Lightning at it again

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Ottawa Senators defenseman Andrej Meszaros yesterday, for Filip Kuba, Alexandre Picard, and San Jose's 1st round pick that was acquired in the Dan Boyle trade. A valuable pick in a very deep draft.

Meszaros then signed a 6 year, (rumoured to be) $24 million deal with the Lightning. They have now acquired Brandon Bochenski, Ryan Malone (for 7 years, haha), Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts (good luck getting close to 82 games out of them), Radim Vrbata (for 3 years, he's a labelled underachiever as Malone is), Andrew Hutchinson, Matt Carle, Olaf Kolzig (his career's all but over), and re-acquired Vinny Prospal. They also drafted phenom Steven Stamkos, who's the one acquisition who truly will shine.

"The acquisition and signing of Andrej is a strong statement to our players and our fans that the Lightning ownership group is committed to putting the best product on the ice now and for years to come," said executive vice-president of hockey operations Brian Lawton in a statement.

"I'm excited to be joining the Lightning," Meszaros said. "I'm extremely happy to be heading to Tampa Bay and I can't wait to take advantage of this opportunity. We should have a great team and I can not wait to get started.

It could be that the Lightning have made some spectacular moves and have a great team on their hands, but it's also very evident that they have A LOT of question marks on their hands. Guess we'll just wait and see...

Stu Barnes retires, joins Dallas coaching staff

Stu Barnes finished his career as a journeyman, but he should have finished it as a Panther. On November 19, 1996 then Panthers GM Bryan Murray foolishly traded Stu and and Jason Woolley to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Chris Wells. The thinking at the time, even though Barnes helped lead the Panthers to the previous season's Cup Finals, was that they needed a bigger top-line forward to go up against the monstrous Eric Lindros. Wells turned out to be quite a bust as he couldn't skate and nor did he have the skill set to actually play in the NHL.

That trade still haunts the Panthers to this day as it pushed them to make other bad trades to try and make up for the Wells trade. Wells played only 4 years for the Panthers, logging only 25 points during that tenure. Harldy the results expected from a player who garnered that kind of a return.

Barnes, on the other hand, went on to play another 10 seasons for the Buffalo Sabres and the Dallas Stars. He logged another 389 points during that tenure. He unfortunately never won the Cup.

Thanks Stu for so many years of hard work!

Sharks lock up a pickle

Marc-Edouard Vlasic has signed a 4 year, $12.4 million contract with the San Jose Sharks. Vlasic is a talented young defenseman who is an important piece to the Sharks future.

"Marc-Edouard is one of the top young defenceman in the game and we are excited to have him in to fold for the next several years," said Sharks GM Doug Wilson. "He has a tremendous future with this franchise and we look forward to watching his continued development."

Sakic set to return for his 20th season

Future Hall-of-Famer Joe Sakic has signed a one year, 6 million dollar deal with the Colorado Avalanche today. After the '06-'07 season, he quickly signed a one year, this past season, though, it took Sakic until today to be sure he wanted to continue to his career.

"Ultimately it came down to the fact that I still enjoy playing and competing," the 39-year-old captain said in a statement released by the team. "I'm comfortable with my conditioning and my overall health.
"I'm ready for the start of camp and am looking forward to the upcoming season."

Have to love this quote by Ian Laperrire:

"Everybody was starting to worry what Joe was going to do," forward Ian Laperriere said. "It's great news for more than one reason.
'What he brings to the ice, everyone knows, Joe is Joe. But what he brings to the locker room, the respect, everybody's so calm when he's around. That's what he brings that people don't see."

Plenty of other teams phoned Colorado GM Francois Giguere to see if they could have permission to speak to Sakic. Joe told Giguere to inform that they'd be wasting their time. Joe wants to go out as an Av.

Now, they're waiting on Forsberg's decision as to whether he'll play next year or not. Could be a another long, drawn out decision.

