes a gold (2010) and
bronze (2011) at the World
Championship. “Of course it’s
going to be a great experience,”
he says. “In 2010 in Vancouver,
it was something different. Every time I’ve had a chance to
play for my country, it’s been
something special. The Olympics, that’s the most you can
do with a national jersey. I’m
excited about it.”
Pavelec’s early opinion
about his country’s chances in
Sochi is that experience will
be its biggest asset. “Our guys,
they’ve been through a lot,
been through a lot of Olympics, a lot of championships,”
he says. “Experience is on our
side. It’s a short tournament.
Could be about one game, so
anything could happen. Six or
seven teams could win. This
will be tough. It’s going to be
about the moment, about maybe one day, one mistake.”
Pavelec, an Atlanta Thrashers second-round pick (41st
overall in 2005), has been the
Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise’s
ƒ‹ƒ‹‰‘ƒŽˆ‘”ϐ‹˜‡›‡ƒ”•Ǥ
His own experience, including
the lockout months of 2012
when he went home to the
Czech Republic to play for a
while, tells him one of the great
unknowns in Sochi will be the
adaptation – in mid-season – of
NHL players to internationalsized ice. “That’s different,”
he says. “But most teams have
NHL players, so it’s the same
for everybody, same rules. But
it’s going to be a challenge for
the players.
“For skaters, it’s harder than
for goalies and for me. A few
practices and then we’ll see.
But I’ve been there, been in
that situation a few times going
from small ice to the big ice and
for me, it’s worse to go from big
ice to the small. Hopefully this
–‹‡™‹ŽŽ„‡ϐ‹‡ǡ„—–†‘ǯ–ˆ‘”get that rink is going to be big.”
For a while in this NHL season, any ice was problematic
for Pavelec. Or maybe better
phrased, Pavelec and the Jets.
‹–Š–Š‡–‡ƒ‹ƒϐ‹˜‡Ǧ‰ƒ‡
losing spiral to 19-23-5 in early
January and Pavelec’s numbers
in a poor state (11-19-4, 3.14
goals-against average and .898
save percentage), the team
made the decision to change
coaches from Claude Noel to
Paul Maurice.
Maurice brought Noel’s
same call for better defense
ƒ† –Š‹‰• ‹’”‘˜‡† •‹‰‹ϐ‹cantly for the team and its
goalie. “Yeah, and you can see
why,” Pavelec says. “The last
few games, we’ve played really
good defensively and if you’re
playing good defense, you create offense. You have to play
defense to be successful and
we’ve handled some heavy
teams the last few games.”
During a stretch in which
–Š‡ ‡–• ™‘ •‹š ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ϐ‹”•–
seven with Maurice, Pavelec
was 5-1-0 with a 2.15 GAA and
.921 SP, more in line with what
he had in mind for this season.
“It’s only a few games,” Pavelec
says. “We have to keep going in
that direction.”
PAVELEC: LANCE THOMSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; SALAK: RADEK MICA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
CZECH HIM OUT
TALK IS CHEAP, BUT FUN
When he returns from Sochi,
Hiller hopes he’ll be the one
smacktalking teammates.
THEIR HILL
TO DIE ON
Any hope Switzerland has of upsetting the big
boys for a medal rests on Hiller. Good thing he’s
comfortable shouldering the underdog load
HILLER: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; BERRA: DEREK LEUNG/GETTY IMAGES
BY RYAN KENNEDY
A
NY TIME THE SWISS EXCEL ON THE
international stage, goaltending is always front and
center. When Switzerland upset Russia at the world
juniors in 2010, Nino Niederreiter led the offense, but
Benjamin Conz was the star with 50 saves on the night. And Canadians will never forget Martin Gerber’s performance at the 2006
Olympics when he stopped 49 shots to blank Canada 2-0.
RETO BERRA
CALGARY FLAMES (NHL)
Raise your hand if you knew who Berra was before
2013-14. Thought so. Well, you and every NHLer know
him now. And Switzerland is happy to have another
NHLer to pepper its roster, which is made up of
mostly Swiss League players. Berra, 27, isn’t a threat
to snatch Hiller’s No. 1 job, but he’s a capable backup
who can fill in if needed.
So if the Swiss are going
to do damage in Sochi, Jonas
Hiller will have to stand tall.
Fortunately, he’s been doing just that all season for the
Ducks, going 24-7-4, including
winning 14 straight decisions
at one point, and helping Anaheim become the class of the
league. “Every time you play
him,” says defenseman Francois Beauchemin, “you know
he is going to make the big save
at the right time.”
It’s actually been a while
since Hiller last donned the
Swiss’ red and white jersey, at
the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. In the meantime, he has
seen his nation grow on the
ice, even taking silver at the
2013 World Championship
last spring thanks to a platoon
of Gerber and new Calgary
goaltender Reto Berra. Now
the team isn’t just a Cinderella story. “They proved it last
year,” Hiller says. “If everything
goes right, we can play with
the best.”
It’s tough to gauge from
the 2013 worlds just how
ready this Swiss team will be
for primetime in Sochi, since
a majority of the NHL’s best
players were either still playing in the post-season or recovering from early exits. But
it’s worth noting Switzerland’s
top two scorers for the World
Championship were Niederreiter and Roman Josi, both of
whom will be at the Olympics,
while the addition of Hiller in
net gives the team a netminder
with a higher ceiling and one
in his prime. Gerber was at
the tail end of his career while
Berra was just beginning his at
the worlds. “Over the past 10
years, we’ve proven we belong
in the top eight,” Hiller says.
“In the NHL, there isn’t a lot of
difference between the No. 1
team and the 30th team. In one
game, anything can happen.
That’s happening internationally now for Switzerland.”
And though Hiller has been
successful on a powerhouse
Anaheim squad so far, he will
have to face some of those same
Ducks at the Sochi Games. With
Switzerland sharing a pool
™‹–Š ™‡†‡ǡ Š‡ǯŽŽ †‡ϐ‹‹–‡Ž›
face Jakob Silfverberg, while a
matchup with Canada’s Ryan
Getzlaf and Corey Perry or Finland’s Teemu Selanne and Sami
Vatanen would have to wait
until the elimination round of
the tournament.
“It’s a little more special,”
Hiller says. “It’s like playing
your friends, except you’re not
friends on the ice. A little extra
competition.”
Switzerland has two Olympic medals to its credit: bronze
in both 1928 and 1948. Since
the NHL joined the party in
ͳͻͻͺǡ –Š‡ ™‹•• Šƒ˜‡ ϐ‹‹•Š‡†
no better than sixth. In 2010,
Hiller helped the Swiss take
Canada to a shootout in the
preliminary round, even stopping Getzlaf in the process.
Unfortunately for Switzerland, Sidney Crosby did beat
Hiller and that was enough to
earn Canada the win. ThenDucks teammate Bobby Ryan
was part of the U.S. team that
eventually eliminated the
Swiss with a 2-0 shutout, in
which Hiller made 42 saves in
a losing cause.
But Hiller would prefer to
look ahead and keep history
in the past. He likes what he
sees in his home squad and is
hoping for at least some bragging rights when he gets back
to Orange County. “I want to be
the guy doing the chirping,” he
said. “Not the one at the short
end of the stick.”
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 25
Jaroslav Halak knows he’ll be
bombarded with shots in Sochi
and he’s comfortable with it.
RETURN OF
THE MAN
Suiting up for Slovakia means a lot to Halak.
He gets to be a true No. 1 again and audition
for that role in his next NHL contract
BY MATT LARKIN
F
OUR YEARS ISN’T AN ETERNITY, BUT GOSH,
a lot has changed in Jaroslav Halak’s life since 2010.
Halak started that calendar year as a backup goaltender. By the summer, he was a folk hero on two teams in
two countries. At the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, he backstopped
the underdog Slovakians to wins over Russia and Sweden and almost led them to a heart-stopping comeback against Canada in the
PETER BUDAJ
MONTREAL CANADIENS (NHL)
If anything happens to Jaroslav Halak, the Slovakians
are still in safe hands with a proven NHL goaltender.
Peter Budaj backs up Team Canada starter Carey
Price in Montreal and is among the best in the league
at what he does, with a sparkling .921 SP this season.
He also has international experience at the world
juniors and World Championship.
26 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
•‡‹ϐ‹ƒŽǤŠ‡…ƒ‡–Š‡ʹͲͳͲ
Stanley Cup playoffs. Stealing
the Montreal Canadiens starting job from Carey Price, Halak
gave a stunning performance,
posting a .923 save percentage
as Montreal upset Alex Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals and
Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh
Penguins on a Cinderella run
–‘–Š‡ƒ•–‡”‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ϐ‹ƒŽǤ
ƒŽƒ ™ƒ• Š‡ ƒǡ ƒ
exciting goalie in a big market, snatching headlines and
known to enjoy speedy sports
cars off the ice.
Šƒ– •—‡”ǡ Š‘™‡˜‡”ǡ
Montreal decided Price was its
long-term answer and traded
Halak to St. Louis. Ken Hitchcock took over as Blues coach
a year later and settled Halak
into a tandem with Brian Elliott. Halak now goes about his
business in a smaller market
on a team that allows the second-fewest shots. He and wife
‡–”ƒŠƒ†–Š‡‹”ϐ‹”•–…Š‹Ž†ǡƒ‰‹”Ž
named Inna, in the summer
and he’s a changed man, even
behind the wheel. “I still love
the cars, but now that I have
a daughter, the priority has
changed a little bit,” he says.
Does that mean he’s swapping V8s for minivans? “No,”
he says with a hearty laugh. “I
mean I’m driving safely.”
Big-market hockey fans may
say he’s faded into obscurity,
but it’s more appropriate to say
Halak, 28, has grown into ma–—”‹–›Ǥ Šƒ– ‹…Ž—†‡• –Š‡ ™ƒ›
he and Elliott have settled into
their 1 and 1A roles. (Halak has
started 95 games in three seasons under this arrangement.
Elliott has started 74 and Jake
Allen the other 13 as an injury
replacement).
Š‡› ”‡•’‡…– –Š‡ Š‘–ǦŠƒ†
system and lobby for playing
time through performance.
“When one plays well, we
know we’re going to get a good
game out of the other the next
night, usually,” says Blues goaltending coach Corey Hirsch.
DzŠ‡›ǯ”‡…‘’‡–‹–‹˜‡™‹–Š‡ƒ…Š
other. And we’ve had zero issues off the ice with those two.”
Nevertheless, any goalie
wants to play and play often.
Halak gets to do just that as
Slovakia’s starter in Sochi and
the timing couldn’t be better
for a pending unrestricted free
agent hoping to up his value. “I
don’t know what it’s going to
be like, but I know we’ll face really good teams, so I’ll probably
face way more shots,” Halak
says. “It’s a challenge. And any
challenge will be fun.”
It’s a good thing Halak is
comfortable with being peppered, because he will be. Slovakia’s Group of Death neigh„‘”• ‹…Ž—†‡ —••‹ƒ ƒ† ‡ƒ
USA. Hirsch sees the heavy
workload as a positive for a
goalie such as Halak. “It’s actuƒŽŽ›ƒ‘”‡†‹ˆϐ‹…—Ž–‰ƒ‡™Š‡
you get less shots, because it’s
typically the same amount of
scoring chances, but you’re not
getting that feel of the puck as
much,” Hirsch says. “It’s hard to
watch the goalie at other end
make 40 saves while you’re battling to make one or two.”
If there’s a chink in Halak’s
armor, it’s inconsistency. His
save percentages from November to January were .914,
Ǥͺͺͷ ƒ† ǤͻͶͲǤ —– „‡‹‰ Š‡
Man for Slovakia will help his
focus. Underdog or not, he
has a gold-or-bust mentality.
“If it’s us or the U.S. or Russia,
anybody wants to be on top,”
he says. “We have to approach
it with determination and play
the hardest every game. In this
short tournament, after the
group stage, it’s all about winning only one game.”
HALAK: MARK BUCKNER/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; BUDAJ: ANDY MARLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
HALAK UNDER ATTACK
BY RONNIE SHUKER
KRISTERS GUDLEVSKIS SYRACUSE CRUNCH (AHL)
Latvia has the best No. 1 of the bottom-third tier of Olympic teams.
Gudlevskis, 21, is a Tampa Bay 2013 fifth-rounder who steadily worked
his way from the Latvian league as a 17-year-old to Syracuse of the
American League. At 6-foot-4, he covers lots of net. Crunch
goalie coach David Alexander calls him technically sound and instinctually skilled, when the situation calls for it. Latvia’s old firststringer, Edgars Masalskis, 33, only found a club team in January
after signing in Slovakia. He played the past four seasons in the
Kontinental League. Ervins Mustukovs plays in Denmark.
BERNHARD STARKBAUM BRYNAS (SWEDISH LEAGUE)
Starkbaum, 28, should see the bulk of the starts in Sochi. He shone
with Modo of the Swedish League last season, but was cut after a
poor playoff performance. Brynas picked him up this season and
he has actually outplayed starter Johan Holmqvist. Starkbaum
went undrafted in the NHL, though the Philadelphia Flyers and
Edmonton Oilers were rumored to have had interest in him last
summer. With a porous blueline in front of him, he’s likely to get
shelled. Backups Rene Swette, 25, and Fabian Weinhandl, 27, are
playing in the Austrian League.
LARS HAUGEN DINAMO MINSK (KHL)
At 26, Haugen looks to be the starter for Norway ahead of youngsters Lars Volden, 21, and Steffen Soberg, 20. He plays for Dinamo
Minsk in the KHL and he’s started the past three world championships for Norway, finishing with pretty stellar stats (goals-against
average under 2.80, save percentage above .910) considering the
competition. Volden (Boston, 181st) and Soberg (Washington, 117th)
were drafted in 2011, but are projects and still far too green, though
they could see some action if Haugen gets rocked by too much rubber against Canada and Finland in Group C.
LUKA GRACNAR SALZBURG EC (AUSTRIAN LEAGUE)
Based on skill, Gracnar, 20, should have the edge on Andrej Hocevar,
29, and Robert Kristan, 30, since he plays in the slightly stronger
Austrian League and his elder cohorts play in French and Slovakian
leagues. However, Hocevar or Kristan, who was Gracnar’s childhood idol, could get the nod based on tenure. Gracnar has the same
hometown as teammate Anze Kopitar and is best friends
with Anze’s brother, Gasper. Gracnar describes himself
as a “technical battler,” meaning he’s a hybrid butterfly
goalie who stays upright as long as he can.
LAT: SCOTT THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY; AUT: JESSICA STRÖM; NOR: YURY KUZMIN/KHL PHOTO AGENCY; SLO: GEPA PICTURES/FELIX ROITTNER
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 27
Tampa Bay Lightning quiet
at Winter Games, but poised
to strike come playoff time
VICTOR
HEDMAN
BEN
BISHOP
H
OCKEY ICON HERB BROOKS ONCE
said, “great moments are born
from great opportunity,” but the
late American coach wasn’t entirely right. Sometimes an opportunity denied can make the best motivation and
set the stage for glory. And this year’s
edition of the Tampa Bay Lightning
could be all the proof required.
Few pundits pegged the Bolts as a
playoff team at season’s start (THN
’‹…‡†–Š‡–‘ϐ‹‹•Š•‹š–Š‹–Š‡–Žƒtic) and when superstar Steven Stamkos broke his leg in November, nobody
would have raised an eyebrow had they
plummeted to the bottom of the East. Yet
that’s not what happened. Led by a Vezina-worthy performance from Ben Bishop – and buttressed by the indomitable
spirit of captain Martin St-Louis – the
Lightning not only held their own, but
challenged the defending conference…Šƒ’‹‘”—‹•ˆ‘”ϐ‹”•–‹–Š‡†‹˜‹•‹‘Ǥ
All that success didn’t amount to a
molehill of respect when national team
GMs had to pick their Olympic rosters:
St-Louis was omitted from Canada’s ros–‡”ȋƒ†„›‡š‡…—–‹˜‡†‹”‡…–‘”ƒ†ƒ’ƒ
MARTIN
ST-LOUIS
was the Blightning or the Slightning.
Is that an altogether bad thing? Probably not. All the snubbery the Lightning’s
key players were subject to just may be
the motivation that pushes them from
the East’s pack of mid-tier franchises to
a true Stanley Cup threat.
There was evidence of that motivation
following the announcements. Canada’s
roster was revealed Jan. 7 and in the 10
games afterward, St-Louis recorded eight
goals and 14 points, including at least
a point in each contest and a four-goal
game Jan. 18. Likewise, Bishop continued
The revenge of the overlooked may
well end with a Cup parade in
Florida for the second time
Bay GM Steve Yzerman, at that); Bishop
wasn’t one of Team USA’s three goalies;
and blueliner Victor Hedman wasn’t selected for Sweden’s defense. Stamkos
was named to Canada’s team and there
was a chance Bishop and St-Louis would
be chosen as injury replacements, but af–‡” –Š‡ Ž›’‹… ‡š’‡”‹‡…‡ǡ ƒ’ƒ ƒ›
28 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
to perform spectacularly: he won seven
of nine games and had a save percentage
of less than .917 just once. And Hedman
– bypassed in favor of Johnny Oduya and
Henrik Tallinder – showed no dropoff in
his play: he was averaging 22 minutes a
game (just outside the top 50) and set
career highs with 10 goals and 32 points.
BOLTS OF INSPIRATION
Tampa’s trio of Olympic “snubs”
will actually help the NHL club in its
pursuit of the Stanley Cup this year.
†† ƒ Š‡ƒŽ–Š› –ƒ‘• –‘ –Šƒ– ‹š
of discontents and you have a team no
opponent should want to face in the
ϐ‹”•– ”‘—†Ǥ Š‡”‡ •‘‡ …‘ˆ‡”‡…‡Ȁ
divisional rivals will have nearly half
the roster participating in the Olympics
(Detroit has 10), the Lightning will have
virtually their entire core of key players
rested and focused. Yzerman also has
$4.5 million in salary cap space to augment a roster that includes Matt Carle,
Eric Brewer and rugged Radko Gudas
on the blueline and Valtteri Filppula and
Teddy Purcell up front. As well, we know
coaches love fostering an “Us vs. The
‘”Ž†dz ‡–ƒŽ‹–› ƒ† ‹ –Šƒ– ”‡•’‡…–ǡ
coach Jon Cooper has an easier time of it
thanks to the Olympic selection process.
This is why the Lightning could give
‹†‡› ”‘•„› ‘” ƒ–”‹…‡ ‡”‰‡”‘ ϐ‹–•
in the post-season. The revenge of the
overlooked may well end with a Cup
parade in Florida for the second time in
NHL history. And if that happens, Lightning fans will have the selection committees of several Olympic countries to include in their list of thank you cards.
HEDMAN: FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; BISHOP: RICH LAM/GETTY IMAGES; ST. LOUIS: MARKO DITKUN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
WITH ADAM PROTEAU
PROTEAU TYPE
SPRING
FEVER
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF SUMMER
HOCKEY SCHOOLS IN NORTH AMERICA!
FEATURES INCLUDE:
4
4
Choosing a Hockey School
4 Why Nutrition is Important
Power Skating, Skill Development, Off-ice Training
and Much More!
