COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -Oh, Canada! For the first time, Americans were taken with the top two picks in the NHL Draft. First, the Chicago Blackhawks, trying to rebuild a once-proud franchise after four consecutive losing seasons, selected Buffalo, N.Y., native Patrick Kane with the No. 1 pick Friday night. Then the Philadelphia Flyers picked left …
This Day In Hockey History-June 21, 1997-Bruins Draft Joe Thornton, Sergei Samsonov
PITTSBURGH — The Boston Bruins don’t envision Joe Thornton as another Wayne Gretzky, even if the 17-year-old threatened some of the Great One’s junior scoring records. They’ll be perfectly satisfied if the first player chosen in Saturday’s NHL draft is another Eric Lindros, a physical presence with a deft scoring touch who revives a floundering …
This Day In Hockey History-June 18, 1992-Lindros Trade Decision Due
The wait is over. Eric Lindros’ day of reckoning is at hand. Quebec Nordiques general manager Pierre Page, the man who holds the key that will free the 19-year-old sensation from a year in hockey bondage, said Thursday that Eric The Great will be traded by the end of today, one day before the NHL …
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This Day In Hockey History-June 17, 1993-Mario Lemieux takes Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy & Masterton
TORONTO (CP) — Mario Lemieux has two important dates this summer. First, he’s getting married June 26. Then he’ll check into the hospital in July for more surgery on a back that has slowed him slightly the last two years. “It will be minor surgery to take scar tissue out of there,” he said after …
This Day In Hockey History-June 15, 1985-Maple Leafs Choose Wendel Clark #1 Overall in 1985 NHL Draft
Toronto makes 4th-ranked defenseman Clark No. 1 draft pick TORONTO – Wendel Clark, a rugged defenseman from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, reacted “with shock” when the Toronto Maple Leafs made him the No. 1 pick in Saturday’s National Hockey League draft. Clark, 18, also plays left wing and said he will gladly “play anywhere and everywhere” for …
This Day In Hockey History-June 13, 1978- Bobby Smith to join Gretzky’s ‘Millionaires Club’
Ottawa 67’s centreman Bobby Smith, who owns OHA scoring records, will soon own hockey’s next million-dollar contract regardless of which league he calls home next winter. “We’ve had meetings with Minnesota,” said Smith’s agent Norm Caplan, of Montreal. “Outlines have been made and figures have been clearly defined but as of right now no documents …
This Day In Hockey History-June 13, 1978-Rob Rammage, Pat Riggin, Craig Hartsburg WHA bound
MONTREAL — National Hockey League Players’ Association president Alan Eagleson confirmed here Tuesday night that more under-age juniors will sign with the World Hockey Association. Eagleson now feels it’s essential his under-age clients maintain credibility in the wake of WHA Indianapolis Racers signing Soo Greyhounds sensation Wayne Gretzky, 17, to a reported seven-year, $ 1.75-million …
This Day In Hockey History-June 11, 1978-Gretzky signs with WHA and ignites hockey war
The palace revolt that Ben Hatskin seemed to be expecting has taken place with the signing of 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky by Indianapolis Racers owner Nelson Skalbania. Skalbania announced Monday he has signed Gretzky, the scoring star last season with Sault -Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, to a personal services contract. …
This Day In Hockey History-June 12, 2009-Malkin redeemed with MVP win
Young star Malkin makes up for the lacklustre 2008 post-season to capture Conn Smythe with the most playoff points since 1993 One year after taking heavy criticism for his disappearance on hockey’s grandest stage, Evgeni Malkin was hailed as the grandest performer of them all Friday. Malkin, who had the highest post-season point total since …
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This Day In Hockey History-June 10, 1990-Blues, Brett Hull Strike Deal
Throughout the course of negotiations for a new contract, Blues right winger Brett Hull had maintained he wanted to stay in St. Louis. Saturday, the Blues announced that the club and Hull had agreed on a four-year contract (three years plus an option). Blues chairman Michael Shanahan said that with incentives Hull could earn between …
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