The Islanders have new coach

In a story I'm behind on, the Islanders have hired Scott Gordon as their new head coach. Gordon, 45, previously coached the Providence Bruins of the AHL and led the team to a 55-18-3 record last season. According to GM Garth Snow, Gordon stood out to them over John Tortorella Former Lightning coach) and Paul Maurice (formerly of Hurricanes and Leafs coach). Others interviewed for the position as well.

After being somewhat successful with a mediocre team, the Islanders fired Ted Nolan.

Ah, the good ole' Islanders!

Looks like Legein really has walked away...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=246953&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl

The Columbus Blue Jackets got some shocking news on Tuesday when they
learned that prospect Stefan Legein has
decided to quit playing hockey.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue
Jackets were informed of Legein's decision by his agent Doug Woods, telling them
he won't be at training camp and has decided to hang up his skates at the age of
19.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the report to the
Dispatch but when contacted by the newspaper, Legein's mother said she hadn't
heard the news while his father denied the report.
"Until September 20th
(when training camp opens), he hasn't quit anything," Legein's father
said.
In response to the speculation about his future, Legein offered the
following statement:
"I'd like for everyone to stop bashing my father, my
family, and me personally," said Legein. "My family has been amazing. They
have supported me and never forced me to do anything and to say its their fault
is ridiculous."
"Take the time to talk to me before you accuse me of being
addicted to anything, even if it's coffee," Legein continued. "I realize
you're going to speculate but please don't bash my character and especially my
family."
Legein is a second round pick, 37th overall, of the Blue Jackets in
the 2007 Entry Draft.
He registered 24 goals and 13 assists for 37 points
with 80 penalty minutes and was a plus- 12 in 30 games with the Niagara IceDogs
of the Ontario Hockey League this season. He ranked fourth on the club in goals
and tied for sixth in points, while his eight power play goals ranked third and
four shorthanded goals were tied for second.
Legein made his international
debut with Canada at the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series, scoring three goals in
helping Canada wrap of the series with the championship. He also helped Canada
win its fourth-straight gold medal at the Under-20 tournament in January.

Legein Retired???

A report, picked up by TSN.ca, says that Columbus Blue jacket 2007 2nd round pick Stefan Legeit has decided to walk away from hockey...at only 19! Legein's parents, however, have said that Stefan hasn't quite anything and is still planning on attending the BJ's training camp in September.

He registered 24 goals and 13 assists for 37 points with 80 penalty minutes
and was a plus- 12 in 30 games with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey
League this season. He ranked fourth on the club in goals and tied for sixth in
points, while his eight power play goals ranked third and four shorthanded goals
were tied for second.

Still no news...

Mats Sundin, who loves the drama, has said that hes' no closer on his decision as where, and if, he wants to play this upcoming season. Vancouver's desperately offered 10 mil a season for 2 seasons, Montreal has shown serious interest, and he could go back and re-join the Leafs. The Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers are reportedly very interested as well.

We'll just wait and see what he decides to do, just don't hold your breath...

Funny moments in hockey...

Thanks to fellow Panthers message board poster 'oscarsandstrom' for making this video. Love Nieds dropkicking the Ranger jersey.



Nice job...

McCabe to the Panthers a done deal?

All reports indicate that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe has waived his no-trade-clause to go to the Florida Panthers. The "rebuilding" Toronto Maple Leafs have been eager to offload McCabe's contract, that still has 3 years left on it, since his less-than-stellar season with the Leafs last year. McCabe missed 28 games last season and posted only 23 points, after posting point totals of 57, 68, and 53 in the seasons prior. He also made some pretty bad mistakes out there, but he's been more of a whipping boy for the Leafs as he's far and away not the sole reason why the Leafs have been mediocre.

The reported player set to go back in the trade is defenseman Mike Van Ryn, whom the Panthers acquired from the Blues in March of 2003 for a pick and Valeri Bure. Ryno hasn't been the same player the last two seasons due to serious injuries to his wrists and only played 2o games last season. It's hard for me to see him go as I'm an old friend of his wife's, but also because I think he's a solid defenseman who still has plenty of hockey left in him. He's said to be at 100%(which was said in the article I posted about him) and I'm sure is very eager to play. You have to give to get, I know, but I'd rather see Murphy or Skrastins moved out instead.