FEBRUARY 17, 2014
36
th
ED A
IT NN
IO U
N AL
Photos courtesy of Steve Serdachny’s Powerskating & Hockey International, Canadian Hockey Enterprises and Can/Am Hockey Camp.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ONTARIO 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
By Jacquie Schifano
F
or many of us, summer is but a
dream. A brief glorious period
where the sun shines and we
forget all about the minus-20 temperatures of the winter and bask in the freedom to leave the house in clothing that
was unimaginable in the often snowy
weeks of March or early April. And
then there are those others who, despite
the call of a pool or lake, still flock to
the ice for summer hockey camps in the
continued effort to improve their game.
And it’s not such a crazy notion.
With the level of competition to reach
the NHL at the height it’s at right now,
those dedicated to the sport with dreams
of being the next Roy, Yzerman, or
Chelios see the summer as a vital opportunity to gain the edge that will elevate
them beyond their competition.
When selecting a hockey camp, it’s
important to do an honest assessment of
your player, said Eric Chapman, director of Can/Am Hockey Group. “You
need to identify what areas need to be
improved most,” he said. “Secondly,
you need to consider what type of
environment would best benefit these
skaters.”
Camp programs should incorporate
an intense day of hockey with other
recreational activities like swimming
and team building exercises. It’s hockey
camp, not boot camp, so the camp
should ensure the skaters are having fun.
30
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
Chapman said the keys to a good
on-ice program are a “mix of player
training, skill training, positional
and player development and situational development.”
The players should get an
average of three to four hours of
ice-time per day, a period that
Chapman refers to as “the sweet
spot.” “What you don’t want to
happen at camp is that they have
diminishing returns after being
on the ice for six to seven hours a
day,” he said.
“The kids then are exhausted,
and start to develop bad forms
and lose the skills we’re trying to
hone.”
Vital hockey skills should be developed off the ice as well with players
practising shooting and stick handling.
“The off-ice training can be just as
important as their work on the ice,”
said Marshall Starkman, camp and
clinic director of Roger Neilson Hockey
Camps.
Teaching weight.
transfer at Can/Am.
Hockey Camp..
Starkman said tournaments play a
large part in the camp experience and
present skaters with a chance to use
their newfound or newly improved
skills in a real game situation.
Tournaments provide the opportunity to
test out the campers’ on-ice skills, including power plays and penalty killing.
2014 HOCKEY SCHOOL DIRECTORY
ONTARIO REGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-35
WESTERN CANADA REGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-38
EASTERN CANADA REGION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
INTERNATIONAL REGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
EASTERN U.S.A. REGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-43
WESTERN U.S.A. REGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-47
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Photo courtesy of Can/Am Hockey Camp
Select the Perfect Camp
to Improve Your Skills
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
Photos courtesy of Roger Neilson’s Hockey Camp (top), Can/Am Hockey Camp (bottom)
Group instruction.
at Roger Neilson’s.
Hockey Camp..
Many camps offer
elite programs for
older skaters that focus
on the physical and
endurance aspects of
hockey. Often these
programs are tailored to
players hoping to enter
the major junior leagues
and are at camp to
improve certain aspects
of their game. These programs focus on all areas
of hockey from speed to
shooting accuracy, cardio
and weight training.
These programs can
also allow skaters to work themselves as hard as possible at their own
pace without that group mentality –
they’re competing against themselves on
a daily basis. It’s the difference between
individual and team training. These are
programs for players looking to be the
best. Some camps even provide NHL
coaches to push players to the level
expected for skaters hoping for future
entry into the NHL.
For campers, there’s really no
escape from hockey. Their time
Mastering the.
crossover at.
is usually managed down to the
Can/Am.Hockey.
minute with video sessions and
Camp..
team building activities scheduled for the “down-time”.
The reputations and histories of a
camp are a good indicator of its success. “Choosing a camp based on a long
camp is satisfactory because they
successful history, there’s a better chance
want to defend their reputation,” said
you’ll be happier with the experience,”
Starkman.
said Starkman.
While the high-profile names attached
Having a professional endorsement
to the camps do lend some credibilattached to these camp programs can
ity to the program, Chapman warns
also lend credibility to the camps,
against picking a camp based solely on
because “the pro will want to ensure the
the celebrity endorsement. “In this day
ADVERTISING FEATURE
2014 ONTARIO
and age of high profile celebrity
athletes, it definitely can help,”
he said. “But it’s important that
parents recognize who will actually be helping the kids while
they’re here.”
On the other hand, the presence
of hockey pros can be a priceless
experience for NHL hopefuls.
Learning first hand from a player
or coach with NHL experience
could provide players with a leg
up on their competition come
draft day.
It’s important to
ask a lot of questions
when choosing a camp,
Starkman said. All camps
are different, so keep asking questions to find the
one that’s right for you.
“The main thing is you
need to feel comfortable
with the people and the
program,” he said
At camp the goal is clear:
provide the best opportunity to dedicated players to help them improve
their game. A good camp
is proven with a history
of successful programs,
dedicated coaches and staff,
and players whose seasons
don’t end with the spring,
but return to the ice each
summer to get better for
the coming autumn. “At camp, you
aren’t working with your team or with
your linemate,” Starkman said. “You’re
focusing on your own improvement.”
And it’s the camp’s job to help campers improve and turn any third-liner into
a potential first-liner. Q
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
31
ONTARIO 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
Core Strength Key in Player
Development
By ADAM STEISS
Skills training at.
hockey camp..
icated to offering proper on- and off-ice
training instruction. With speedtraxx,
bosu boards, medicine balls, agility ladders and plyometric equipment, many of
the center’s clients spend little or no time
on the ice, nor lifting heavy weights.
“If I have a ten or eleven year old
come into the gym, he’s not going
to be lifting weights,” Weber said.
“He’s going to be working on his core
strength, his foot speed, along with
agility exercises, sprinting, first stride
quickness, stops and starts when it
comes to sprinting, body weight training…there’s so much you can do without a weight that will gain you strength
or whatever you need on the ice.”
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32
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Photo courtesy of Steve Serdachny’s Powerskating & Hockey International
F
or most hockey players,
time on the ice isn’t cheap.
If you’re not with a team,
renting an ice sheet can run up to
and above $100/hour. However,
young hockey players can improve
their game away from the arenas
and even from the gyms. A hockey-specific, off-ice training program, when properly followed can
do wonders for skating, muscular
endurance, power and agility, all
without the need for frozen water
of any kind.
For kids, the plan should be to
develop a combination of aerobic
fitness, explosive speed and power
as well as good anaerobic endurance. Hockey camps and sportsspecific training centers have used
this approach to achieve great onice results.
“Core strength is No.1 when it
comes to hockey,” said Tim Weber,
fitness director for the Train Like
a Pro sports specific training and
conditioning center in Whitby, Ont.
“That helps you in any way, if you
want to shoot the puck harder, if you
want to skate quicker, that all stems
from the core. Once you build that
foundation, that’s when you can progress forward.”
Owned by NHLer Adam Foote, Train
Like a Pro has facilities and trainers ded-
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
2014 ONTARIO
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
AAA Future Pro Goalie School Ltd
Stephen McKichan B.S. Ed
29830 Centre Road, RR#6, Strathroy, ON N7G 3H7
519-247-3122
519-247-3122
[email protected]
www.futurepro.com
Regular Advanced,
Elite, Prospect,
Goalscoring
Programs throughout Ontario
check website for more info
www.futurepro.com,
www.futureprolive.com
20 hours per week
Billeting Future
Pro Complex
11,000 Square feet
BIG BUCK
HUNTER, GOLDEN
TEE, PS3, WII
Power Skating,
Videos, Puckmachine, Teachers 1
to 2 ins. Ratio NHL
GOALIE COACH
INSTRUCTS ON
ICE EVERYDAY
see website for
full details
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Barrie Colts Hockey School
Todd Miller
425 River Rd W., Wasaga Beach, Innisfil, Alliston, ON L9Z 2P1
705-737-6855
705-721-9709
[email protected]
www.Barriecoltshockeyschool.com
9 to 11, 12 to 14 and
15 to 19
July 7 -July 26, 2014, day 475.00,
in-residence 749.00
10 On Site cottages sleeping
5-15 per cottage.
Stars Arena, rec
hall, dining hall,
ball hockey, sand
hill, running trials
and much more.
Showcase Camp 15
to 19, aaa, jrc, jrb,
jra July 21 to 25
Wasaga Stars
Arena - Wasaga
Beach
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Canadian Hockey Ent. - Just For Girls
Paul Crowley
727 Lansdowne St. W. Suite G3, Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z2
1-800-461-2161
705-749-3207
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
Ages 7-17 years
old. Separate
groups. Just for
Girls Power Skating/Shooting. Dev
and Elite camp.”
July 7-11 and July 28 to Aug 1, 2014.
One Week programs. Day and
Residence programs. Just for Girls
Skating/Shooting camp 15 hours
per week. Elite & Development
camp 20 hours per week.
Residence at Sir
Sandford Fleming
College with separate bedrooms
and swimming.
Hotels, cottages
and camping.
Daily Recreation
program and OffIce and Plyometric
training, Parachute
resistance training,
and conditioning.
Power Skating/
Shooting/
Stick handling
programs, Devel,
Elite, also Goalie
Program, Womens
Eve Program.
Evinrude Centre,
Peterborough,
Ontario. A full
service twin pad
arena located
close to residence
and hotels.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Canadian Hockey Enterprises-Peterborough
Paul Crowley
727 Lansdowne St. W, Suite G3 Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z2
1-800-461-2161
1-705-749-3207
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
4-18 years, Separate age groups,
Beginner, House
League, All-star
to AAA players.
Boys and Girls
programs.
July 14-August 22, 2014 in
Peterborough, Ontario. One week
programs-options of adding additional weeks. Day and Residence
camp. High Calibre programs-25
hours per week, Standard Program
- 15 hours per week, Also Evenings.
Residence at Sir
Sandford Fleming
College with
separate rooms &
swimming.
Camping, Cottages
and Hotels
Off-ice Conditioning, Plyometric
Training, Parachute Resistance
Training. Daily
Recreation program each day.
Junior/College/
AAA, Power Skating, Fundamentals,
All-Star, Stickhandling, Checking,
Defencemen,
Goalies
Evinrude Centre,
Peterborough,
Ontario A full
service twin pad
arena located
close to residence
and hotels.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Christian Hockey Camps International
Don Liesemer
265 - 1100 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal, QC H3B-2S2
514-395-1717 x 223
514-394-9449
[email protected]
www.hockeyministries.org
From 9-17,
grouped by age
and ability. Boys,
Girls
July to August week long, Prices
range from $395 (D) - $590 (R)
15 hours per week
Dormitory or
Cabin - 24 hour
supervision
Sports, Swimming,
Videos, Evening
Chapels with Pros,
Special Outings
Intl Drills, Goalies,
Power Skating, Pro
Instructors, Dryland
Training, Christian
Values.
Kirkland Lake, St.
Lawrence College
(Kingston),
Gretzky Sports
Center, Brantford
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
Once a player is ready to hit the gym,
increased lean mass shouldn’t be their
only goal. Strength on the ice is useful
only if you can draw explosive power
and muscle endurance from your body.
This takes a more refined approach
than a typical bodybuilding routine.
Focus on isolating certain muscle
groups and using weights in free space.
Olympic-style power weightlifting and
multi-joint exercises such as squats
and presses should also be done early
in the workout to use your body’s
energy stores while they’re still high.
Off-ice exercises and sports specific training has grown into an
ADVERTISING FEATURE
exact science. Peter Twist, a sports
performance innovator and former
President of the Hockey Conditioning
Coaches Association, runs Twist Sports
Conditioning, a training center that
puts into practice his Smart Muscle
training exercises.
“We want to build a bigger engine
and bigger, stronger muscles, but
hockey players need improved skillfulness for tactics and high speed action,”
Twist said. “So while the body’s working hard and they finish full of sweat,
our focus is on the neural system and
our exercises are designed to improve
the programming for athleticism and
the brain’s ability to command the
body on the ice more powerfully and
skillfully.”
Twist preaches strength exercises that
use the entire body, along with dynamic
movements and balance work that are
all integrated together to produce better on-ice performance. With younger
athletes Twist slows the action down
and has them complete the exercises at
a slow pace.
“What that does is it removes
momentum, which is an athlete’s best
friend on the ice,” Twist said. “But
when you remove it in training it
exposes weak links in your
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
33
ONTARIO 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
muscle groups and forces your brain to
command those areas to work harder
as a unified body. Slower exercises are
not only useful because they put less
stress and injury risk on a younger
body, but they actually bring their
mind and their nervous system to
contribute more to get the action
done.”
And it works at all levels. Twist’s
program has picked up a number of
NHL followers, from Markus Naslund
to most recently, Chris Stewart.
However, his methods are not just
geared for the big guns.
“The younger the player is, the more
we work on unifying their body so that
they can control and coordinate their
body at a higher reactive pace,” he
said. “We therefore skew their training
towards whole-body athleticism and
movement skills.”
Twist offers an example of a dynamic
movement exercise that can be done
at home. It consists of a simple lateral
bound on one leg, trying to cover as
much distance as you can:
4Preload the leg you’re going to jump
off by dropping the leg a bit, load it
up then explode out of it in the other
direction.
4When you land on the other leg, you
want to decelerate, come under control and finish as deep as you can.
You then hold that single leg position for three seconds, making sure
the single leg and core are holding
that position to get rid of any weak
muscle links that would hamper your
skating improvement.
4Make sure on the stride that the leg
is fully extended from the hip to the
knee and right through the ankle. So
the idea is to have a full long push
off finished with a deep, strong and
balanced landing.
For young players, the increase in
control as they move left to right and
right to left, will result in significant
gains in their skating stride that comes
from earning strength at that deep
position.
“It’s a simple drill, with no equipment needed,” Twist said. “Players will
be challenged by that because initially
they wont be able to land in control
or land deep or stride off to a very big
jump so they will observe, workout by
workout, very noticeable improvement
with that exercise.”
Besides off-ice exercises, parents
should consider introducing their kids
to another sport in the offseason, to
both offer a break from hockey but still
develop their athleticism:
“I wouldn’t enroll them in spring
hockey myself, I’d get them into things
like soccer for the flow and its varied
demands on the body, box lacrosse for
the footwork, hand eye coordination,
rolling off checks, things like that,”
Twist said.
Long gone are the days when a
hockey player could just take the summer off then get back in shape in training camp. That said, Weber and Twist
both assert that if you can stick to your
off-ice training, it will also make you
that much more committed to your onice workouts. So for those looking to
take their game to the next level, or just
looking to improve on-ice performance,
your answer lies away from the rink. Q
SUMMER CAMPS
2014
All ages and skill levels!
» Powerskating and Conditioning
» Speed, Agility and High Performance Skill Development
» Hockey Tips for Tots
» Girls only Hockey Programs
Etobicoke
Oakville
Oshawa
Scarborough
York
416.247.5742
905.845.6989
905.725.6951
416.412.0404
416.661.5900
www.icesports.com
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
2014 ONTARIO
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Hockey Opportunity Camp
Kevin McLaughlin
Box 448, Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0
888-LRN-2PLA
705-386-0179
[email protected]
www.learnhockey.com
6-7, 7-9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15-16 (Boys
and Girls)
June 29-August 23,(R)$715.00 $950.00 per week (2 hours per day
+ Dryland training)
11 Hours per week
Bunk Beds in
cabins with staff
supervision
Waterskiing /
Wakeboarding,
Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking,
Snorkeling,
Archery, Camping,
MTN Biking, Sports
“Best In Class”
High Tempo Drills,
Dry Land Training,
Goaltenders
South River/
Machar Arena
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Laura Stamm Power Skating
Bob Noble
4178 107th Ave., Allegan, MI 49010
800-320-9558
269-226-9190
[email protected]
www.laurastamm.ca
For Ages 7-Adult,
Novice to Pro
players.
We are offering an Elite Workshop
in Mississauga July 4-6, 2014. This
workshop is limited to 16 players
ages 15+, Elite $499. Other locations
prices from $209-279 6-8
N/A
Contact
bobn@
laurastamm.net
or visit
www.laurastamm.ca
On-Ice Locations London, Markham,
Mississauga,
Niagara Falls,
Oakville, Oshawa,
Ottawa, Sarnia,
Barrie, Brampton,
Cornwall,
Etobicoke, Hamilton, Kingston,
Kitchener, Check
website for more
locations.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Teen Ranch International Hockey Camps
Tim Stevens
P.O. Box 77, Caledon, ON L7K 1X1
519-941-4501
519-941-0500
[email protected]
http://www.teenranch.on.ca
Grouped individually by ability and
skill level with
consideration
toward the campers age.
Weekly Sun.-Sat. July - August,
2014 , $900 per week
16 hours of ice time per week
Bunkhouses (Fully
Equipped 6-8
campers + staff)
Coach House
(Olympic Village
Style rooms 8
campers.
Dryland, Tennis,
Volleyball, Bball,
Swimming, Water
Slide. Horseback,
Dryland, Giant
Swing, Campfires
Recreational, High
Performance, Elite
Girls, Father/Son/
Daughter, Sports
Specific Camps
Avail.
Teen Ranch Ice
Corral on site
Olympic ice
surface, Dryland
Training Facility.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Twist High Performance Conditioning Camp
Scott Atkins
1179 Northside Rd., Burlington, ON L7M 1H5
905-335-9599 ext 22
905-336-9311
[email protected]
www.twistburlington.com
Pro, College,
Major Jr, Jr A, Jr
B, Major Midget,
Midget, Bantam,
Pee Wee, Female.
Placement based
on 11/12 season
Spring camps-April 10-June 29;
Elite 8 Week Camp-July 2-August
31; Summer Weekly Camps:
July 2 Aug 31. Atom, PeeWee
Female camps avail. Check website
or call for costs. Dryland 10-15 hours
per week, On-ice: 6 hours per week
Hotel, Billeting
Hockey
Conditioning
Centre,On-field
training,Nutrition,
Mental training,
C360 testing,
Mountain cond.
Elite 8 Wk Camp;
NHL Pro Camp;
Weekly Dryland
& On-Ice Camps;
OnIce speed &
quickness.
Dryland- Twist
Sport Conditioning Centre at
Wave Twin Rinks;
Ice- Wave Twin
Rinks, Burlington,
ON
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Twist High Performance Conditioning Camp
Jeff Roux
104 Byron Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4P4
905-217-0664
905-217-0666
[email protected]
www.twistwhitby.com
Pro, College,
Major Jr, Jr A, Jr
B, Major Midget,
Midget, Bantam,
Pee Wee, Female.
Placement based
on 11/12 season.
Spring Camps-April 10-June 29; Elite
8 Week Camp-July 2-August 31;
Summer Weekly Camps: July 2-Aug
31; Female, Pee Wee and Atom
camps available. Check website or
call for costs. Dryland: 10-15 hours
per week, On-ice 6 hours per week
Billeting, hotel
Private Hockey
Conditioning
Centre, On-Field
training, Nutrition,
Mental training,
C360 test, Mountain cond.
Elite 8 Week Camp;
NHL Pro Camp;
Weekly Dryland
& On-Ice Camps;
On-Ice speed &
quickness.
Twist Sport Conditioning Centre,
104 Byron Street
South, Whitby;
On-Ice Oshawa
Legends Center
SCHOOL INFORMATION
What are YOU prepared
to do to get better this
Off-Season?
STUDENT GROUPS
LOOK FOR OUR NEXT HOCKEY SCHOOL GUIDE IN THE APRIL 21 ISSUE
E
very player has strengths and weaknesses in
their game. Setting specific goals, indentifying weak links and establishing strategies
to improve and get better are key elements for offseason preparation.
If You’re Not Getting BETTER EVERYDAY
Somebody Else Is
The off season is shorter than you think. Athletes who
succeed at the top level don’t waste a second preparing for what’s next. Tryouts, camps, evaluations and
opportunities are always just around the corner. Don’t
be left wondering, “did I get better today?”
Twist High Performance Hockey Programs are the
clear front runner for hockey strength & conditioning
and player development. Players have many choices for
off season training but none offer the intensive coaching,
individualized programming, innovative methods and
proven success on and off the ice of Twist.
Twist programs can be customized to meet your
schedule, budget and training needs. Off-Season
programs run from April through August including
our all inclusive 8 Week Summer High Performance
Camp. Customized weekly options are also available with Homestay options for out of town and
International players.
Twist athletes thrive in the NHL, make the jump
to Pro Hockey, get drafted, earn scholarships, and
play to their peak potential at every level. Twist
Conditioning Centres are not just a place to train;
they are a place to get better, every day. Twist
coaches teach and inspire each player, and provide
them with the tools they need to become better
athletes, better hockey players and keep working
towards their hockey dreams.
Your opportunity lies ahead, when it comes,
Be Ready! Q
If you’re not getting BETTER EVERYDAY, someone else is.
North Vancouver Vancouver
ADVERTISING FEATURE
twistconditioning.com
604-904-6556
twistvancouver.com
604-428-9478
Port Coquitlam
Portland
twisttricities.com
778-285-6252
twistportland.com
503-208-3458
Burlington
Whitby
twistburlington.com twistwhitby.com
905-335-9599
905-217-0664
CANADA WEST 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
By CHANELLE SEGUIN
T
he body is a machine. Hockey
players are machines that skate
on ice. Those who perform well
train and work their body to obtain
maximum power, strength and speed.
Challenging the body is important for
player development, but many neglect
how much nutrition plays a part in an
athlete’s performance. Like a machine,
what goes into the body is what the body
will put out.
Hockey camps play a key role in helping players at all levels prepare their bodies for the long, rigorous season ahead.
But nutrition for kids is more often than
not a foreign topic to parents and camp
organizers. The basic fruits, veggies and
protein combination has become the
customary formula for parents when it
comes to children’s nutrition. However,
this formula won’t provide all the necessary vitamins and energy a kid needs
when they are pushing their bodies
through two- or four-hour days of onand off-ice training.
Gary Roberts, owner of Gary Roberts
High Performance Center, said it’s up to
the parents to seek hockey camps with
proper nutrition for their kids. “If I’m
36
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
sending my kid away
Former Maple Leaf.
for five or six days to a
Gary Roberts..
hockey camp, the first
thing I’m asking the organizer is ‘What is my son and/
or daughter going to eat for
those five days? Give me the
meals,’” Roberts said. “Then
decide if that’s the camp you
want to send your kid to,
because that should be part
of the whole experience for
these young kids.”
Kids have high metabolisms, so young athletes
quickly burn their caloric
intake. Without proper
nutrition, their energy will
crash just as fast. For kids at
a busy camp all day, it can
be difficult to satisfy hunger
without instinctively turning
to sugar for a boost. “No matter where
the strengths and weaknesses of their
these kids are, they should be sipping on
bodies. As a certified strength and conwater all day,” Roberts said. “And they
ditioning coach, he is well aware of the
should never go more than two or three
physical and nutritional needs of athletes.
hours without putting something in their
And as the owner of Champion Athletic
bodies, like some raw veggies or fruits.”
Development, he also supports consistent
Mark Fitzgerald is the strength and
eating habits for kids at camp. “I tell all
conditioning coach for the Toronto
my athletes if they’re going somewhere
Marlies of the American League. For
Continued on page 38...
eight years he has critiqued athletes on
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Dave Sandford/Getty Images
Prepare Your Body for
High Performance
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
2014 CANADA WEST
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Canadian Athletic Club
Betty Chmilar
PO Box 11478, Edmonton, AB T5J 3K6
780-439-3636
780-456-7808
[email protected]
www.cac-hockey.com
Ages 6-18 years
August 11-15, August 18-22, August
25 - 29 2014, see website for fees
Check Website
Day School
Off Ice & Classroom
32 years of teaching experience, Off
Ice Program
Alberta
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Canadian Hockey Ent. - Just For Girls
Paul Crowley
743 Railway Ave., Suite 903, Canmore, AB T1W 1P2
1-800-461-2161
705-749-3207
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
7-17 years, separate age groups,
Power Skating/
Shooting, and
Elite Camp
Canmore, Alberta - July 14-18, 2014
Kelowna, British Columbia - July
21-25, 2014
Elite Program - 20 hours per week,
Power Skating/Shooting 15 hours
per week
Residence accommodations at both
locations, hotels,
camping, etc.
Daily Recreation
program and
off-ice training,
parachute resistance training and
conditioning.
Just for Girls Power
Skating/Shooting Elite camps
offer instruction
by members of
Canada’s Women’s
team
Canmore Recreation
Complex in the
Rocky Mountains.
Capital News Centre
in Kelowna in the
Okanagan Valley.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Canadian Hockey Ent.- Innovative Hockey
Paul Crowley
743 Railway Ave., Suite 903, Canmore, AB T1W 1P2
1-800-461-2161
705-749-3207
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
Ages 7-17 years
plus Adult camps.
Separate age &
skill levels. Beginners to Advanced.
Canmore, Alberta July 21-25,
Kelowna, BC July 28 - August 1.
Whistler Adults August 7-10,
Youth Aug 11-15 Programs range
from 3 to 4 hours on-ice per day M-F
Residence
accommodations
in Canmore &
Kelowna. Also
camping, hotels
and cottages
Daily recreation
program and
Off-ice training
including parachute resistance,
plyometrics and
conditioning.
Power Skating/
Goal Scoring/Puck
Control, Elite AAA/
AA, and Goalie Programs. Instruction
from Pro Coaches,
players and scouts.
Canmore Rec.
Complex located
outside Banff,
Capital News Centre Kelowna, BC
Whistler Meadow
Sports Park
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Christian Hockey Camps International
Don Liesemer
265-1100 Avenue des Canadiens de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3B-2S2
514-395-1717
514-394-9449
[email protected]
http://www.hockeyministries.org
From 8-17 grouped
by age and ability.
Boys and Girls
programs.
Week long camp start dates begin
in June through to August. Prices
range from $385 (D) to $610(R).
15 hours per week
Dormitory - 24
hour supervision
Sports, Swimming,
Videos, Evening
Chapels with Pros,
Special Outings
Int’l drills, Goalies,
Power Skating, Pro
Instructors, Dryland
Training, Christian
Values.
Winnipeg (MB),
Moose Jaw area
(SK), Calgary
(AB), Grande Prairie (AB), Williams
Lake (BC)
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Notre Dame Hounds - Boys Development
Jon Frape
P.O. Box 100, Wilcox, SK S0G 5E0
306-732-1242
306 732-4650
[email protected]
www.notredame.ca
Boys Development Camp
born between
2000-2003
July 12-16, dorm room and meals
for the week. Features 15 hours on
ice instruction
College Dormitory. Features 4 to
a room, common
rooms with TV/
DVD. Trained staff,
supervised 24
hours
Fitness Facility,
Athletic Therapist,
Outdoor Rec.
Areas, College
Cafeteria,
Gymnasium, and
School Store
Individual and
team based skill
development,
power skating,
off-ice training
sessions, nightly
games
Olympic size ice
surface, team
locker rooms with
individual player
stalls.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Notre Dame Hounds - Elite Boys
Jon Frape
P.O. Box 100, Wilcox, SK S0G 5E0
306-732-1242
306 732-4650
[email protected]
www.notredame.ca
Elite Boys Camp
born between
1999-2001
July 6-11, dorm room and meals
Features 15 hours on-ice instruction
College Dormitory.
Features 4 to a
room, common
rooms with TV/
DVD. Trained staff,
supervised 24
hours.
Weight Room,
Movie, Athletic
Therapist, Outdoor
Rec. Areas, Cafeteria, Gymnasium
Sports Psychology,
off-ice conditioning
and training, low
instruct to student
ratio
Olympic size ice
surface
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Notre Dame Hounds - Girls Development Camp
Tamara Pickford
P.O. Box 100, Wilcox, SK S0G 5E0
306-732-1242
306 732-4650
[email protected]
www.notredame.ca
Girls Development
Camp born
between 19962000
July 17 - July 22 Includes dorm
room and meals for the week
Features 15 hours on-ice instruction
College Dormitory.
Features 4 to a
room, common
rooms with TV/
DVD. Trained staff,
supervised 24 hrs
Fitness Facility,
Athletic Therapist,
Outdoor Rec.
Areas, College
Cafeteria,
Gymnasium, and
School Store
Individual and
team skill development, power
skating, off-ice
and classroom
sessions, nightly
games
Olympic size ice
surface, team
locker rooms with
individual player
stalls.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Notre Dame Hounds Goaltenders Camp
Jon Frape
P.O. Box 100, Wilcox, SK S0G 5E0
306-732-1242
306 732-4650
[email protected]
www.notredame.ca
High Intense
Goalie Camp born
between 1996
- 2000
July 17-July 21, dorm room
and meals 20 hours of on-ice
instruction
College Dormitory. Features 4 to a
room with common
rooms with TV/DVD.
Trained staff supervised 24 hours
Fitness Facility,
Athletic Therapist,
Outdoor Rec.
Area, Cafeteria,
Gymnasium,
School Store
Individual and
team based skill
dev, power skating,
off ice training
sessions, nightly
games
Olympic Ice
Surface, team
locker rooms and
individual player
stalls
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
LOOK FOR OUR NEXT SUMMER HOCKEY SCHOOL GUIDE COMING UP IN THE APRIL 21 ISSUE
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$QQXDO+RFNH\
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
“Over 32 Years of
Quality Instruction
to all Levels of Hockey
at Affordable Prices”
For more information contact
[email protected]
or 780-439-3636
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
37
CANADA WEST 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Twist High Performance Conditioning Camp
Dean Shiels & Kyle Guay
1225 E. Keith Rd., Unit 12, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1J3
1-888-214-4244 or 604-904-6556
604-904-6558
[email protected]
www.twistconditioning.com
Pro, College,
Major Jr, Jr A, Jr
B, Major Midget,
Midget, Bantam,
Pee Wee, Female.
Placement based
on 12-13. season
Spring Camps -Apri 8-June 28;
Elite 8 Week Camp-July 2-August 23;
Summer Weekly Camps: July 2-Aug
30, weekly PeeWee & Female
camps avail. Check website or call
for costs. Dryland 10-15 hours per
week, On-ice; 6 hours per week
Billeting,
hotel,dorms
Hockey Conditioning Centre,OnField Training,
Nutrition, Mental
training, C360
testing, Mountain
Cond.
Elite 8 Week Camp;
NHL Pro Camp;
Weekly Dryland
& On ice Camps;
On ice speed &
quickness.
Twist Sport Conditioning Centre,
North Vancouver,
BC; Ice-8 Rinks,
Burnaby, BC.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Twist High Performance Conditioning Camp
George Watts
101-1776 Broadway St., Tri-Cities (Port Coquitlam), BC V3C 2M8
778-285-6252
778-285-6252
[email protected]
www.twisttricities.com
Pro, College, Major
Jr, Jr A, Jr B, Major
Midget, Midget,
Bantam, Pee Wee,
Female.
Spring Camps-April 8-June 27;
Elite 8 Week Camp-June 30-August 22
Summer Weekly Camps: June 30Aug 29; Female, Pee Wee and Atom
Camps avail. Check website or call
for costs. Dryland, 10-15 hours per
week, On-ice 6 hours per week
Billeting, hotel,
dorms
Hockey Conditioning Centre,
OnField Training,
Nutrition, Mental
Training, C360
Testing, Mountain
Cond.
Elite 8 Week
Camp;NHL Pro
Camp;Weekly
Dryland & On-Ice
Camps;On-Ice
Speed & quickness
Twist Sport Cond.
Centre, Port
Conquitlam, BC;
8 Rinks Burnaby,
BC. Programs vary
depending on
location
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
World Pro Goaltending
Tyler Love/JF Martel
5938 Centre St. SE , Calgary, AB T2H 0C1
403-259-4625
403-259-6025
[email protected]
www.worldprogoal.com
Boys and girls
ages 7-17, 3 groups
per camp
June 16 to August 15, 2014, $465
to $930 for all camps excluding
the Elite Invite only camp. Check
website
N/A
Year round private
training facility
in Calgary, AB.
Summer Camp
Amenities vary by
location
Goaltender Specific
Dry-land, Flexibility
Session. Classroom
Video Session
Calgary, Medicine
Hat, AB. Victoria,
Chase, Prince
George, BC.
Saskatoon, SK,
Delmont PA
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
Continued from page 36...
where they’re unsure of what the food is
going to be or what the schedule is going
to be that day, that they pack a lunch,”
he said. “It should have bottled water,
different types of snacks, high protein
snacks, good clean carbohydrates for
energy, just to make sure that they’re prepared. I guess I would say the same thing
to a camper.”
“Supplements” can be a very scary
word, but Fitzgerald believes there are
many safe options available for kids. The
first supplement Fitzgerald would recommend to young athletes is a multivitamin.
This allows for kids to get their necessary
vitamins for the day. The second is fish
oils. “Your omega three, six and nine are
very important,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a
natural anti-inflammatory in your body,
so it helps you recover from exercise. It
also helps with cognitive functioning in
school. So it helps with memory, energy
and attention span.”
Finally, Fitzgerald is an advocate of
probiotics. This supplement is commonly
38
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
found in yogurt. However,
Fitzgerald said people
must be conscious of
Chicken is.
lean and high.
the fact that yogurt can
in protein..
often contain about 20
to 30 grams of sugar,
which is not something an
active kid needs. “The probiotic is huge for immune
system function and fighting off colds and flus,”
Fitzgerald said. “As well as
maintaining a healthy digestive track, healthy bowel
movements and keeping
your body in tune.”
Taking these supplements
daily is vital for optimal performance during extensive
training sessions like hockey camp.
So is a solid breakfast.
Jeff Roux, director of sport conditioning at Twist Whitby, has spent six
summers training young hockey players
at the company’s hockey camps. Roux
refers to breakfast as the “light switch”
for the day. “For a training perspective,
and from a camp point of view, if they’re
going to be active really close to breakfast, then they have to be careful not to
have too much quantity right away,”
Roux said. “And if they’re training is
later in the day, then they really just want
Continued on page 40...
ADVERTISING FEATURE
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
2014 CANADA EAST
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Andrews Hockey Growth Programs
Doug Shepherd
550 University Ave., Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3
1-877-936-6699 (toll free)
902-894-9601
[email protected]
www.hockeygrowth.com
A Variety of
Camps for Beginners right up to
professionals.
SEE WEBSITE FOR
MORE INFORMATION ON CAMPS”
Elite Spring Program: April 1-June
1; Summer Camps: June 20-Sept 1.
Fall Camps: September/October;
Year Round Training @ Hockey
Haven Training & Synthetic Ice Facility & Andrews Sport Conditioning
Centre. 18 hours on ice in summer
UPEI Residence;
Dormitories,
Suites and Apartments.
Various Hotels
and Waterfront
Cottages.
PEI is Canada’s
Premier Vacation
Destination. Beautiful Golf Courses
& Beaches,
Theatre District.
Atlantic Hockey
Showcase/Female
Prospect Camp.
Elite Shooters &
Elite Defencemen’s Camps,
Golden
2 Ice Surfaces,
Synthetic Ice,
High Performance
Athlete Taining
Centre, Pool,
Physio Clinic.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Christian Hockey Camps International
Don Liesemer
1100 Ave. des Canadiens de Montreal, Box 7, Montreal, QC H3B 2S2
514-395-1717
514-394-9449
[email protected]
http://www.hockeyministries.org
From 9-17,
grouped by age
and ability. Boys
& Girls
July & August. Pricing ranges from
$499 to $530 (R)
15 hours per week
Dormitory - 24
hour supervision
Sports, Swimming,
Videos, Evening
Chapels with Pros,
Special Outings
International
Drills, Goalies,
Power Skating, Pro
Instructors, Dryland
Training, Christian
Values
Montreal/Eastern
Twnshps, Magog
Arena(QC), Crandall Univ. Moncton
(NB)
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Ecole de Hockey de la Capitale
Michel Ouellet / Eric Morin
P.O. Box 9986 Succ. Ste-Foy, Quebec, QC G1V 4C5
1-800-423-1315
418-832-5987
[email protected]
www.ecolehockeycapitale.com
5-6 Pre Mite, 7-8
Mite, 9-10 Squirt,
11-12 Pee Wee,
13-14 Bantam,
15-17 Midget,
Junior-Adult
June 30-Aug 23, R: $610 CDN,
D: $395 CDN
20 hours/week
Day School,
Dormitory, 2
students per
room, University
Laval residence
services
Off-ice, Baseball,
Soccer, Floor
Hockey, Tennis,
Swimming,
Weights, Pro
Shop, Movies, Old
Quebec Tour
Goalies, Adults,
Girls, Power
Skating, Team Play,
Stick Handling, AllStar Program, Pro
Inst., Video, Films,
Evaluation Forms
Laval University
super Peps Arena
- (2 rinks)
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Stanstead International Girls Hockey Camp
Marc Parent
Stanstead College, 450 Dufferin, Stanstead, QC J0B 3E0
819-876-7891 Ext 246
819-876-5891
[email protected]
www.stansteadcollege.com/girls_hockey_camp.php
For girls 12-18, 2
divisions by age
and abiility
From Aug 3 -10, 2014, Cost $625 to
$875 (4-day camp + 3 day tournament) 15 hours per week ( from
Sunday to Thursday) + participation in a 3 day tournament
Double rooms
with bathroom
attached - 24 hour
supervision
Off Ice Training,
evening activities,
dining hall, weight
room, gymnasium,
outdoor campus
Drills, Goalie inst,
Power skating, pro
instructors, nutrition, mental prep,
dry land training
Pat Burns Arena
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Mite, Squirt
(6 - 10) Pee Wee
(11 - 12) Bantam
(13 - 14) Midget &
Jr. (15 - 20) Goalie
(All ages)
Czech International Hockey Camp
Lukas Tramba Head Coach
Rybna 13, Praha 1, Czech Republic, Europe 110 00
420 603 422 558, 420 734 578 404
[email protected]
www.hockeycamp.cz
O UR
38 THY
E
Camp 1 - June 29 to July 5,
Camp 2 - July 6 to July 12,
Camp 3 - July 13 to July 19,
Camp 4 July 20 to 26,
See web www.hockeycamp.cz for
Goalie Camps & pricing
25 hours per week
**Hotel for players,
*** + **** Hotel for
parents
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
2014 INTERNATIONAL
Basketball, Soccer,
In Line Hockey,
Tennis, Swimming,
Weights, Tours Czech Republic,
Trip to Prague
25 players on ice,
Licensed Coaches,
Czech hockey style,
shooting, timing
and regrouping
drills, Goalies.