Apparently, the deal is being held back due to a bonus owed to McCabe which the Panthers have asked Toronto to pay and they're willing to do. For some reason, it can't be paid until September 1st. I'm not sure why that is, perhaps one of you can enlighten the rest of us? Thanks in advance...

This will give the Panthers a very solid defensive core in Jay Bouwmeester (who could be on the move this season), Bryan Allen, Keith Ballard, Bryan McCabe, Karlis Skrastins, Nick Boynton, Noah Welch, and Corey Murphy.

Looking forward to McCabe on the Panthers, but I'll be sad to see Ryno in Leafs blue, my most hated team.

The Great One's highlight video

How the rink is made...

Cool video!

The many sides of the game we love!

The Great One's Records

http://proicehockey.about.com/od/waynegretzky/a/gretzky_records.htm

Wayne Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records: 40 for the regular season, 15 for the Stanley Cup playoffs and six for the NHL All-Star Game.
CAREER RECORDS
MOST POINTS:2,856 (1,485 games, 894 goals, 1,962 assists)Second: Mark Messier - 1,855 (1,756 games, 694 goals, 1,193 assists)
MOST POINTS, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:3,238 (2,856 regular season and 382 playoff)Second: Mark Messier - 2,180 (1,885 regular season and 295 playoff)
MOST GOALS:894Second: Gordie Howe, 801
MOST GOALS, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:1,016 (894 regular season and 122 playoff)Second: Gordie Howe, 869 (801 regular season and 68 playoff)
MOST ASSISTS:1,962Second: Mark Messier, 1,171
MOST ASSISTS, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:2,222 (1,962 regular season and 260 playoff)Second: Mark Messier, 1,357 (1,171 regular season and 186 playoff)
MOST GOALS BY A CENTER:894Second: Marcel Dionne, 731
MOST ASSISTS BY A CENTER:1,962Second: Mark Messier, 1,171
MOST POINTS BY A CENTER:2,856Second: Mark Messier, 1,855
MOST 40-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS:12Second: Marcel Dionne, 10
MOST CONSECUTIVE 40-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS:12 (1979-80 to 1990-91)Second: Mike Bossy, 9 (1977-78 to 1985-86)
MOST 50-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS:9 (tied with Mike Bossy)Second: Guy Lafleur, 6
MOST 60-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS:5 (tied with Mike Bossy)Second: Phil Esposito, 4
MOST CONSECUTIVE 60-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS:4 (1981-82 to 1984-85)Second: Mike Bossy, 3 (1980-81 to 1982-83)
MOST 100-OR-MORE POINT SEASONS:15Second: Mario Lemieux, 10
MOST CONSECUTIVE 100-OR-MORE POINT SEASONS:13 (1979-80 to 1991-92)Second: Six players tied with 6
MOST THREE-OR-MORE GOAL GAMES:50 (37 three-goal games; nine four-goal games; four five-goal games)Second: Mike Bossy, 39 (30 three-goal games, nine four-goal games)
MOST OVERTIME ASSISTS:15Second: Doug Gilmour, 13
HIGHEST ASSISTS-PER-GAME AVERAGE:1.321 (1,962 assists in 1,485 games)Second: Mario Lemieux, 1.183 (881 assists in 745 games)