Nymburk Ice
Arena
AR !
SOME OF OUR INSTRUCTORS
DAVID BOOTH
Vancouver Canucks
NHL
ERIC FEHR
Washington Capitals
NHL
GLEN WESLEY
Carolina Hurricanes
NHL Defense Dev
BOYS & GIRLS
LIVE-IN AND DAY CAMPS
• International
Hockey
Program
• Current and
Former NHL
Instructors
• Training in
Christian Living
(514) 395-1717 www.hockeyministries.org
[email protected]
ADVERTISING FEATURE
TIC,Be
TAC,
Toe-Save
there. Be Square.
U.S.A. EAST 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
CHE Hockey - Innovative Hockey Camps
Paul Crowley
PO Box 1932, Lake Placid, NY 12946
1-888-WON-1980
518-523-1932
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
Youth Camp Boys
& Girls 8-17 years,
Adult Camp-Open
Men & Women
recreational
players. Ages 20
and older
Lake Placid, New York Camps - 3
Camp Dates. June 5-8, Youth, Parent/Child and Adult Camp. August
11-15, Youth Camp October 16-19,
Fall Adult Camp 12 to 15 hours
June & Oct offer
Hotel Package.
August Youth
Camp Residence
- National Sports
Academy
Pro Shop, walking
distance to shopping, restaurants
and the Olympic
Center.
Camps include
Power Skating,
Shooting, Puck
Control and Team
Play and Scrimmage Games.
Practice and play at
the Olympic Center
Complex located
in Lake Placid, NY.
Walking distance to
the hotel
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
CHE Hockey - Just For Girls USA
Paul Crowley
PO Box 1932, Lake Placid, NY 12946
1-888-WON-1980
518-523-1932
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
Ages 7-17 years
old. Separate age
and skill groups.
Just for Girls
Power Skating/
Shooting & Elite
Camps
Traverse City, Michigan - July 14-18,
Lake Placid, NY - August 4-8 &
August 11-15, Day and Residence
programs.
15-20 hours on ice, Monday to Friday
Traverse City
residence at
Northwestern
Michigan College.
Lake Placid residence at NSA.
Both camps offers
daily recreation
and Off-Ice
training and
conditioning.
Instruction from
Hillary Knight,
Erika Lawler, Megan
Duggan, and other
members of the
USA Olympic
Team.
Sessions at the
Olymipic Center,
Lake Placid and
Centre Ice Arena,
Traverse City.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Christian Hockey Camps International
Don Liesemer
PO Box 10857, White Bear Lake (USA Office), MN 55110
612-325-0111
514-394-9449
[email protected]
http://www.hockeyministries.org
From 9-17, ( jr &
day programs
(Age 6-9),
grouped by age
and ability Boys,
Girls
June and July (week-long camps)
$295-$725 (D and R)
15 hours per week (JR Camp 10).
Dormitory/
cabin - 24 hour
supervision
Sports, Swimming,
Videos, Evening
Chapels with Pros,
Special Outings
International drills,
Goalies, Power
Skating, Pro Instructors, Dry-land
Training, Christian
Values,
Boston, St. Louis,
Pittsburgh, Michagan, Chicago,
Raleigh, Florida
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Elite Hockey Training Center
Patti Crowe
P.O. Box 169, Hanover, NH 3755
603-643-2078
Not provided
elitehockeycamps.com
www.elitehockeycamps.com
Boys June
22-27 (10-17yrs),
June 22-July 4
(10-17yrs), June
29-Jul 4 (10-17yrs),
July 6-11 (8-13yrs)
Norwich Uni
Girls -July 13-18 (Ages 8-14 at Norwich
Univ. /Dartmouth College Girls July
20-25, July 20-Aug 1, July 27-Aug 1
(ages 13-18) Co-ed day camps avail.
July 7-11 (5-14)July 7-11 (4-7) July 14-18
(5-14) 3 separate age and ability
groups, 4 hrs daily on ice +
On Campus
Dormitories
Skill Center, Agility, Power Skating,
Puck Control,
Shooting Range,
Conditioning
Center, GOALIE
TRAINING
Educational Forum.
Team Play & Systems, Power Skating, Individualized
Goalie Program
Norwich University, Kreitzberg
Arena and
Dartmouth College, Thompson
Arena
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Janosz School of Goaltending
Bob Janosz MS Ed. , CPT
4184 Clinton St., West Seneca, NY 14224
716-308-9224
Ages 7 and up.
Students will be
grouped according to age and
ability
Buffalo, Syracuse, Amherst,
Cheektowaga, Webster
See Website for more information
Go to www.bobjanosz.com for
camp details
15-17.5 hours weekly
Housing available
for some camps
please see website.
www.game-skills.
com for player and
goalie camps
Video analysis,
NHL video
review, classroom
sessions, off-ice
training, equipment review, guest
speakers
Game skills
camp (Elite level
goalies & players;
Preseason tune-up
goalie camp, Adult
weekend goalie
camp
On ice equipment
includes: Reaction
Mirror, High Shot
Screen, Mini
Screen, Deflection
Boards & more...
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Planet Hockey TOTAL Player Skills Camps
Shawn Killian
509 Zircon Way, Superior, CO 80027
720-304-3880 or 1-800-320-7545
Ages 6+, Grouped
by age & skill.
COMPLETE SKILLS
CAMP: Skating,
Stickhandling,
Scoring, Team
Play, Video
70+ Camps worldwide! Planet Hockey
Ranch (CO & VT Resident Hockey/
Adventure Camp). Play & train in Sweden (July 2014) www.planethockey.
com. 12-15 hrs/wk PLUS electronic
personalized player evaluation & Video
certified int’l staff. 2 ice sessions daily
Planet Hockey
Ranch-Resident
Hockey/Adv. Camp
CO & VT Resorts,
Rafting, Mtn Biking,
Golf, Waterpark
Prof. Staff, FREE
jersey, Bungie
Cords, Radar Gun,
Scrimmages,
Guaranteed
Improvement,
Elite training
Sess for all levels
& positions. New
Innov. European
drills & certified
Coaches.
The most COMPLETE training!
Register by March
31 & SAVE. Our
20th year. Serious
HOCKEY, Serious
FUN!
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
[email protected]
www.bobjanosz.com
[email protected]
www.planethockey.com
Continued from page 38...
to get in as much as they can before the
day starts off.”
Smoothies are often an excellent option
for busy athletes. The simplicity and convenience of a smoothie is really attractive
to parents with kids constantly on the go.
“Usually smoothies are a good option
where you can get fruits and vegetables
mixed together, Greek yogurt and maybe
40
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
some almond butter to give you some
protein with it,” Roux said. “This will
give you a good mix of foods that can get
into the system quick and still be easily
digestible.”
Nutrition is half the battle to maximizing one’s potential as an athlete. Kids
nutrition is even more important, because
they are still growing. Along with needing
the basic nutrients to help them develop,
kids going to hockey camp require more
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
to sustain and replenish their energy.
Sending a kid to camp with a sandwich,
some carrot sticks and a juice box isn’t
going to cut it anymore.
Roberts noted that the quality and
quantity of food while at camp can make
all the difference. “The key to sustaining
your energy level throughout the day is
to make sure you’re snacking on healthy
snacks,” he said. “That’s how you get
through camp.” Q
ADVERTISING FEATURE
MEET JEFF SEROWIK AND LEARN MORE ABOUT PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY, INC. AND THE
HOCKEY CAMP EXPERIENCE AT PRO AMBITIONS
As I approach nearing my 25 year anniversary of Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc. next year
LQ,KDYHEHHQUHÁHFWLQJDORWRQP\YLsion of training the youth of the nation. If you
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for everyone at Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc.
PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY, INC.
THE BATTLEcamp
THE OFFICIAL CAMP OF
HOCKEYsurf
LAR
AAA ELITEboston university
FOUNDER
JEFF SEROWIK
DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPS
“BIG MIKE”
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT A
PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY CAMP
1. We specialize in our niche in the market and created the BATTLE CAMP
curriculum. Where all drills are game situational.
and
. He started his camps
2. Founder Jeff Serowik is a former
25+ years ago as a senior in college and has grown them exponentially
over the past 20 years. Specialty US boarding camps across the nation
and battle camps thoughout US and Canada.
3. Your child will leave a better hockey player with what we call at
Pro Ambitions, “the summer hockey growth spurt.”
4. Professional training from experts with unbiased sets of eyes is invaluable
in your child’s growth in hockey.
5. A week at camp is 25 hours of on ice instruction coupled with 15 hours of
off ice instruction which equals 2.5 months of your son or daughter’s
hockey season.
6. Hours of video, articles and camp descriptions on our site
PROAMBITONS.COM
7. AAA ELITE boarding at Boston University all summer
8. We are proud of our affiliations with Bauer, Hockeyeast and the Boston
Bruins
9. We have a specialized Goalie division with Pittsburgh Penguins Goalie
Coach Mike Buckley
10. Girls division headed by Boston College Coach Katie King, Olympian
Megan Bozek
And Defensemen…check out the 10 city D with Jeff Serowik tour
RGEST YOUTH HOCKEY INSTRUCTION OUTFIT US AND CANADA
U.S.A. WEST 2014 SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
DATES/FEES/HOURS ON ICE
SLEEPING FACILITIES OTHER FACILITIES
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
CHE Hockey Innovative Camps Adult & Youth
Paul Crowley
PO Box 1932, Lake Placid, NY 12946
1-888-WON-1980
518-523-1932
[email protected]
www.chehockey.com
Adult Camps
- Open to Men
& Women rec
players. Ages 20 &
older. Youth Camp
- Boys & Girls 8-17
years.
Adult Camps - Las Vegas May 2225, Lake Placid NY , June, August,
October 2014. Whistler BC
August 2014. 12 to 15 hours
depending on location
Hotels and Hockey
Camp Residences
depending on
location
All Locations offer
many attractions,
restaurants and
off ice activities.
Men & Women
Adult Camps,
Youth power
skating, Shooting,
puck control
program
All locations offer
first class on-ice
facilities. Visit
our website for
complete details.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Christian Hockey Camps International
Don Liesemer
PO Box 10857, White Bear Lake (USA Office), MN 55110
612-325-0111
514-394-9449
[email protected]
http://www.hockeyministries.org
From 9-17, (jr and
day camp options
7-9), grouped by
age and ability.
Boys, Girls
June to August (week-long camps)
prices range from $295-$750 (D)
and (R) 15 Hours per week (exception Jr. Camp 10 hrs)
Dormitory or
Cabin - 24 hour
supervision
Sports, Swimming,
Videos, Evening
Chapels with Pros,
Special Outings
International drills,
Goalies, Power
Skating, Pro Instructors, Dry-land
Training, Christian
Values,
Fargo, St.
Louis, Minnesota,
Alaska, Dallas,
Chicago, Detroit,
Oaklahoma City,
LA, Spokane
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Minnesota Hockey Camps
Dean Grillo
24621 S Clark Lk Rd, P.O. Box 90, Nisswa, MN 56468
Toll free 877-423-2447
218-963-2325
[email protected]
http://www.mnhockeycamps.com
Pro/Am level 16 &
older, Main Camp
8 & older, Mite
Camp 6-8
R-$500 to $6525. Depending on
number of weeks attending. You
can also attend as a non resident
for a discounted price.
15.5 hours per week
Dormitory & Cabins at Minnewawa
Lodge Resort
Training Centre.
Swimming, Fishing, Rollerblading,
Floor Hockey,
Weight Training,
Plyometrics,
Pro Shop, Wifi,
Videos,
Pro/AM Conditioning Camp Main
Camp (Select
Series), Goalie,
Parent/Child, Girls,
Mite Day,
Brainerd Area
Civic Centre and
Brainerd Area
Gold Medal Arena.
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Planet Hockey TOTAL Player Skills Camps
Shawn Killian
509 Zircon Way, Superior, CO 80027
720-304-3880 or 1-800-320-7545
Ages 6+ grouped
by age & skill,
COMPLETE SKILLS
CAMP: Skating,
Stickhandling,
Scoring, Tm Play,
Video, more
70+ Camps worldwide! Planet Hockey
Ranch (CO & VT Resident Hockey/Adventure Camp). Play & train in Sweden
(July 2014) www.planethockey.com.
12-15 hrs/wk PLUS electronic personalized player evaluation & Video certified
int’l staff. 2 ice sessions daily.
Planet Hockey
Ranch - Resident
Hockey/Adventure
Camp. CO & VT
Resorts. Rafting,
Mtn Biking, Golf,
Waterpark
Prof. Staff, FREE
jersey, Bungie
Cords, Radar Gun,
Scrimmages,
Guaranteed
Improvement,
Elite Training
Sessions for all
levels & positions.
New Innovative
European drills
& the certified
coaches.
The most COMPLETE training!
Register by March
31 & SAVE. Our
20th year. Serious
HOCKEY & Serious
FUN
SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
EMAIL
WEBSITE
Twist High Performance Conditioning Camp
Josh Hunt
11015 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219
503-208-3458
503-208-3450
[email protected]
www.twistportland.com
Pro College, Major
Jr., Jr. A, Jr B,
Midget, Bantam,
Pee Wee, Female,
Placement based
on 12/13 season.
Billeting, Hotel
Spring Programs April 8 to June 27,
Elite 8 Week Camp June 30 to August
22, Summer Weekly Camps, June 30
to August 29. Atom, Pee Wee, Female
Camps avail Check website or call
for costs. Dryland: 10 to 15 hours per
week, On ice 6 hours per week.
Private Hockey
Conditioning Center, Field Training,
Nutrition, Mental
Training, C360
Test, Mountain
Cond.
Elite 8 Wk Camp,
NHL Pro Camp,
Weekly Dryland
and On-Ice, On-Ice
Speed & quickness
Twist Sport
Conditioning Center,
Portland, OR, On
Ice - Sherwood Ice
Arena, Sherwood,
OR
SCHOOL INFORMATION
STUDENT GROUPS
[email protected]
www.planethockey.com
SPECIAL PROGRAMS ON-ICE FACILITIES
LOOK FOR OUR NEXT SUMMER HOCKEY SCHOOL GUIDE COMING UP IN THE APRIL 21 ISSUE
FUTURE
PROSPECTS CAMP
SUMMER MINI
CAMP SERIES
KINGS
CAMP
TOYOTA Sports Center – June 11-13
Valencia, CA – June 23-25
Escondido, CA – July 11-13
Las Vegas, NV – July 21-23
Cathedral City, CA – Aug 13-15
TOYOTA Sports Center – August 3-9
OPEN TO PLAYERS AGES 5-15
REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 31.
OPEN TO TRAVEL PEEWEE,
BANTAM AA
AND AAA PLAYERS.
REGISTER ONLINE ONLY:
LAKINGS.COM/futures
OPEN TO PLAYERS AGES 5-15
REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 31.
REGISTER ONLINE ONLY:
LAKINGS.COM/summerseries
PRIDE=PASSION=POWER
REGISTER ONLINE ONLY:
LAKINGS.COM/kingscamp
FOR MORE INFO: 310.535.4472 OR EMAIL [email protected]
SUMMERHOCKEY
SCHOOLGUIDE
2014 U.S.A. WEST
Family Hockey Holiday In The Heartland
Photo courtesy of Heartland Hockey Camp.
T
he Heartland Hockey Camp
is a very special place
on earth. It is the only
Treetop bunks..
self-contained, privately
owned hockey camp on the entire
planet. As a result of this exclusive environment, all of our camp clientele enjoy
an atmosphere that is void of distractions
and disturbances. This type of positive
surrounding enhances each camper’s
concentration level and also intensifies the
level of everyone’s awareness & appreciation for the wonderful wide variety of funfilled recreational activities & world class
hockey instruction.
Situated on an 80 acre campus, the
Heartland Hockey Camp takes great pride
in offering outstanding hockey instruction, in a beautiful & scenic setting, in
the heart of Minnesota’s vacationland. In
the backdrop of gorgeous lakes, fabulous
recreation and natural beauty, our camp
offers the perfect setting for a memorable
hockey holiday & getaway. We encourage
your entire family to take advantage of
this positive & rewarding experience.
Stick-handling drills..
At our camp, campers grow and learn
about themselves, try new things, discover
hidden talents and are taught the importake responsibility, develop creative
tance of working hard. Having fun, making
thinking skills, gain confidence, all while
friends and understanding the value of
improving their personal self esteem. All
strong & impressive work ethic, are all
are necessary steps on a child’s path to a
distinguishing features of the Heartland
healthy, enjoyable & productive life.
Hockey Camp. Our camp experience is
The Heartland Hockey Camp has a repudesigned to help children mature socially,
tation
of being very demanding physically.
grow emotionally, expand intellectually
All campers will receive up to six hours of
and improve morally.
ice time each day. Our morning session
Heartland Hockey Camp is a very safe
is dedicated to individual skill develop& structured environment where children
ment & it is 2 hours in duration. In the
can live, interact and work out with posiafternoon session, we focus on team play
tive role models who listen, talk, relax and
& group tactics, which also lasts 2 hours.
reflect. It is through the fun recreational
In the evening, all campers are eligible to
activities & challenging training sessions
participate in our open hockey session,
that campers learn to work together,
which also lasts 2 hours. Our daily off-ice
makes choices, learn to problem solve,
ADVERTISING FEATURE
training programs consist of three mandatory workouts designed to improve each
player’s strength, power, agility, quickness
& endurance. Our professional staff will
conduct rigorous daily dry land training
sessions that will include sprint intervals,
resistance training, plyometrics, quick
foot movement, agility courses and drills
designed to improve explosiveness.