SINGLE SEASON RECORDS
MOST POINTS, ONE SEASON:215 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)Next (fifth): Mario Lemieux, 199 (1988-89, 80-game schedule)
MOST POINTS, ONE SEASON, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:255 (1984-85; 208 points in 80 regular season games and 47 points in 18 playoff games)Next (sixth): Mario Lemieux, 218 (1988-89; 199 points in 76 regular season games and 19 points in 11 playoff games)
MOST GOALS, ONE SEASON:92 (1981-82, 80-game schedule)Second: Gretzky, 87 (1983-84, 80-game schedule)
MOST GOALS, ONE SEASON, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:100 (1983-84, 87 goals in 74 regular season games and 13 goals in 19 playoff games)Second: Gretzky, Lemieux and Brett Hull tied at 97
MOST GOALS, 50 GAMES FROM START OF SEASON:61 (1981-82 and 1983-84)Third: 54 - Mario Lemieux (1988-89)
MOST ASSISTS, ONE SEASON:163 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)Next (eighth): 114 - Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky (1988-89, 80-game schedule)
MOST ASSISTS, ONE SEASON, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS:174 (1985-86, 163 assists in 80 regular season games and 11 assists in 10 playoff games)Next (tied for 11th): 121 - Mario Lemieux (1988-89, 114 assists in 76 regular season games and seven assists in 11 playoff games)
MOST POINTS BY A CENTER, ONE SEASON:215 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)Next (fifth): 199 - Mario Lemieux, 1988-89, 80-game schedule
MOST GOALS BY A CENTER, ONE SEASON:92 (1981-82, 80-game schedule)Next (third): 85 - Mario Lemieux (1988-89, 80-game schedule).
MOST ASSISTS BY A CENTER:163 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)Next: Gretzky holds first through fifth positions
MOST THREE-OR-MORE GOAL GAMES:10 (1981-82, six three-goal games; three four-goal games; one five-goal game)(Tied in 1983-84, six three-goal games, four four-goal games)Next (third): 9 - Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux
LONGEST CONSECUTIVE ASSIST-SCORING STREAK:23 games - 48 assists (1990-91)Second: Adam Oates - 18 games - 28 assists (1992-93)
LONGEST CONSECUTIVE POINT-SCORING STREAK:51 games - 61 goals, 92 assists for 153 points (Oct. 5, 1983 to Jan. 28, 1984)Second: Mario Lemieux - 46 games - 39 goals, 64 assists for 103 points (1989-90)
LONGEST CONSECUTIVE POINT-SCORING STREAK FROM START OF SEASON:51 games - 61 goals, 92 assists for 153 points
HIGHEST GOALS-PER-GAME AVERAGE, ONE SEASON:1.18 (1983-84, 87 goals in 74 games)Second (tied): 1.15 - Mario Lemieux (1992-93, 69 goals in 60 games) and Wayne Gretzky (1981-82, 92 goals in 80 games)
HIGHEST ASSISTS-PER-GAME AVERAGE, ONE SEASON:2.04 (1985-86, 163 assists in 80 games)Next (eighth): 1.52 - Mario Lemieux (1992-93, 91 assists in 60 games)
HIGHEST POINTS-PER-GAME AVERAGE, ONE SEASON (AMONG PLAYERS WITH 50-OR-MORE POINTS):2.77 (1983-84, 205 points in 74 games)Next (third): 2.67 - Mario Lemieux (1992-93, 160 points in 60 games)