As owners, we look forward to
providing your child with such a
positive experience. Q
Sincerely,
Steve & Sandra Jensen
Founding Owners & Co-Directors
THE HOCKEY NEWS – FEBRUARY 17, 2014
45
By Ryan Kennedy
HERE’S A ROMANTICIZED IDEAL OF THE BEST LOCALES FOR
playing hockey, from the grassroots meccas of Minnesota and Boston to the teeming epicenters of puck love in
Montreal and Toronto. But take a look at Anaheim and
›‘—ǯŽŽϐ‹†ƒ’Žƒ…‡™Š‡”‡‡Ž‹–‡’Žƒ›‡”•†‘ǯ–Œ—•–ϐŽ‘…Ȃ
they also nest. “You get used to it pretty quick,” says Jonas Hiller. “You
ˆ‘”‰‡–Š‘™ˆ‘”–—ƒ–‡›‘—ƒ”‡–‘Šƒ˜‡•—›†ƒ›•ƒŽ‘•–‡˜‡”›†ƒ›Ǥdz
‹ŽŽ‡”‹•”‡ˆ‡””‹‰–‘–Š‡™‡ƒ–Š‡”‹”ƒ‰‡‘—–›ǡ„—–Š‡‡ƒ•‹Ž›
…‘—Ž†Šƒ˜‡„‡‡–ƒŽ‹‰ƒ„‘—––Š‡‘”‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘ǤŠ‡–‡ƒŠ‘•–‡†”‡…‡–ƒ†ˆ—–—”‡ƒŽŽ‘ˆƒ‡”•‡˜‡„‡ˆ‘”‡–Š‡—…•™‘–Š‡–ƒŽ‡›
—’‹ʹͲͲ͹ƒ†Šƒ•ǯ–‰‘‡ƒ›‡ƒ”™‹–Š‘—–‘‡‘‹–•”‘•–‡”•‹…‡Ǥ
Šƒ–Ž‹‡ƒ‰‡Šƒ•ƒŽŽ‘™‡†–™‘‘ˆ–Š‡›‘—‰‡•–…‘–”‹„—–‘”•ˆ”‘–Šƒ–
—’–‡ƒǡ›ƒ
‡–œŽƒˆƒ†‘”‡›‡””›ǡ–‘ϐŽ‘—”‹•Š‹–‘ƒ’‘–‡–‘ˆˆ‡•‹˜‡–ƒ†‡ƒ†„‡…‘‡–Š‡…‡–‡”‘ˆƒ–‡ƒ–Šƒ–‹•‘…‡ƒ‰ƒ‹ƒ
…Šƒ’‹‘•Š‹’…‘–‡†‡”ǤŽ‘‰–Š‡™ƒ›ǡ
‡–œŽƒˆƒ†‡””›™‹ŽŽ•Š‘‘–
ˆ‘”–Š‡‹”•‡…‘†Ž›’‹…‰‘Ž†‡†ƒŽ•ƒ•‡„‡”•‘ˆ‡ƒƒƒ†ƒƒ–
–Š‡‹–‡”
ƒ‡•‹‘…Š‹Ǥ
‡•’‹–‡ϐ‹‹•Š‹‰ʹͲͳʹǦͳ͵•‡…‘†‹–Š‡‡•–‡”‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ǡ–Š‡
—…• ™‡”‡ ‘…‡† ‘—– ‘ˆ –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– ”‘—† ‘ˆ –Š‡ ’‘•–Ǧ•‡ƒ•‘ „›
DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
orange
county
bounty
COREY
PERRY
9
game–winning goals for the
right winger, best in the NHL
and two off his career high
old rival Detroit. That pain has
fuelled the Fowl’s comeback
effort this season, in which a
steamrolling roster won 18 of
19 games at one point, making
excellent California club mates
San Jose and Los Angeles look
Ž‹‡ ƒŽ•‘Ǧ”ƒ• ‹ –Š‡ ƒ…‹ϐ‹… ‹vision race. “When you go into a
series like that as a higher seed
and you’re prepared to go on
a run, there’s obviously disappointment,” Getzlaf says. “But it
does reignite your passion.”
The seventh-seeded Red
Wings barely even made it into
the playoffs and the Ducks admittedly suffered from having
coasted in while Detroit built
up scar tissue just to earn its
slot. “It’s tough to lose like that,
especially in a series where
you thought you had the better
team,” Hiller says. “A few years
ago we were the ones upsetting
San Jose. Sometimes it’s not
’‘••‹„Ž‡–‘ϐŽ‹’–Šƒ–•™‹–…ŠǤdz
Though the loss to Detroit
wasn’t as shocking as the seeding would indicate (it was a
popular prediction among pundits), there were mitigating factors. Getzlaf played through the
series with a high ankle sprain,
while Perry had an unfortunate
scoring drought at precisely the
wrong time.
So consider 2013-14 a re-
set. And when you look at how
Getzlaf and Perry have played,
it will be no surprise if the Cup
ends up getting a bit sandy again
this summer. Getzlaf is putting
up his best offensive totals, on
pace to eclipse the 91-point
season he had in 2008-09. “He’s
big and strong and has the
hands of a 5-foot-8 skill player
in a 6-foot-4 man’s frame,” says
coach Bruce Boudreau. “He can
shoot the puck hard and he’s
smart. When that big truck gets
going, you hop on board.”
Getzlaf is also shooting more,
particularly on the power play.
As a result, the Getzlaf-Perry
setup/sniper relationship is
RYAN
GETZLAF
93
points the center was on
pace for, which would be the
best output of his career
DUSTIN
PENNER
+26
plus-minus rating for the
left winger, the first time
he’s been a plus since ’09-10
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 49
most important aspect has
been keeping his emotions in
check. “When I was younger
I tended to get off-topic with
other players or with the refs,”
he says. “Now I’ve learned to
control the things I can control.”
Luckily, he doesn’t have to
play against Perry. His longtime linemate won the Hart
and Rocket Richard trophies
in 2010-11, a season in which
Getzlaf missed 15 games due
to injury. Finding comparables
to Perry in the modern era is
hard, because he’s so nasty to
play against, yet lights the lamp
with the best of them. Points
and penalty minutes come in
abundance thanks to his ability to muck it up in the corners
ƒ† ‘…‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹ǡ Š‡ǯ• ƒ –‘’Ǧϐ‹˜‡
GETZLAF AND PERRY
WERE PLAYING 24
MINUTES A NIGHT…
I WANTED US TO
BECOME A FOURLINE TEAM – BRUCE BOUDREAU
points in 21 playoff games during the Ducks’ run to the title,
his line with Perry and Dustin
Penner was never the focus.
The top line was composed of
elders Teemu Selanne, Andy
McDonald and Chris Kunitz.
And, of course, there were the
two future Hall of Famers on
the blueline in Pronger and
Niedermayer. “I got to see the
best of the best in Scott Niedermayer,” Getzlaf says. “I learned
how to take a step back and
lead by example.”
He has also learned over the
years how to keep calm, even
when the beast inside was stirring. With a Cup and an Olympic gold medal already under
his belt, Getzlaf can look back
on what he has accomplished
already and see where he has
improved over the years. The
scorer in the NHL. Bryan Trottier and Ted Lindsay would be
proud. “He’s got a burning desire to perform and compete,”
Boudreau says. “He doesn’t take
any crap and he plays to win. If
we were playing golf, he would
scratch and claw until he won.”
As good as things appear
now, things haven’t always
been “just ducky” in Anaheim.
Š‡ –‡ƒ ϐ‹‹•Š‡† ͳ͵–Š ‹ –Š‡
West two years ago, leading to
–Š‡ ‹†Ǧ•‡ƒ•‘ ϐ‹”‹‰ ‘ˆ …‘ƒ…Š
Randy Carlyle. Almost immediately, the Ducks installed Boudreau, freshly deposed from
the Washington Capitals, and
the team was back on the winning track the next year. “Great
personality, great person,” says
left winger Dustin Penner. “He’s
honest and lots of fun to play
for. He’s genuinely happy for
50 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
the players and he wants them
to succeed.”
On top of the good vibes,
Boudreau also set out to
change the dynamic of the
roster. He doesn’t believe the
team had enough talent when
he arrived to do any real damage, plus the roster was too
top-heavy. “I looked at the stats
and the third and fourth lines
had no points,” he says. “Getzlaf and Perry were playing 24
minutes a night and I thought,
geez…they’re trying hard, but
they can’t come back in games.
I wanted a four-line team.”
Boudreau
communicated
this to GM Bob Murray, who
went to work. Granted, Murray
and his scouting staff had already laid most of the foundations through the draft. It was
just a matter of waiting until
players such as Nick Bonino
and Kyle Palmieri found their
footing in the NHL. But saying
goodbye to veterans such as
Jason Blake and Niklas Hagman, while retaining the essential services of Selanne
and Saku Koivu, meant the
team had players from all age
groups coming together as one,
with Selanne and Koivu acting
as role models. “We’re pretty
much a band of brothers,” Perry
says. “When you get the younger guys hanging around with a
guy like Teemu, that’s going to
help their careers. He’s pretty
much the hardest-working guy
on the team.”
Perhaps the most important developments have
come on the back end. The
season got off to a foreboding start when
veteran defenseman
Sheldon
Souray
wrecked his wrist
while working out in
the summer with
a medicine ball.
Souray would
have brought
size, experi-
HAMPUS
LINDHOLM
ence and a cannon shot from
the point, but instead will end
ʹͲͳ͵ǦͳͶ ™‹–Š ƒ Dzdz ‡š– –‘
his stat line due to season-ending surgery. Then Luca Sbisa
went down with an ankle inŒ—”› –Šƒ– …‘•– Š‹ –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– ͳͷ
games and he has been hobbled
by several maladies since. But
wouldn’t you know it? Everyone stepped up. Cam Fowler
is playing huge minutes and is
ƒ ’Ž—• ’Žƒ›‡” ˆ‘” –Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‹‡
in his NHL career, while Mark
Fistric (signed as a free agent in
the wake of the Souray injury)
and Ben Lovejoy have taken
their games to new levels. On
top of that, rookies Hampus
Lindholm and Sami Vatanen
have been excellent, with Lindholm even garnering support to
win the Calder Trophy. “It was a
surprise to everybody the way
Sami and Hampus have played,”
says rock-steady defenseman
Francois Beauchemin. “They
contribute every night.”
Even in net, the Ducks have an
embarrassment of riches. Hiller
is the starter, but Viktor Fasth
FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
now more nuanced and dangerous. But Getzlaf’s impact on the
team goes far beyond offense.
As the captain of a franchise
with legendary leaders in its
recent past – Chris Pronger and
Scott Niedermayer wore the ‘C’
prior to him – Getzlaf’s had a lot
–‘Ž‹˜‡—’–‘Ǥ—–Š‡ǯ•ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†–Š‡
role well. “He has become as
good a leader as you can have
in the game today,” Boudreau
says. “I know those are strong
words when you have guys like
Sidney Crosby and Jonathan
Toews around, but off the ice,
he makes sure everything is
good with this team.”
For a player who won a Cup
in just his second NHL season,
it’s been a growing process
for Getzlaf. Though he had 17
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
TOP: ANAHEIM DUCKS; HILLER: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES; ANDERSEN: PAUL BERESWILL/GETTY IMAGES
Perry and Getzlaf are the faces
of the Ducks, but still preserve
their privacy in Anaheim.
was one of the great stories last
season, coming out of nowhere
to win 15 games (four by shutout) in 25 appearances with
a 2.18 goals-against average.
This season, it was Frederik Andersen’s turn. Literally a great
Dane (he hails from Herning)
Andersen comes in at 6-foot4, 230 pounds and has shown
no signs of nerves, winning 13
‘ˆŠ‹•ϐ‹”•–ͳͷ•–ƒ”–•™Š‹Ž‡
dealing with the fact the Ducks
Šƒ˜‡•‡–Š‹–‘‘”ˆ‘Ž‹–Š‡
American League three times
due to a lack of roster space.
Hiller welcomes the competition and has noticed the effect
ƒ– –Š‡ ”‹Ǥ Dz‡ϐ‹‹–‡Ž› ‹ ’”ƒ…tice,” he says. “You see another
goalie stopping everything at
the other end, you want to step
it up. That increases your level.
It’s also nice to know if you’re
not feeling good, there’s someone who can step in.”
But when it comes to getting
everyone smiling, it’s hard to
top Penner. The prodigal son
returned this summer, six seasons after he decamped to Edmonton, for what turned out to
be a rocky stint after signing a
controversial free agent offer
sheet, followed by glory in Los
Angeles, where he won his second Cup. “He’s a character and
a guy everybody wants to be
around,” Perry says. “He’s really
energized this room.”
Penner and Perry lived near
‡ƒ…Š‘–Š‡”–Š‡ϐ‹”•––‹‡ƒ”‘—†
in Anaheim and though Penner
admits it’s hard to stay close after moving to a different team,
he’s happy to rekindle his buddy relationship with Perry. “You
form friendships and strong
bonds because you spend nearly every waking hour together,”
Penner says. “Then you’re gone
and you’re on different schedules. You make new friends on
your new team.”
Like a lot of the Ducks,
Penner is having a great offensive season, especially on the
power play. But he also takes
pride in his ability to set the
tone for the day as composer
and gatekeeper of the dressing
room iPod set list. “For (Lindholm) and (Jakob) Silfverberg,
I’ll toss on some Miley Cyrus or
Justin Bieber,” he says teasingly.
“But the big guy that wears the
‘C,’ he likes country, so in the
morning I’ll put on some country, followed by classic rock and
alternative. Before game time,
whether they guys realize it or
not, I put on music that gets the
blood boiling. It’s a very special
job. I probably don’t get paid
enough for my DJ skills.”
Penner will have to settle
for a chance at another title.
He reveals Getzlaf had actually
lobbied him to come back to
Anaheim sooner, but with the
Kings having a chance to repeat
ƒ•…Šƒ’•ǡ‡‡”™ƒ–‡†
–‘‰‹˜‡–Šƒ–ƒ•Š‘–ϐ‹”•–Ǥ
He did, however, get to see
how the Ducks performed last
season and thought the squad
looked legitimate. Penner has
essentially replaced Bobby
Ryan, the last top-line winger
to play with Getzlaf and Perry,
though the two are different types of players. Staying
in Southern California to play
for a contending team didn’t
hurt Penner’s decision, either.
“You can keep some anonymity
here,” he says. “And when peo’Ž‡ ϐ‹† ‘—– ™Š‘ ›‘— ƒ”‡ǡ –Š‡›
don’t look at you like you have
three eyes.”
Great weather, nice fans and
the chance to play with two of
–Š‡ ǯ• ‘•– ’‘–‡– ˆ‘”…‡•Ǥ
There’s a big difference between
the Ducks and The Eagles, but
both groups would agree that
once you come to California, it’s
hard to really leave.
SHARE OF STARTS FOR ANAHEIM GOALIES
VIKTOR FASTH
5 GAMES (2-2-1)
9%
64%
JONAS HILLER
35 GAMES (24-7-4)
27%
FREDERIK ANDERSEN
15 GAMES (13-2-0)
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 51
NHL TEAM REPORTS
NHL TEAM
BACKING
THE BIG GUY
Backstrom knows where the
spotlight will go in Washington
and he’s OK with laying low
BY KEN CAMPBELL
B
he plays in Ovechkin’s rather large shadow.
Much of it also has to do with the fact he
does so many of the little things that don’t
necessarily show up on the stats line. It
doesn’t seem to bother him, though. One
pretty consistent characteristic shared by
Swedish players is they’re not terribly impressed with themselves and Backstrom
does absolutely nothing to shatter that image. “I’m a guy who just comes to work and
tries to do my best every day,” Backstrom
says. “If the newspaper doesn’t write about
me, I don’t really care about that. I mean if
they want to write about me, sure, but I’m
not bothered if they don’t.”
In fact, Backstrom sees it as a perfect arrangement. He knows Ovechkin loves the
spotlight and deserves to bask in it, all the
better for Backstrom to simply go about his
business without anyone making a fuss over
him. If that results in him being on the list of
the 10 most underrated players in the NHL,
well that’s OK, too.
As the Sochi Games approach, it might
’”‘˜‡–‘„‡ƒŽ‹––Ž‡‘”‡†‹ˆϐ‹…—Ž–ˆ‘”Š‹–‘
‡‡’Š‹•Ž‘™’”‘ϐ‹Ž‡Ǥ–™‘—Ž†•‡‡ƒƒ–—”ƒŽ
ϐ‹– ˆ‘” Š‹ –‘ …‡–‡” Ž‡šƒ†‡” –‡‡ǡ ™Š‘
52 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
HOW MAY I ASSIST YOU?
Nicklas Backstrom is making a living
feeding the puck to Alex Ovechkin
while playing solid defense.
leads all Swedish NHL goal scorers this
season, since Daniel and Henrik Sedin have
such good chemistry together. That gives
the Swedes the potential for two potent
lines, centered by two players who can play
both ends of the ice equally well.
The Swedes enter Sochi as a favorite
to win the gold medal and Backstrom acknowledges the Swedes look very good “on
paper.” But that’s as far as he’s willing to go.
The Swedes skate with much more swagger than they have in the past, but there’s
no way Backstrom is willing to go as far as
Andre Burakovsky, a Capitals prospect who
boasted before the World Junior Championship that the Swedes were better than Canada on paper. He turned out to be right. The
Swedes were better than Canada on paper
and on the ice, but Backstrom is not prone
to such outlandish statements. After all, it
™‘—Ž†ǯ–ϐ‹–Š‹•—†‡”•–ƒ–‡†•–›Ž‡ǤDzǯƒŽ•‘
a little smarter than that,” he says.
GERRY THOMAS/NHL VIA GETTY IMAGES
ACK IN THE DAY, ADAM OATES WAS AN
unassuming, ridiculously creative centerman who regularly put pucks on
the stick of a larger-than-life superstar. Now when he looks out from behind
the Washington Capitals bench, he sees
another unassuming, ridiculously creative
centerman who regularly puts pucks on the
stick of a larger-than-life superstar.
Nicklas Backstrom reminds Oates a lot of
himself. Just as Oates was the defensive conscience and main pass feeder to Brett Hull
for his 86-goal season with the St. Louis
Blues more than two decades ago, Backstrom is the creative and responsible one
behind Ovechkin’s run for a second straight
Rocket Richard Trophy. “It’s weird in a way,”
Oates says. “He’s an understated guy who
plays with Ovie, who is overstated. And I
think he likes it that way. We’re pretty similar personalities and they (Hull and Ovechkin) are very similar personalities.”
ƒ…•–”‘ǡ Š‘™‡˜‡”ǡ ‹• †‡ϐ‹‹–‡Ž› …ƒ”˜ing out his own niche. Yes, half of his 38 assists this season have come on 19 of Ovechkin’s 35 goals. But Backstrom has proven
to be a versatile player, in terms of setting
up other teammates and playing a sound
defensive game, something that goes unnoticed because the Capitals have been so
porous defensively as a group. Entering the
Sochi Olympics, Backstrom is this season’s
highest-scoring player from Sweden and
could edge out Henrik Sedin as the country’s No. 1 center.
Much of what Backstrom does goes directly under the radar. Part of that has to
do with his personality, much of it because
NHL TEAM REPORTS
SPIRIT OF
ST-LOUIS
Not even an Olympic “snub” by
his Tampa boss can dampen
Marty’s never-ending will to win
BY ADAM PROTEAU
GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
I
T MAY BE A CLICHE THAT EVEN THE NHL’S
best talents must continuously prove
themselves, but it’s a cliche because it’s
accurate. Take the career of Tampa Bay
Lightning star Martin St-Louis. His legacy
was long secured. He’s a Stanley Cup champion and a Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award winner. Of course, when you
persevere through consistent doubts, as
St-Louis has for most of his hockey career,
and when you have the skills to be nearly
a point-per-game NHLer over the course
of 1,000-plus games, you are often driven
to push toward your second set of wildest
†”‡ƒ•ƒˆ–‡””‡ƒŽ‹œ‹‰–Š‡ϐ‹”•–‘‡•Ǥ
In that sense, the last remaining target on
St-Louis’ list was an Olympic gold medal, a
chance to avenge (a) losing as a member of
Canada’s 2006 Olympic team that cratered
spectacularly in Turin and (b) being left
off the 2010 Vancouver team that won the
tournament. So when St-Louis stormed out
of the gate with 17 goals and 38 points in 42
games (many without star linemate Steven
Stamkos), he was serving notice.