SINGLE GAME RECORDS
MOST GOALS, ONE PERIOD:4 (Tied with 10 other players)Feb. 18, 1981, third period (Edmonton 9, St. Louis 2)
MOST ASSISTS, ONE GAME:7 (tied with Billy Taylor)Feb. 15, 1980 (Edmonton 8, Washington 2)Dec. 11, 1985 (Edmonton 12, Chicago 9)Feb. 14, 1986 (Edmonton 8, Quebec 2)Second: 6 - 23 players
MOST ASSISTS, ONE ROAD GAME:7 (tied with Billy Taylor)Dec. 11, 1985 (Edmonton 12, Chicago 9)Second: 6 - four players
MOST ASSISTS, ONE GAME, BY A PLAYER IN HIS FIRST NHL SEASON:7 - Feb. 15, 1980 (Edmonton 8, Washington 2)Second: 6 - Gary Suter, April 4, 1986 (Calgary 9, Edmonton 3)
CAREER RECORDS - PLAYOFFS
MOST PLAYOFF GOALS:122Second: 109 - Mark Messier
MOST PLAYOFF ASSISTS:260Second: 186 - Mark Messier
MOST PLAYOFF POINTS:382 (122 goals and 260 assists)Second: 295 - Mark Messier (109 goals and 186 assists).
MOST GAME-WINNING GOALS IN PLAYOFFS:24Second: 19 - Claude Lemieux
MOST THREE-OR-MORE GOAL GAMES IN PLAYOFFS:10 (eight three-goal games, two four-goal games)Second (tied): 7 - Maurice Richard (four three-goal games, two four-goal games, one five-goal game) and Jari Kurri (six three-goal games, one four-goal game)
SINGLE SEASON RECORDS - PLAYOFFS
MOST POINTS, ONE PLAYOFF YEAR:47 (1985, 17 goals and 30 assists in 18 games)Next: 44 - Mario Lemieux (1991, 16 goals, 28 assists in 23 games)
MOST ASSISTS, ONE PLAYOFF YEAR:31 (1988, 19 games)Next (fourth): 28 - Mario Lemieux (1991, 23 games)
MOST POINTS IN FINAL SERIES:13 - three goals and 10 assists (1988, four games plus suspended game vs. Boston)Second: 12 - four players
MOST ASSISTS IN FINAL SERIES:10 (1988, four games, plus suspended game vs. Boston)Second: 9 - three players tied
MOST ASSISTS IN ONE SERIES (OTHER THAN FINAL):14 - 1985 Conference Finals (six games vs. Chicago)(tied with Rick Middleton)Second: 13 - Doug Gilmour, 1994 Conference Semifinals (seven games vs. San Jose) and Wayne Gretzky, 1987 Division Semifinal (five games vs. Los Angeles)
MOST SHORTHANDED GOALS, ONE PLAYOFF YEAR:3 (1983, two vs. Winnipeg in Division Semi-Finals; one vs. Calgary in Division Finals)(tied with five other players)
SINGLE GAME RECORDS -PLAYOFFS
MOST ASSISTS, ONE PLAYOFF GAME:6 - April 9, 1987 at Edmonton (Edmonton 13, Los Angeles 3)(tied with Mikko Leinonen) Next: 5 - 11 players tied
MOST POINTS, ONE PLAYOFF PERIOD:4 (1 goal, 3 assists) - April 12, 1987 at Los Angeles, third period (Edmonton 6, Los Angeles 3)(tied with nine other players)
MOST ASSISTS, ONE PLAYOFF PERIOD:3 - Three assists by one player in one period of a playoff game has been recorded on 70 occasions. Gretzky has had three assists in one period five times. (Ray Bourque, three times; Toe Blake, Jean Beliveau, Doug Harvey and Bobby Orr, twice.)
MOST SHORT-HANDED GOALS, ONE PLAYOFF GAME:2 - April 6, 1983 at Edmonton (Edmonton 6, Winnipeg 3)(tied with eight other players)
NHL ALL-STAR GAME RECORDS
MOST ALL-STAR GAME GOALS:13 (in 18 games played)Second: 11 - Mario Lemieux (in eight games played)
MOST ALL-STAR GAME GOALS, ONE GAME: 4 (1983 Campbell Conference)/b>(tied with three players)
MOST ALL-STAR GAME GOALS, ONE PERIOD: 4 (1983 Campbell Conference, third period)br>
MOST ALL-STAR GAME POINTS, ONE PERIOD:4 (1983 Campbell Conference, third period)br> (tied with Mike Gartner and Adam Oates)
MOST ALL-STAR GAME POINTS, CAREER:25 (13 goals, 12 assists in 18 games)Second: 22 - Mario Lemieux (11 goals, nine assists in 8 games)
MOST ALL-STAR GAME ASSISTS, CAREER:12 (tied with four players)Second: 10 - Paul Coffey