But in the end, it wasn’t enough to get him
on the roster. And to make matters worse,
–Š‡ ƒ ™‹–Š ϐ‹ƒŽ ƒ—–Š‘”‹–› ‘ ƒƒ†ƒǯ•
team was Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, the
same Yzerman who hadn’t included him
on the 2010 squad. For some players, that
might have meant the end of a working relationship. For St-Louis, it meant his nose was
going back to the grindstone.
In 10 games after the Olympic announcement, he had eight goals and 14 points,
helping the Bolts stay near the top of standings. “There are ups and downs throughout
your season personally,” St-Louis says.
He also downplays the notion Tampa’s
non-Olympians could use the break to prepare for the playoff push. “Rest is good,” he
says, “but it doesn’t matter sometimes if
MIND IS WHAT MATTERS
Lightning captain Martin St-Louis
believes rest is only a good thing if you
have the right attitude along with it.
HALL OF FAME
you’re rested. It’s where your head is at. It’s
how willing you are to keep pushing and doing the right thing.”
You have to wonder how St-Louis is still
capable of imposing his will on the ice as
he nears 40. Does he live only to eat energy
bars and wheatgrass smoothies and prepare plates of crow for his detractors? Probably not. But this much is true: his willpower is as strong as ever because it’s a lot like
a muscle. And in St-Louis’ life, that determination has been all he’s had at many points.
Consequently, he’s developed it far sooner
and far better than most NHLers ever will.
If there’s something his resolve can’t control, like the Olympics, you’d best believe
he’s doubling down on what he can take
care of: his consistency, the Lightning and
a pursuit of another Stanley Cup. His teammates see that every day. “He rubs off on
everyone, not just the younger guys,” Lightning veteran Ryan Malone says. “We’re all
infected by his energy and his passion. He’s
been a great friend and teammate from Day
1 and he’s still the exact same player I re‡„‡”›ϐ‹”•–›‡ƒ”‹–Š‡Ž‡ƒ‰—‡Ǥ‡ǯ•ƒ
game-changer.”
FOR ST-LOUIS?
It took until he was 23 for Martin StLouis to play his first NHL game. He
didn’t establish himself as a regular until
he was 25. And he didn’t make it as a
top-six forward until the age of 27.
A little more than a decade later, StLouis is creeping close to Hall of Fame
territory. Does the 38-year-old mighty
mite have what it takes to make it?
St-Louis won the Stanley Cup, Hart
Trophy, Art Ross Trophy and was a
first-team NHL all-star in 2003-04. That
immediately put him in a special class.
But at the time St-Louis won the
Hart, he had just 259 NHL points and
was 29. What the artful dodger then
accomplished stats-wise in his 30s is
truly amazing. It’s quite probable StLouis will average more than a point per
game during the decade of his 30s.
So is he a Hall of Famer? All St-Louis
has to do the next two or three seasons
is sustain a level of productive play. If
that happens, he’s a very good bet for
induction. – BRIAN COSTELLO
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 53
Fifth-year center Nick Bonino
is poised to establish career
highs in goals and points – and
that includes his time in the
AHL and college hockey. Bonino
will eclipse the 18 goals and
50 points he had for Boston
University five years ago. He’s
also improved three straight
seasons in the faceoff circle
and is closing in on 50 percent.
MANNY
MALHOTRA
MANNY’S
HAPPY RETURN
Malhotra has revived his career in Carolina and
is back to being one of the league’s faceoff aces
T
WO YEARS AFTER TAKING A PUCK TO
the eye and one year after the Vancouver Canucks said it wasn’t safe
for him to play, Manny Malhotra is
again dominating faceoff circles in the
NHL. But it’s been a long road back.
After the Canucks sat Malhotra out
most of last season and let his contract
expire in the summer, the Carolina Hur”‹…ƒ‡•–‘‘ƒϐŽ‹‡”ƒ†‰ƒ˜‡Š‹ƒ–”›‘—– ™‹–Š –Š‡‹” ‡”‹…ƒ ‡ƒ‰—‡ ƒˆϐ‹Ž‹ate, the Charlotte Checkers. Malhotra
made the roster and turned that into a
pro contract with Carolina. “Having the
opportunity to come back to the NHL
is incredible,” Malhotra said. “I’ve never
taken a day for granted in this league
and when you get the opportunity
to continue your career you’re very
thankful for it.”
Malhotra was hit in the left eye by a
puck Mar. 16, 2011, while playing for
the Canucks. The injury cost him much
of the vision in his eye and forced him
to miss most of Vancouver’s run to the
–ƒŽ‡›—’ϐ‹ƒŽǤ‡™ƒ•„ƒ…™‹–Š–Š‡
team for 2011-12, but in a reduced role
because management felt he wasn’t the
same player after the injury.
Malhotra renewed his commitment
to training prior to 2012-13, but he
appeared in just nine games for the
Canucks before GM Mike Gillis put him
on injured reserve, saying it wasn’t
safe for him to play in the NHL. “We
felt strongly last year that there was a
risk with him out on the ice,” Gillis said
at a press conference Feb. 14, 2013. “I
wasn’t prepared to live with that.”
But Malhotra wasn’t ready to let the
injury end his career. “It was obviously
very frustrating to me, after so many
years, being told you’re not allowed to
do what you love to do,” Malhotra said.
“I didn’t agree at all with Mike’s comments and how he saw what I was doing out there.”
Malhotra joined the Hurricanes in
November and has been a regular ever
since, centering the fourth line, eating
up valuable shorthanded minutes and
continuing his faceoff dominance. He
said the eye injury hasn’t affected his
approach to taking draws and the numbers bear that out. At the halfway mark
‘ˆ–Š‡•‡ƒ•‘ǡƒŽŠ‘–”ƒ”ƒ‡†–‘’Ǧϐ‹˜‡
in the league in faceoff winning percentage, hovering around the 60-per…‡–ƒ”ǤDzǯˆ‡‡Ž‹‰‘”‡…‘ϐ‹†‡–Ǥ
I’m feeling more like myself now,” Malhotra said. “I keep repeating to myself, I
feel ‘normal’ again.” – JOSH ELLIOTT
54 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
There was probably nobody
on the Bruins happier to see
the calendar turn to 2014 than
Brad Marchand. After starting
the season with just one goal
in 14 games, ‘The Little Ball of
Hate’ had eight goals and 14
points in 12 games in January.
As a result, he’s a shoo-in to
post the third 20-goal season
of his four-year career.
The Sabres are the worst team
in the NHL, but you can’t accuse
their supporters of being fairweather fans. Through 29 home
games, the Sabres averaged
18,466 per game with seven
sellouts and no crowd lower
than 17,583. That could change
if Buffalo unloads Ryan Miller,
Matt Moulson and Steve Ott at
the trade deadline.
When Lance Bouma was
healing from knee surgery last
season that limited him to three
AHL games, he probably never
imagined being parked in the
crease on the Calgary power
play less than a year later. He
used a relentless work ethic
and three goals in six games to
win time, playing on the Flames’
man-advantage unit.
Edmonton fans drooled over the
possibility of landing Saskatchewan boy Cam Ward via trade,
but instead the team nabbed
Albertan Ben Scrivens from L.A.
Still, with Anton Khudobin and
Justin Peters outplaying the
longtime Cane, Carolina has a
decision to make. Ward does
have the most experience, a big
contract and a no-trade clause.
MALHOLTRA: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; BONINO+BOUMA: GERRY THOMAS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; MARCHAND: DEREK LEUNG/GETTY IMAGES; OTT: BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; KHUDOBIN: KIRK IRWIN/GETTY IMAGES
NHL TEAM REPORTS
KRONWALL: ABELIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES; BICKELL: BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; BARRIE+BENN: DEREK LEUNG/GETTY IMAGES; HORTON: LANCE THOMSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; DATSYUK: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
NHL TEAM REPORTS
As Bryan Bickell struggled to
deliver on his $4-million cap hit,
the Hawks stayed positive early,
but after a 17-game stretch in
which Bickell had three points,
Joel Quenneville benched him.
The coach admitted the Hawks
“need a lot more” from Bickell,
who in half a season hadn’t
matched his goal and point
totals from the 2013 playoffs.
Young blueliner Tyson Barrie
was sent down to AHL Lake
Erie for turnover-laden play
in November. Upon his return
less than a month later, he was
asked to move his feet more
and play to his strength as a
puck-mover. Barrie has improved dramatically since then.
He opened the New Year with
seven points in nine games.
The Jackets knew they had to
wait for Nathan Horton, the star
free agent signing who missed
the first few months of the
season due to shoulder surgery,
but it was worth it. His poise and
experience helped Columbus
climb into the wildcard hunt with
five wins in his first six games
and the big winger chipped in
four points during the stretch.
Jamie Benn wasn’t the only Star
having a memorable year. His
brother Jordie Benn established himself as a full-time
NHLer and led Dallas D-men in
plus-minus. Jordie even scored
on a penalty shot Jan. 21. It was
awarded after Minnesota stopper Darcy Kuemper threw his
stick when Jordie sprung from
the penalty box for a breakaway.
Not only were Pavel Datsyuk
and the Red Wings in jeopardy
of missing the playoffs for the
first time since 1989-90, they
were also on pace for their
lowest point total in 23 years.
With just 57 in 53 games, the
Red Wings were on pace for
88 points, which would be their
worst finish since 1990-91
when they had 76.
NIKLAS
KRONWALL
TAKING OVER
ALL BUT THE ‘C’
Kronwall is now the ‘Nik’ leading the Wings blueline,
having taken over for Lidstrom in (almost) every way
A
S THE DETROIT RED WINGS WENT
to the power play against the
Florida Panthers, defenseman
Niklas Kronwall jumped over the
boards to man the point. Later, when
defensive partner Jonathan Ericsson was called for hooking, Kronwall
switched gears and went into penalty
kill mode. No matter the situation, the
Wings count on Kronwall. You could
say he’s arrived in the ‘Nik’ of time, but
more accurately he came when another
Nick left the game.
When Nicklas Lidstrom, seven-time
Norris Trophy winner, announced his
retirement following 2011-12, fellow
Swede Kronwall instantly became the
go-to guy on the Detroit blueline. “He
does everything,” said defenseman
Brendan Smith. “He makes everybody
better around him.”
While he may not perform in the
same stratosphere as Lidstrom, Kronwall plays a similarly patient, understated game. “We notice him,” said
coach Mike Babcock. “He’s a real important guy for us.”
Kronwall, 33, has led the team in average ice time each of the two seasons
since Lidstrom stepped away, generally
playing between 23 to 24 minutes per
game. Babcock seeks to limit his No. 1
defender to between seven and eight
‹—–‡•†—”‹‰–Š‡ϐ‹”•–’‡”‹‘†–‘‡‡’
his batteries at high power, then he
ramps up Kronwall’s ice time as game
situations warrant. With additional ice
time on his plate these past two seasons, Kronwall has adjusted his style.
“If you play more minutes, you won’t
be as active in the rush,” Kronwall said.
“But other than that, it doesn’t feel like
it’s changed.”
His “Kronwalled” bodychecks have
also been curtailed, partly due to an
increased workload. “I take the opportunity when given,” he said. “So far this
year, there hasn’t been that many.”
Kronwall admits he learned plenty
from Lidstrom during the eight seasons
he played with him in Detroit. “If you
look at a guy like Nick, he never made
any mistakes and he never really played
a bad game,” Kronwall said. “That’s
something I’m trying to work on every
day, to have a higher consistency.”
Kronwall’s teammates insist he’s
already found it. “He’s unbelievable
and he makes the game better on everybody,” Smith said. “I think he’s one
of the top three defensemen in the
league.” – BOB DUFF
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 55
No player has spent more time
with one team while appearing
on the trade block more than a
dozen times than right winger
Ales Hemsky. He is scoring at
his poorest pace in a decade
and his fourth contract with the
Oilers expires in June. Latest
report? Because of limited return via trade, Edmonton would
be wise to re-sign him.
TIM
THOMAS
STICKING WHERE
THE SUN SHINES
New mask and all, Thomas hopes to stay in Florida
and his teammates would be happy to have him back
I
N LATE JANUARY, TIM THOMAS WAS IN
the corridor of the Air Canada Centre in Toronto trying on a new helmet he hoped to use after the Olympics. And just so you know, yes, it has a
Florida Panthers theme.
He was asked if that means he intends on sticking with the Panthers.
“That’s the plan,” he said. Oh, so you
don’t intend on waiving your no-movement clause for a deal at the deadline?
“I was actually thinking past this year.”
The Panthers signed Thomas to
a one-year deal in August, taking a
chance on a 39-year-old goalie who
had taken a year off. And for the most
part it has worked out well. Thomas
has provided the Panthers with qual‹–›‡–‹†‹‰ƒ†ƒ˜‡–‡”ƒ‹ϐŽ—‡…‡
and the Panthers have given Thomas
an opportunity to recapture the passion of playing in the NHL.
And Thomas likes what he sees in
Florida, enough so to stay longer if
they’ll have him. “I’m looking forward
to being a part of the process of turning
this team around,” he said. “It isn’t anything I haven’t had before in my career,
it just hasn’t been in a while. If you look
ƒ– › ϐ‹”•– …‘—’Ž‡ ‘ˆ ›‡ƒ”• ‹ ‘•–‘ǡ
we were in the same spot.”
Thomas signed a deal that pays him
$2.5 million in salary and $1.3 million
in bonuses: $500,000 if the Panthers
make the playoffs (unlikely), $250,000
for 15 wins (he had 14 as of late January), $250,000 for 20 wins (attainable)
and another $250,000 for 25 wins
(outside shot). It’s all pretty impressive
considering Thomas took a full season
off in his late 30s. Aside from some
early groin issues, it has been a positive ride. “I’ve got tens of thousands
of hours of practice doing this game,”
Š‡•ƒ‹†ǤDz”‡Ž‹‡†‘–Šƒ–ƒ†›…‘ϐ‹dence I had in my ability to come back
and I do feel pretty good about how I’ve
been able to play.”
Thomas has never been one to mince
words or keep his opinions to himself.
—– Š‹• –‡ƒƒ–‡• Šƒ˜‡ ˆ‘—† Š‹ –‘
be an engaging teammate, one they like
to be around. “He backs it up because
he knows what he’s talking about,”
•ƒ‹† †‡ˆ‡•‡ƒ ”‹ƒ ƒ’„‡ŽŽǤ Dz
like bouncing things off Tim because
he knows lots of things – whether it’s
about a camera or political questions,
he’s just a smart guy. He’s not loud and
obnoxious, but he’s strong in his beliefs, which is great…He’s still a great
teammate.” – KEN CAMPBELL
56 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
Not only did the Panthers not
have a player in the top 150
scorers through January, they
were on their way to a new low.
Brad Boyes and Aleksander
Barkov were on pace for 38
points. The only time their
leading scorer had fewer was
in 1994-95 and last season,
both of which were 48 games
because of lockouts.
Alec Martinez had the tweet of
the day during the Kings’ outdoor game at Dodger Stadium
Jan. 25: “Many great Martinez’s
graced this field before me, but
I bet none have done it in a pair
of skates.” Among the famous
major-leaguers, Pedro and
Ramon played for the Dodgers,
Dennis, Edgar, Tino and Victor
(active) didn’t.
On a team filled with high-end
forward prospects, Justin
Fontaine was a surprise emergence as Minnesota’s thirdleading goal scorer. He went
undrafted out of the University
of Minnesota-Duluth, where he
won an NCAA title, and stands
just 5-foot-10. In January, he
became the first rookie in Wild
history to record a hat trick.
When Canadian tennis star
Eugenie Bouchard said after
her quarterfinal victory in the
Australian Open that she’d
like to go on a date with Justin
Bieber, it raised more than a
few eyebrows in Montreal. It
has long been rumored that the
19-year-old Bouchard is actually
dating Canadiens youngster
Alex Galchenyuk.
THOMAS+BOYES: DEREK LEUNG/GETTY IMAGES; HEMSKY: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; MARTINEZ: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; FONTAINE: BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; GALCHENYUK: FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
NHL TEAM REPORTS
JOSI: CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES; DUBNYK: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; JOSEFSON: FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; VANEK: JOEL AUERBACH/GETTY IMAGES; MOORE: BRIAN BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; SPEZZA: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
NHL TEAM REPORTS
In the early going, a trade to
Nashville didn’t remedy Devan
Dubnyk’s problems. He allowed
nine goals in his first two starts
as a Predator. Pekka Rinne’s
four replacements combined to
go 19-19-7 with a 2.90 GAA and
.901 SP. That was not a recipe
for making the playoffs considering Nashville also ranked
23rd in goals per game.
It’s hard to gauge Jacob
Josefson’s progress: anytime
he’s inserted in the lineup, he
doesn’t last long before sitting
in the press box again. Josefson, 22, was part of a great
first-round cohort of Swedes
in the 2009 draft, led by Victor
Hedman and Oliver EkmanLarsson. But the Devils center
had just one assist in 18 games.
The Isles were nearly universally
ripped for trading Matt Moulson
and a first and second-round
pick to Buffalo for Thomas
Vanek, not because of Vanek’s
talent level, but because of his
contract. Vanek is a UFA this
summer, but the Austrian said
he would consider re-signing on
Long Island, even if he’s dealt
before the trade deadline.
New Rangers coach Alain Vigneault has changed the way ice
time is divvied up. On defense,
John Tortorella really pushed
his top four, but Vigneault was
finding minutes for players such
as John Moore, whose time
increased to 15:26 from 11:46.
Last year, four ‘D’ averaged 23
minutes per game. This year
only Ryan McDonagh does.
TSN may not have the NHL for
the next 12 years, but it does
have the Senators. The team
and the network confirmed a
12-year radio and TV rights deal
in late January that will cover
French and English broadcasts.
Fans will most likely see their
local cable bills go up $9.95 per
month to watch Jason Spezza
and his team.
ROMAN
JOSI
ROMAN PAYS
REVERENCE
Josi takes Streit’s line to the NHL as he prepares to
anchor Switzerland’s ‘D’ with a trailblazing countryman
A
S HE HONES HIS SKILLS ALONGSIDE
one of the planet’s best defensemen, Roman Josi is thankful for
a pioneer, countryman and current Philadelphia Flyers blueliner who
helped pave the way for Swiss players
Ž‹‡Š‹‹–Š‡ǤDz–ϐ‹”•––Š‡”‡™‡”‡
‘Ž› ‰‘ƒŽ‹‡• …‘‹‰ ‘˜‡”ǡ „—– –Š‡ ϐ‹”•–
(skater) to really make it was Mark Streit,” Josi said. “He really opened the
doors for all the young players in Switœ‡”Žƒ†Ǥ ‡ Šƒ† ƒ –‘—‰Š ϐ‹”•– •‡ƒ•‘ǡ
but fought through it.”
Josi’s path to North American hockey was different than Streit’s, who was
ʹ͹™Š‡Š‡’Žƒ›‡†Š‹•ϐ‹”•–‰ƒ‡Ǥ
Josi, 23, was drafted by Nashville in
the second round (38th overall) in
2008, played a season in the American League in 2010-11 to acclimate to
the smaller ice surface, then made the
jump to the NHL the following season.
He’s now fully settled in Nashville and
is second on the Predators in ice time
behind his defense partner, captain
Shea Weber.
He’s not the biggest country music
fan – house/dance music is more to
his liking – but he enjoys the city and
is establishing himself as a force in the
world’s best league.
Josi, who is one of Switzerland’s key
players for the Sochi Games, has also
„‡‡ ’”‘ϐ‹…‹‡– ™Š‡ …ƒŽŽ‡† ‘ –‘ ”‡turn to the international scene. At the
2013 World Championship, he helped
the Swiss to a silver medal, which was
–Š‡‹” „‡•– ϐ‹‹•Š •‹…‡ ͳͻ͵ͷǤ ‘•‹ ™ƒ•
named an all-star, the tournament’s
best defenseman and, most impres•‹˜‡Ž›ǡ ‹–• ǡ ƒ‹‰ Š‹ –Š‡ ϐ‹”•–
player from Switzerland to receive the
honor. So he doesn’t let the opportunity to represent his country again go
unappreciated. And he’s pleased to see
the growth of the sport back home and
the increasing stream of Swiss talent
migrating across the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s growing a lot,” Josi said. “There are
more guys coming to the NHL, more
guys coming over to play in Canadian
junior leagues. Not a lot of North Americans know about the Swiss league, but
it’s fast and skilled.”
Josi also counts his blessings playing
with a perennial Norris Trophy candidate. He marvels at Weber’s on-ice skills
and also at the level head he’ has kept in
the face of stardom. “He’s so down to
earth and he really does everything for
the team,” Josi said. “It’s impressive for
all he’s done.” – ADAM PROTEAU
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 57
Considering he’s made a career
out of being tough to play
against, it’s a bad sign Steve
Downie was made a healthy
scratch in three of eight games
recently by coach Craig Berube.
The decision had to do with
Downie’s compete level and
while it will be remedied, it’s a
red flag for a guy traded three
times in six seasons.
JOE
THORNTON
CONSUMMATE
PROFESSIONAL
Thornton brushes off his Olympic snub and carries
on with business as usual as he seeks his first Cup
T
HE TELEVISION REPORTER FRAMED
the question as if he already knew
how Joe Thornton would react after not being selected for Canada’s
Olympic team earlier that Jan. 7 morning. Could he, the reporter asked, try to
put his disappointment into words?
Surprise. The sometimes-surly
Thornton went in another direction.
“You look at the roster and Canada’s
really stacked,” he said. “I’ve had the
privilege of playing in the Olympics and
the World Cup. It is such a hard team to
make. They have so many good players
to choose from. What can I say? I hope
they bring back the gold.”
If Team Canada didn’t want the
NHL’s assist leader on its roster, so be
it. Less than three weeks later, Thornton, 34, landed a nice consolation
prize: a three-year, $20.3-million contract extension with the Sharks. The
next night, he marked the occasion by
scoring two of San Jose’s three goals
against the Minnesota Wild, including
the overtime winner.
Thornton’s productivity isn’t what it
once was, but his passes have helped
elevate teammate Joe Pavelski into
the upper echelon of NHL goal scorers
and Thornton is on pace for 87 points,
which would be his highest total since
2009-10. “He’s like wine,” said coach
Todd McLellan. “He gets better with
age.”
In their six years together, McLellan
has added a defensive dimension to
Thornton’s game, making him a more
…‘’Ž‡–‡ ’Žƒ›‡” ™‹–Š‘—– •–‹ϐŽ‹‰ Š‹•
offensive creativity. The coach cuts the
captain a little slack if a risky pass here
or there doesn’t pay off and Thornton
buys into the system McLellan has implemented.
For years, Thornton would slow the
pace down to his advantage. But the
game changed and when McLellan demanded a more up-tempo style, Thornton changed, too. “When he stresses
it every day, it’s pretty easy to adapt.”
Thornton said. “I feel like my game’s
been strong and very consistent.”
The knock on Thornton is that he
has never made it to the Stanley Cup
ϐ‹ƒŽǤ—–…‡ŽŽƒǡ…‹–‹‰’Žƒ›‡”••—…Š
as Ray Bourque and Dave Andreychuk
in similar circumstances, sees how that
can work to the Sharks’ advantage.
“The hunger grows as you get older,”
McLellan said, “because your opportunity for success becomes that much
shorter.” – DAVID POLLAK
58 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
After a four-year dry spell,
Mike Ribeiro is poised to lead
his third team in scoring. The
center has led the Montreal
Canadiens and Dallas Stars and
held the Phoenix lead approaching the Olympic break.
Ribeiro led his team in points
four times in a five-season
stretch before being an alsoran the next four seasons.
Matt Niskanen has quietly
been one of the most effective
Penguins, upping his game
while his blueline peers were injured. His Corsi rating (all shots
directed at the net vs. those
surrendered) is tops among
team D-men, while his plus-29
led the NHL. And to think the
Pens got him and James Neal
from Dallas for Alex Goligoski.
Vladimir Tarasenko caught
fire at the perfect time, producing at a point-per-game pace
in January. That was music to
the ears of the Cup-contending
Blues, who need snipers they
can rely on during the stretch
run, and especially to Team
Russia, which took a chance by
naming Tarasenko, 22, to its
2014 Olympic roster.
The more Dan Boyle struggles
(five points in a 20-game
stretch), the more Jason
Demers gets added in fantasy
leagues. Demers had three
goals and 12 points in a 15game span before the Olympic
break and saw time on the
Sharks power play. He’s top
30 in NHL D-men scoring. His
previous high was 70th.
THORNTON: CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES; DOWNIE: MARISSA BAECKER/GETTY IMAGES; RIBEIRO: DEREK LEUNG/GETTY IMAGES; NISKANEN: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; TARASENKO: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; DEMERS: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES
NHL TEAM REPORTS
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Lightning coach Jon Cooper
has no problem with Steven
Stamkos not playing before
heading to the Olympics. In fact,
he thinks it might be a good
idea. “He would be with lots of
good players around him on a
bigger ice surface where hitting
probably isn’t as prevalent,”
Cooper said. “It might make it
easier for him to play.”
After being mentioned in trade
rumors, center Nazem Kadri
picked up his game, embarking
on a run of three goals and nine
points in seven games. “That’s
certainly something I don’t want
to be remembered for,” Kadri
said. “Everyone hops all over
me and I start playing well. I
think we should just cut that out
and just keep playing well.”
Keith Olbermann recently
referred to Tom Sestito as a
“boxing hobo on skates.” After
Sestito picked up 27 penalty
minutes in one second of ice
time in a Jan. 13 game, the
late-night show host dubbed
the Canucks winger the “worst
person in the sports world.”
Sestito thanked Olbermann via
Twitter for the publicity.
It’s a bit of hockey tradition that
older scrappers give new kids
a shot, but Tom Wilson, 19, is
damaging his own dance card.
He’s beaten numerous NHLers
in fights already and since he’s
a teen rookie, pretty much everyone is more experienced. But
the big Toronto native is strong
on his skates and doesn’t back
down from anyone.
Things are looking up in Winnipeg. The Jets started 6-1
under new coach Paul Maurice
and Mark Scheifele crept into
the Calder Trophy race. The
rookie pivot posted 19 points,
tops among NHL rookies, in a
22-game stretch. Scheifele
also threw twice as many hits
in December and January as he
did in October and November.
JAMES
VAN RIEMSDYK
OPPOSITION
ADVISORY
U.S. Olympian van Riemsdyk takes free advice
from a friendly foe and makes opponents pay
I
F TORONTO MEETS TAMPA BAY IN THE
playoffs and James van Riemsdyk
goes off on the Lightning, Tampa Bay
captain Martin St-Louis may have
some explaining to do. The two trained
together in Connecticut during past
summers and have gotten to know each
other over the years. So when St-Louis
was watching video of van Riemsdyk’s
skating, he noticed something and let
Š‹•„—††›‘™ƒ„‘—–‹–ǤDzǯ†‡ϐ‹‹–‡Ž›
thankful that he picked that up,” van
Riemsdyk said. “He works at his craft a
lot. Any time he says something you’re
going to take notice, so I worked on it
a bit in the summer and it comes more
naturally now.”
While ‘JVR’ wouldn’t go into specifics, the result has him feeling faster,
more powerful and more athletic. Now
he’s on his way to the best offensive
numbers of his NHL career. Playing on
Toronto’s top line with Tyler Bozak and
Phil Kessel, a fellow U.S. Olympian, van
Riemsdyk is proving to be too much for
opposing teams to handle. “He’s pretty
much got the full package,” Bozak said.
“He has tons of skill, lots of speed, great
•Š‘–ǡ ‰‘‘† ϐ‹‹•Š‡”ǡ Š‡ ‰‘‡• –‘ –Š‡ ‡–
and he’s not afraid to stand in there
with anyone.”
A familiarity with Bozak and Kessel helps. The trio have been together
more than a year and with that comes
an on-ice intimacy that often leads to
big goals. “As far as reading and reacting, things come a bit more naturally,”
van Riemsdyk said. “Sometimes it’s
about that extra anticipation you have
with a guy, knowing when they’re going to get to a puck or where they want
it. Coaches might call those ‘hope’ plays
or ‘guess’ plays, but it’s more than that.”
And while some Olympians have already told their families not to come
to Sochi due to security concerns,
the van Riemsdyk clan is simply too
busy. Middle brother, Trevor, a star
at the University of New Hampshire,
is recovering from a leg injury, while
youngest brother, Brendan, is playing
high school hockey back home in New
Jersey and crushing the competition.
“I always like to follow my brothers,”
van Riemsdyk said. “It’s exciting to see
Brendan starting to come into his own
as a player. He’s got a lot of natural skill
and ability, now it’s just about the work
he has to put in.”
Sounds a lot like his big brother – and
Toronto’s opponents can tell you how
that has worked out. – RYAN KENNEDY
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 59
PROSPECT
REPORT
CRASH COURSE
Hudson Fasching has improved
his game by becoming more of a
banger than a pure goal scorer.
BULL IN A
CHINA SHOP
Fasching turns heads throwing
his weight around at the world
juniors and in the college ranks
BY RYAN KENNEDY
T
HE AMERICANS RUSHED THROUGH
the early portion of the world
juniors in Malmo before a classic clash on New Year’s Eve
against Canada went the wrong way.
That landed the Yankees a tough
†”ƒ™ ‹ —••‹ƒ ˆ‘” –Š‡ “—ƒ”–‡”ϐ‹nal and before you could say “Red
Dawn,” their tournament was over.
‡‰ƒ”†Ž‡•• ‘ˆ –Š‡ –‡ƒǯ• ϐ‹ˆ–ŠǦ
’Žƒ…‡ ϐ‹‹•Šǡ ”‹‰Š– ™‹‰‡” —†•‘
Fasching was a revelation at the
event, using his bruising 6-foot-2,
213-pound frame to bulldoze his
way around the ice and make good
things happen for the U.S.
HUDSON
FASCHING
POSITION
Right winger
AGE 18
HEIGHT 6-2
WEIGHT 213 lbs
DRAFTED
Los Angeles,
118th in 2013
60 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
Fasching began to show his full
potential at the Americans’ summer
evaluation camp in Lake Placid, N.Y.
A graduate of the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor,
Mich., Fasching was expected to put
up big numbers for the NTDP in his
draft year, but it didn’t work out that
™ƒ›Ǥ‹••–‘…†”‘’’‡†ˆƒ‹”Ž›†‡‡’Ž›
and Los Angeles scooped him up
with the 118th selection overall in
ʹͲͳ͵Ǥˆƒ…–ǡϐ‹˜‡‘ˆŠ‹•–‡ƒmates were drafted ahead of him in
New Jersey.
Now a freshman with the University of Minnesota, Fasching is a top15 producer in the Big Ten conference and proved his worth early to
coach Don Lucia, bench boss of the
Golden Gophers and the U.S. world
Œ—‹‘”•“—ƒ†ǤDz‡Š—–‡†’—…•”‡ally well,” Lucia said of Fasching’s
WJC effort. “But he’s been doing
that ever since Lake Placid, he’s
„‡‡†‘‹‰–Šƒ–‹–Š‡ϐ‹”•–ŠƒŽˆ™‹–Š
our team in Minnesota and he’s got
a bright future.”
An affable kid and caring brother
to two younger siblings with trying medical ailments (which Ken
Campbell wrote about in the 2013
‡†‹–‹‘ ‘ˆ ǯ• ”ƒˆ– ”‡˜‹‡™Ȍǡ
Fasching was a star in the Minnesota high school ranks with Apple
Valley before he entered the NTDP.
That’s where he was faced with
some serious on-ice adversity over
two seasons. “I found my role last
year,” Fasching said. “I began to understand that I’m not going to be
that goal scorer that I was in high
school. That transformation was
tough for me at the program and
Ž‘•– ƒ „‹– ‘ˆ …‘ϐ‹†‡…‡ ‹†Ǧ›‡ƒ”Ǥ
—–ˆ‘—†–Šƒ–…‘ϐ‹†‡…‡ƒ–‹‡•‘–ƒƒ†‘™ǯϐ‹†‹‰›”‘Ž‡
18
and hitting my stride.”
At the world juniors, Fasching
teamed up with University of Michigan sophomore Andrew Copp and
Albany Devils rookie Stefan Matteau to form a potent trio that was
tough and skilled at the same time.
“We were all determined to work
down low,” Fasching said. “We’re all
big bodies and we can all do the job
in the slot. Our strength was one of
our biggest attributes as a team, the
ability to make cutbacks down low
and take pucks to the net.”
The trio was so successful that
Lucia bumped Matteau up a line in
an effort to get more 5-on-5 scoring
going. And even in defeat to Canada,
Fasching made his presence felt by
rushing the zone and threading a
cross-ice pass to Matteau, who converted to put the Americans within
a goal of the Canucks. The tally, how‡˜‡”ǡ ™‘—Ž† ‡† —’ „‡‹‰ –Š‡ ϐ‹ƒŽ
•…‘”‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ͵Ǧʹ Ž‘••Ǥ Dz‡ǯ• ƒ Šƒ”†ǡ
gritty forward and if he gets that
opportunity to score, he is going to
score,” said Canada’s Curtis Lazar. “It
was key for us to keep the puck away
from him as much as we could.”
The only player in the tournament who did seem to have Fasching’s number was Russian strongman Nikita Zadorov, who had played
ƒ‰ƒ‹•– ‡”• †—”‹‰ Š‹• „”‹‡ˆ
time with the Buffalo Sabres and
has uncommon size and strength
for a teenager.
A 1995 birthday, Fasching will
be a centerpiece for Team USA’s
attack at next year’s world juniors
in Canada and the Gophers just
won state bragging rights in the
ϐ‹”•–‘”–Š–ƒ”ŠƒŽŽ‡‰‡—’™‹–Š
wins over St. Cloud State and Minnesota-Duluth.
Now Minnesota is gunning for
–Š‡ ‹‰ ‡ǯ• ϐ‹”•– …‘ˆ‡”‡…‡ –‹–Ž‡Ǥ
Thanks in part to Fasching’s contributions, it’s a race the Gophers are
beginning to run away with.
Miles between the University of Minnesota’s campus and Burnsville, Minn.,
where Hudson Fasching’s family lives. He grew up cheering for the Golden
Gophers, attending their games from the time he was three years old.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ATHLETICS
REPORT
PROSPECT
REPORT
XXXX XXXXXXX
RUSHING HIS
WAY TO THE NHL
2014 draft prospect Haydn Fleury shapes
up as a top-10 pick thanks to his poise and
speed moving the puck out of his zone
BY DANIEL NUGENT-BOWMAN
DAVE BRUNNER PHOTOGRAPHY
W
HEN BLUELINER BRADY
Gaudet arrived in Red
Deer early last season
from Kamloops in a
Western League trade, it didn’t
take him long to notice young
defenseman Haydn Fleury.
There was Fleury, then barely 16, being groomed to log
key minutes and quarterback
the power play for the Rebels.
If Gaudet, now 19, was impressed with his young teammate then, he’s blown away
now. “It’s been substantial,”
Gaudet said of Fleury’s development. “He’s really, really taken off this year. He’s becoming
a leader. He’s got those traits to
be an elite player.”
The stats back up Gaudet’s
assessment. Fleury, the Rebels’
alternate captain, posted six
goals and 33 points through his
ϐ‹”•–Ͷͺ‰ƒ‡•ǡƒŽ”‡ƒ†›•—”’ƒ••ing his offensive totals from
2012-13. “The biggest thing
he’s exceptional at is his skating,” said Brent Sutter, the Rebels’ coach, GM and owner. “Everything else he’s good at. He’s
a complete guy.”
Fleury, like most rookies,
took time to adjust against bigger, older players when he entered the league. He failed to
”‡…‘”† ƒ ’‘‹– ‹ Š‹• ϐ‹”•– ‹‡
WHL games, but he was a quick
study and made use of his self-
described best attribute – rushing the puck out of trouble. “You
learn guys’ tendencies playing
against them,” Fleury said. “You
know when you can beat a guy
and when you can’t. I have more
poise with the puck.”
And that poise has made
Fleury formidable, according to
Gaudet: “When he picks up the
puck behind the net and he gets
–Šƒ– ϐ‹”•– …”‘••‘˜‡” ‰‘‹‰ǡ Š‡ǯ•
pretty hard to stop. He’s probably going to take that thing
down the ice.”
What Sutter sees in Fleury
now is a player who is stron‰‡”ǡ“—‹…‡”ƒ†‘”‡…‘ϐ‹†‡–
than he was a year ago. An important part of that transformation came when the Rebels put
Fleury on a pro-style training
regimen in the off-season. Fleury dropped his body fat below
10 per cent, down from nearly
15 in the spring. Sutter loathes
making comparisons, but in his
͸Ǧˆ‘‘–Ǧ͵ǡ ͳͻͺǦ’‘—†ǡ •‘‘–ŠǦ
skating rearguard, Sutter can’t
help but envision the St. Louis
Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo.
Sutter also sees similarities between Fleury and an‘–Š‡” –‘’ ʹͲͳͶ †”ƒˆ– ’”‘•’‡…–ǣ
Aaron Ekblad (who Sutter just
coached at the World Junior
Championship). “As composed
as he is and mature as he is,
being a defenseman, those are
HAYDN FLEURY
POS Defenseman AGE 19 HT 6-3
WT 198 lbs DRAFTED 2014 eligible
1
special qualities,” Sutter said of
Fleury. “When you have that, it
stands out. Where he’s going to
be in a year from now, that’s up
to him. The sky’s the limit for
him just because of all the abilities he has.”
The latest International
Scouting Services rankings,
released in January, had Fleu”› ’‡‰‰‡† ƒ• –Š‡ ‘Ǥ ͺ ‘˜‡”ƒŽŽ
’”‘•’‡…– ˆ‘” –Š‡ ʹͲͳͶ †”ƒˆ–Ǥ
NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings placed Fleury
sixth among North American
skaters. Fleury doesn’t read
too much into the distinctions.
He knows he can tumble down
‹ˆ Š‡ ‹•ǯ– ϐ‹†‹‰ ™ƒ›• –‘ ‹prove. It’s a lesson instilled in
him by his dad, John.
Fleury grew up in Carlyle,
Sask., where the local rink was
usually open to whoever wanted to play shinny. He and his
father were on the ice by the
time the youngster was three.
Defenseman higher than Haydn Fleury in ISS’
2014 NHL draft rankings. Only Aaron Ekblad
is projected to go before Fleury.
ADVANCED METHODS
Haydn Fleury improved after
adopting a pro-style training
regimen last off-season.
John stressed the importance
of learning how to receive hard
passes, a skill of the utmost importance to defensemen looking for their partner across the
ice. Fleury took his lumps at
ϐ‹”•–ǤDz‡™‘—Ž†ƒŽ™ƒ›•ϐ‹”‡‹–ƒ•
hard as he could at me,” he said.
“It would knock the stick right
out of my hands.”
While Fleury has his dad
to thank for some of his skills,
Haydn’s skating stride isn’t
among them. “That was natural,” he joked.
It’s that sense of humor that
makes Fleury a hit with his
teammates off the ice. Gaudet
†‡•…”‹„‡• Š‹ ƒ• ƒ Dz‰‘‘ϐ„ƒŽŽǤdz
Things get serious, however,
once the puck drops. “He’s got
a lot of pressure on this team,”
Gaudet said. “He’s only 17, but
Brent leans on him very highly.
I see that. I’m in all those little
meetings and I hear the things
that are said to him. He handles
it very well.”
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 61
We cover everything
thn.com/blog
It’s all in The Hockey News’ new blog.
China’s hallowed Houhai Lake hosts a pond
hockey tournament much to the delight of
puck-starved ex-pats and curious locals
BY CHRIS CLARK
KEVIN JIANG
N
ORMALLY THE ONLY RED LAMPS IN HOCKEY ARE THE ONES
that light up when a puck crosses the goal line. But Jan. 18,
on a lake in Far East Asia, traditional Chinese red lanterns
”‡ϐŽ‡…–‡†‘ˆˆ–Š‡ˆ”‘œ‡‹…‡ƒ•–Š‡’—…†”‘’’‡†‹–Š‡•‡…ond annual Houhai Pond Hockey Tournament. In China’s capi–ƒŽǡ ‡‹Œ‹‰ǡ ‘”‡ –Šƒ ͳʹͲ ’Žƒ›‡”• ˆ”‘ ͳͲ …‘—–”‹‡• ˆ‘”‡†
ͳͶ–‡ƒ•–‘’Žƒ›‘‘‡‘ˆ‹–•‘•–ˆƒ‘—•–‘—”‹•–ƒ––”ƒ…–‹‘•Ǥ
Thousands visit Houhai Lake every day to eat and shop. Here,
Ž‹‰Š–ˆ”‘–Š‡Žƒ–‡”•ǡ–Š‡•‡ŽŽ‘ˆˆ”›‹‰–‘ˆ—ƒ†–Š‡•‘—†•
‘ˆ ˜‹‘Ž‹• …‘„‹‡ –‘ …”‡ƒ–‡ ƒ †‹•–‹…–Ž› Š‹‡•‡ ƒ–‘•’Š‡”‡
around the capital’s historic lake.
On this weekend, however, the people spending time at this
•…‡‹…•’‘–„‡…ƒ‡•’‡…–ƒ–‘”•‘ˆŠ‘…‡›Ǥ‘…ƒ„‡ǡ™Š‘•‡
–‡ƒ™‘”‡–”ƒ†‹–‹‘ƒŽŠ‹‡•‡’ƒŒƒƒ•ǡŠƒ•„‡‡Ž‹˜‹‰‹‡‹Œ‹‰ˆ‘”‘”‡–Šƒ•‡˜‡›‡ƒ”•Ǥ”‹‰‹ƒŽŽ›ˆ”‘––ƒ™ƒǡŠ‡…‘•‹†‡”•–Š‡‡‹Œ‹‰Š‘…‡›…‘—‹–›ƒ…‘”‡’ƒ”–‘ˆŠ‹•‡š’‡”‹‡…‡ ‹ Š‹ƒǤ DzŠ‹• –‘—”ƒ‡–ǡ ‘”‡ –Šƒ ƒ› ‘ˆ ‘—” ‘–Š‡”
Š‘…‡›‡˜‡–•ǡ’”‘˜‹†‡•ƒ‹…”‡†‹„Ž‡…‘„‹ƒ–‹‘‘ˆ–Š‡Š‘…‡›™‡‘•–ˆ‘†Ž›”‡‡„‡”ˆ”‘‘—”›‘—–Šƒ†–Š‡…—Ž–—”ƒŽŽ›
˜‹„”ƒ–ƒ–‘•’Š‡”‡‘ˆ‡‹Œ‹‰ǡdz…ƒ„‡•ƒ›•ǤDzŽƒ›‡”•”‡˜‡Ž‹
–Š‡‘’’‘”–—‹–›–‘•ƒ–‡‘—–†‘‘”•ƒ†‡‹Œ‹‰‡”•ƒ”‡ˆƒ•…‹ƒ–‡†
™Š‡–Š‡›™ƒ–…Š—•’Žƒ›Ǥdz
Li Hui, a 50-year-old woman who lives in Beijing, was among
those who stopped to watch and take photos. “It’s mainly a re•—Ž–‘ˆŠ‹ƒ„‡‹‰‘”‡‘’‡ǡdz‹•ƒ›•ǤDz–ǯ•‰”‡ƒ––‘•‡‡’‡‘’Ž‡
ˆ”‘ƒŽŽ‘˜‡”–Š‡‰Ž‘„‡…‘‹‰–‘‰‡–Š‡”–‘’Žƒ›Š‘…‡›‘•—…Š
ƒˆƒ‘—•˜‡—‡Ǥdz
players revel
in it and
beijingers are
fascinated
when we play
– Tom McCabe
’—”’‘•‡‘ˆ•’”‡ƒ†‹‰Š‘…‡›
in China. “I wanted to create
an atmosphere where people
look around in the moment
and say to themselves, ‘I can’t
„‡Ž‹‡˜‡ǯ†‘‹‰–Š‹•ǡǯdz”ƒ…œ
•ƒ›• ‘ˆ –Š‡ –‘—”ƒ‡–Ǥ Dz–ǯ•
ƒ„‘—––Š‹•’Žƒ…‡ǡ–Š‹•‰”‘—’‘ˆ
’‡‘’Ž‡ ƒ† –Š‡ Ž‹ˆ‡•–›Ž‡ –Šƒ–
…‘‡•™‹–Š–Š‡‰ƒ‡Ǥdz
Š‡ Šƒ‰Šƒ‹ Š‘…‡”•
SHINNY IN STYLE
China’s famous Houhai Lake
became a frozen wonderland
for pond hockey in January.
BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT
RED LAMP
DISTRICT
ŽŽ„—––™‘–‡ƒ•…‘’‡–ing in the tournament were
ƒ†‡—’‘ˆ’Žƒ›‡”•ˆ”‘–Š‡
•‹šǦ–‡ƒ‡‹Œ‹‰–‡”ƒ–‹‘al Ice Hockey League, an or‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘ ™‹–Š ”‘‘–• †ƒ–‹‰
„ƒ… –‘ –Š‡ ‹†ǦͳͻͻͲ•Ǥ Š‡
league’s junior commission‡”ǡ —”–‹• ”ƒ…œǡ ‹• ƒŽ•‘ –Š‡
Houhai tournament’s orga‹œ‡”Ǥ ‡ •–ƒ”–‡† ƒ …‘’ƒ›
…ƒŽŽ‡† ƒ ‹ˆ‡ ’‘”–• ƒ†
Entertainment with the sole
–”ƒ˜‡ŽŽ‡† „› –”ƒ‹ –‘ ‡‹Œ‹‰
ƒ† ƒ””‹˜‡† Œ—•– ‹ –‹‡ ˆ‘”
’—… †”‘’Ǥ ƒ’–ƒ‹ ƒ” ‹‘ ‘˜‡† –‘ Šƒ‰Šƒ‹ ‹
2012 to work as the hockey
†‹”‡…–‘” ƒ– –Š‡ Š‘‡ ”‹ ‘ˆ
China’s only pro team, the
Dragon, which plays in the
Asian Ice Hockey League. Pri‘” –‘ –ƒ‹‰ –Š‡ Œ‘„ǡ Š‡ Šƒ†
„‡‡ …ƒ’–ƒ‹ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ǯ•
Emperors and had coached
‘‡‘ˆ‡‹Œ‹‰ǯ•›‘—–ŠŠ‘…‡›
‘”‰ƒ‹œƒ–‹‘• •‹…‡ ʹͲͲͺǤ
‡ǯ•„‡‡‹–…Š‹‰–‘’Žƒ›‹ƒ
tournament on Houhai Lake
‡˜‡”•‹…‡ǤDz•‹†‡ˆ”‘’Žƒ›‹‰‘–Š‡
”‡ƒ–ƒŽŽǡdz‹‘
says, “this is the most pictur‡•“—‡ Š‹ƒ Š‘…‡› ‡š’‡”‹‡…‡‘‡…ƒŠƒ˜‡Ǥdz
Šƒ‰Šƒ‹ǡ‹‘•‡‡•ƒ
•Ž‘™„—–‡…‘—”ƒ‰‹‰‰”‘™–Š
‹ –Š‡ ‰ƒ‡Ǥ ‘”‡ ‹†• ƒ”‡
playing and more rinks are
„‡‹‰ „—‹Ž–Ǥ —– ‹‘ •ƒ›•
hockey is still a niche activity
ˆ‘”—’’‡”Ǧ…Žƒ••ˆƒ‹Ž‹‡•Ǥ
”ƒ…œ•‡‡••‹‹Žƒ”‰”‘™–Š
in Beijing, where he orga‹œ‡•’”‘‰”ƒ•–‘‰‡–‹†•‘
the ice and teach them how
–‘ ’Žƒ› –Š‡ ‰ƒ‡Ǥ Dzˆ ™‡ …ƒ
develop the grassroots mod‡Ž™‹–Š–Š‡Ž‹ˆ‡•–›Ž‡‘ˆŠ‘…‡›
‹ ‹†ǡdz ”ƒ…œ •ƒ›•ǡ Dz‹– ™‹ŽŽ
allow us to create a positive
Š‘…‡›…—Ž–—”‡Ǥdz
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 63
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LAST MINUTE OF PLAY
Guess
WHO
CROSSWORD
1
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ACROSS
By Larry Humber
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DOWN
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“I won two championships in
the WHA with Winnipeg and a
Stanley Cup with Edmonton.”
20
21
1
1
“I hold the Calgary Flames
single-season records for
assists (82) and points (131).”
AT
ANSWERS AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT ISSUE AND AT THN.com/XWORD
2 T.J. ___ is an American-born Blue
3 Jason ___ got the Cup-winning
goal back in 2000
4 Former THN editor ___ Dryden
5 Cancel out
6 Become frenziedly violent, go ___
7 Dustin ___ is a Jet
11 Marco ___ is on defense in Minny
13 Wheeler-___ are GMs who like to swap players
15 Pulled
16 Announced a game
17 Play poorly in pressure situations
18 Ben ___ led the NHL in
penalty minutes in 2006-07
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD SOLUTION ACROSS 1. MIKE SMITH, 8. ODUYA, 9. PICKING, 10. ST. PAUL, 11. IGINLA,
12. NOLAN, 14. ANTTI, 17. BEAVER, 19. DIONNE, 20. ANATOLI, 21. RAILS, 22. SOPHOMORE
DOWN 2. ICING, 3. EAKINS, 4. MANIA, 5. HORTON, 6. DURABLE, 7. TAILENDER, 11. ISLANDERS, 13. ST. LOUIS,
15. INNESS, 16. BANTAM, 17. BENCH, 18. ELLER
Behind
Separated
BIRTH
THE
MASK
KAMLOOPS ROCKETS | 1970-71
DAVID
BOLLAND
AARON
PAUL
Killed the
Bruins in 2013
Cup final.
Leafs need
him to make
a speedy
recovery from
injury in 2014.
Almost killed
over brewin’
meth in 2013
Breaking Bad
finale. His film
Need for Speed
premieres
in 2014.
Submitted by:
Dallas Kenny
Email your suggestions to
[email protected]
WHO AM I: KENT NILSSON
GUESSWHO: STEVE BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; PAUL: BEN LEUNER/AMC; MASK: RAY BISHOP/BISHOPDESIGNS.COM; JERSEY: CLASSICAUCTIONS.NET
22
“My 1.24 points per game
ties me with Phil Esposito for
ninth-best in NHL history.”
Marcus ___ is the other winger on Ovie’s line
Ray ___ , pictured, now tends net in Philly
Scoring opportunities
The Isles play at ___ Coliseum
Agree to a contract
Former Leaf and Red Wing ___ Thompson
Cam ___ is now president in Boston
Murray ___ was a Flyer in the 1980s, played
18 NHL seasons in all
Pelle ___ was a teammate
of 17 Across in Philly
The Eagles represent Boston ___
___ Chabot was the first hockey player to
appear on the cover of Time magazine
Blueliners
Jersey HOUND
RYAN MILLER | TEAM USA
Miller’s lid for Sochi features staples like Uncle Sam
and an eagle, but also Miller’s wife and dog as Russian
nesting dolls on the back. As Miller’s longtime designer,
Ray Bishop explains Miller is involved in the process,
often sending Bishop sketches of ideas. – MATT LARKIN
A pretty cool find from the folks at Classic
Auctions, this game-worn jersey is from
the British Columbia Jr. A League and
gives a bit of perspective into the trends
of the times.
Most obvious is the unique piping,
which loops from the shoulders and
under the arms, also popping up south
of the elbow. Not to be confused with
the Western League’s Kelowna Rockets,
Kamloops had a cool color scheme and
the logo, though faded on this sweater,
featured a skater with trails coming off
the back of him. – RYAN KENNEDY
F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4 - T H E H O C K E Y N E W S | 65
OVERTIME
WITH KEN CAMPBELL
OLYMPIC CAULDRON AT
BOLSHOY ICE DOME
MY MIND GAMES
ABOUT THE GAMES
Terrorist activity is a concern in Sochi, but possible peril
is a small price to pay for having the world’s best job
T
HIS PAST SUNDAY, A PARISHIONER AT
my church came to me with a concerned look on her face and said,
out of the blue, “Are you nervous?”
I wasn’t particularly anxious about anything, so I said, “No. Why would I be
nervous?” To which she replied, “Well, I
heard you’re going to Sochi.”
Yeah, I’m a little nervous about that.
Not enough to consider cancelling my
trip to cover the Olympics, but saying I’m
not a little concerned would be tantamount to an NHL player in the last year
of his deal saying he’s not even thinking
about his contract. Like the player facing
an uncertain future, I’m trying not to obsess about it, but it’s always there in my
consciousness.
It didn’t help when I was watching TV
later that day and the head of security
from the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver
said the athletes should be safe because
of all the security around them, but issued a warning to families of the athletes
and others. “I would suggest they won’t
Šƒ˜‡ –Š‡ „‡‡ϐ‹– ‘ˆ •‡…—”‹–› –Šƒ– …‘‡•
from a professionally trained police
force or federal agency like the FSB or
the Russian federal police,” Bud Mercer
said, “and I think that’s the concern.”
66 | T H E H O C K E Y N E W S - F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4
Then I read a story where the security chief from the Atlanta and Los Angeles Games said, “In my opinion, it’s
not a matter of whether there will be
some incident, it’s a matter of how bad
it’s going to be.” Then you had the BBC
saying a terrorist attack before or during the Games was “highly likely.” Dig a
Ž‹––Ž‡†‡‡’‡”ƒ†›‘—ϐ‹†‘—–ƒ„‘—––Š‡
“black widows,” a group of women prepared to act as suicide bombers after
their militant husbands have been killed.
Then there is Chechen rebel leader Doku
Umarov, who is known as Russia’s Osama bin Laden. He has said of the Games,
“They plan to hold the Olympics on the
bones of our ancestors, on the bones of
many, many dead Muslims buried on our
land by the Black Sea. We as mujahideen
are required not to allow that, using any
methods Allah allows us.”
It’s enough to make a guy tense once
in a while. But I’m still going. And it’s not
because I have a mentality that if I don’t,
the terrorists win. Quite frankly, I’m not
keeping score. It’s because this is what
I do. Whenever I meet hockey fans for
–Š‡ ϐ‹”•– –‹‡ǡ ‘‡ –Š‹‰ –Š‡› –‡ŽŽ ‡ ‹•
I have the best job in the world. Right
about then I offer to swap pay stubs,
then I realize how absolutely right they
are. Sometimes it means I have to get on
a plane, others I have to drive through
a blizzard or make my way through the
unknown parts of an American city.
One time I went for a run in Washington, D.C. and clearly had taken a wrong
turn before I was sternly ordered by a
local man to take the nearest cab back
to my hotel. Just this past summer at the
draft, a colleague of mine was hustled
into the back of a police cruiser for his
own good simply because he was walking in downtown Newark talking on a
cell phone and wearing a sports jacket.
During the 2001 world juniors in
Moscow, three scouts came back to our
hotel with black eyes after being jumped
by thugs in Red Square on New Year’s
Eve. The point is, there are all kinds of
hazards in this profession and every
other. I see it as an honor and privilege
to do what I do. So if there’s some risk
attached to that, I’m prepared to take it.
I went to school with kids in Sudbury
whose fathers would descend thousands
of feet below the surface to mine for
nickel every day. Each time they went
down there, they did so knowing they
were one rock burst away from never
coming up alive. The brother of a friend
of mine in high school was a big teddy
bear of a kid by the name of Joe MacDonƒŽ†ǡ™Š‘Žƒ–‡”„‡…ƒ‡ƒ’‘Ž‹…‡‘ˆϐ‹…‡”‹
Sudbury. He was a good one, too. Mentored kids in his spare time, coached
football, cared about the community. On
Oct. 7, 1993, Joe pulled a car over for a
”‘—–‹‡–”ƒˆϐ‹…•–‘’ǤŠ‡–™‘‡‹–Š‡
…ƒ” „‡ƒ– ‘‡ ƒ…‘ƒŽ†ǡ –Š‡ ϐ‹”‡† –™‘
gunshots in the back of his head.
I have faith the security around the
Games will be so intense that everyone
will be safe. I admit I’m not a big fan of
Žƒ†‹‹” —–‹ǯ• ‹”‘ϐ‹•–‡† ƒ‡” ‘ˆ
dealing with dissidents, but it does make
me feel safer. As far as the NHL is concerned, security for players will be enormous. After every Chicago Blackhawks
home game, there’s a white-haired guy
with a thick neck who stands quietly in
the corner of the dressing room at the
United Center with his arms folded. He
looks like the kind of person who could
break a guy’s neck in a second and might
actually enjoy doing it. I imagine there
will be a lot of guys like him around.
And if not, we’ll all just have to be as
vigilant as we can. I’ll be there chronicling the best players in the world playing in a tournament that could be a classic if it approaches the level of play we
saw four years ago. There are too many
good reasons to go to Sochi and not
enough to stay away.
ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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