20 years ago, Gretzky was traded from Edmonton

From TSN.ca

As the world's greatest hockey player, Wayne Gretzky already
knew all there was to know about composure.
He had it as a six-year old
playing on a team of ten-year olds in his hometown of Brantford, Ontario. He had
it when he played under the spotlight with the Ontario Hockey League's Sault
Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the World Hockey Association's Indianapolis Racers and
Edmonton Oilers. And he had it when he led the young and promising Oilers into
the National Hockey League.
But on this day 20 years ago, The Great One - for
one moment in his career - just couldn't hold it together. The 27-year-old, who
had spent almost his whole life fending off jealous hockey parents, tough
opponents and harsh critics, broke down after reading off just a few words at
Edmonton's Molson House.
"For the benefit of Wayne Gretzky, my new
wife and our expected child in the new year, I thought it was beneficial to all
involved if they let me play with the Kings," he said to the shock of everyone
in the room. "It's disappointing having to leave Edmonton, but there comes a
time when."
With that, Gretzky wept behind the mess of microphones, coming
face-to-face with the reality that he was no longer an Edmonton Oiler. "I
promised Mess I wouldn't do this," he said sheepishly as he wiped his eyes. Just
three months after leading them to their fourth Stanley Cup in five seasons, the
only NHL team Wayne
Gretzky ever played for, the team he loved, had traded him away.
On
August 9, 1988, Oilers owner Peter Pocklington did the unthinkable when he
traded Gretzky, along with defenceman Marty McSorley and forward Mike
Krushelnyski to the Los Angeles Kings for centre Jimmy Carson, winger Martin Gelinas, three
first-round draft picks and $15 million in cash. It was a move that stunned the
sports world and numbed hockey fans across Canada.
For Pocklington, it was
strictly a business move for an owner who needed more cash than championships.
At a time when Canadians knew little about the boardroom's side of hockey,
however, it was nothing short of an emotional letdown. Canada's favorite son was
gone.
In Edmonton, fans marched to Northlands Coliseum burning Pocklington
in effigy. Tabloid papers grilled The Great One, calling him a traitor and
dubbing his wife, 'Jezebel Janet' amid their own speculation that he engineered
the deal to move to Hollywood to further her acting career. 'The Trade' even
made it to Question Period at the House of Commons, as NDP House Leader Nelson
Riis demanded that the Mulroney government block it from happening.
"At the
time I was doing it, I don't think I really got it," said former Kings owner
Bruce McNall, who helped orchestrate the trade. "Looking back, now I see it had
a big, big impact."
For the NHL, the deal gave the league that much more
exposure south of the border. With No. 99 in the lineup, the Kings were an
instant draw at home and on the road - and a winning team. They made the
playoffs for four straight seasons, culminating with their first Stanley Cup
Final berth in 1993. Gretzky also continued to re-write the NHL's record books.
Wearing the Kings' black and silver, he broke Gordie Howe's NHL record of 1,850
points (in Edmonton of all places), became the first player to break the
2,000-point plateau, and passed Mr. Hockey's career mark for goals.
But The
Great One also took great pride in being a big factor off the ice.
"I
remember the first weekend I was in L.A.," he told TSN. "I was going by these
tennis courts and I stopped the car and told my friend, 'If we were in Canada,
people would be playing inline and ball hockey here.' A year later there was a
sign on the fence that read, 'No Inline Hockey Allowed.' It's come a long way;
there are minor hockey teams in California now and in Arizona that can compete
with the top teams in Canada and they're very good. There aren't as many, but we
are getting to that point."
The trade, arguably the biggest ever made, also
reinforced the notion that nothing is forever in professional sports. Recent
deals involving superstars like Alex Rodriguez, Shaquille O'Neal and even Brett
Favre are certainly surprising, but not that shocking to most sports fans. If
Gretzky could go, anyone could go.
"There's no player in any sport that isn't
trade bait," explained McNall.
TSN.ca commemorates the historic deal as Ryan Rishaug looks back at the day
that The Great One said goodbye to Edmonton and the Oilers dynasty.

Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, and Cammy Granato to join USA Hockey Hall

From ESPN...

The four-person United States Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2008 -- announced on Tuesday morning -- is appropriately Olympian, given the events of the day.

It also is groundbreaking.

Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Brett Hull and Cammi Granato officially will be inducted at a dinner and ceremony on Oct. 10, held in conjunction with the next night's University of Denver-Notre Dame Hall of Fame Game at DU's Magness Arena. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum is in Eveleth, Minn.

The three men were obvious choices for the selection committee, a group assembled by USA Hockey in the wake of its takeover of the voting process last year (Editor's note: Frei serves on the panel).

The final slot -- a maximum of four inductees are allowed each year -- was no less of a no-brainer. Granato's trailblazing efforts on the women's hockey front in the U.S., coupled with the explosion of the women's and girls' games, were unique, noteworthy and crucial -- and not only because she was captain of the 1998 U.S. Olympic team that won the first women's gold medal.

Her older brother, Tony, played with Richter at the University of Wisconsin and also with both Richter and Leetch on the 1988 U.S. Olympic team at Calgary and with the Rangers.

So the Colorado Avalanche's head coach, while not a part of this class, is the common thread. Tony Granato never has been sheepish about the fact that in some corners, his sister is more famous than he is.

"It's special for me because I remember her playing hockey with all the boys," Tony Granato said. "I remember her changing her name to Carl to play in a tournament because girls weren't allowed to play. I saw her putting her ponytail under her helmet so nobody would know she was a girl. I saw all that. There's someone who plays hockey for the love of the game.

"And it's not just Cammi, but all the girls who played in the first Olympics and world championships. They didn't play for any other reason except they loved the game. What they did for the women's game and women's sports, you can't take your hats off enough.

"They didn't listen to, 'No, you can't do this.' Cammi's answer always was, 'Why not?' When she was a little girl, she said, 'I'm going to play for the Blackhawks.' 'What do you mean, you're going to play for the Blackhawks?' 'Well, why not?'

"She heard, 'You can't play in the tournament.' She said, 'Well, why not, I'm a good player.' So all along, that's the way it was. She taught me a lot about the fire inside, the drive to motivate yourself."

The Belleville, Ontario-born Hull first played for the U.S. in major international competition in 1986 at the World Championships, shortly after he left the University of Minnesota-Duluth and made a playoff cameo with the Flames to open his NHL career. After that, he was on the American team twice in the World Cup and twice at the Olympics.

Hull, the current Dallas Stars co-general manager, won the Hart Trophy in 1991, and his 741 NHL career goals are behind only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe on the all-time list -- and 131 ahead of his father's NHL total, although Bobby tossed in an additional 303 in the World Hockey Association.

Richter, born and raised in Pennsylvania, had 301 wins in his Rangers career, which ended prematurely because of concussion problems. He and Leetch were cornerstones of the 1994 Rangers team that finally broke through to end a 54-year Stanley Cup drought.

Leetch was one of the prototypes of the hybrid defenseman, winning the Norris Trophy twice and finishing with 247 goals and 781 assists in an 18-season career that ended with the Bruins.

Current rules don't allow for choices in something along the lines of the Hockey Hall of Fame's builder category. That will make it difficult, if not impossible, for nonplayers to make the cut for induction. In addition, many deserving players are backlogged, such as goaltender Tom Barrasso and others who will become eligible in the next few years.

That likely will shut out many deserving choices from beyond the ranks of the relatively contemporary former players. One example: longtime USA hockey administrator Art Berglund, who, along with Cammi Granato, recently was inducted in the International Ice Hockey Federation's Hall of Fame.

10 hockey bloopers:

Though, I don't agree with number 10, poor girl.

How did a South Floridian become such a hockey nut?

When I was a child, I hated hockey. My mom used to always watch the New York Rangers on the New York channel, since Cable was still a few years away. My brother and I always wanted to wach the A-Team or Dukes of Hazard, and mom always had hockey on. Drove us nuts.

The game eventually grew on us, and by the time South Florida got a team, I was hooked. It took the Panthers' 96 Finals run for me to be the huge fan that I am.

Thanks mom, for forcing us to watch this game that I now love.

Stanley Cup from 1927 to 1947

I'm glad they decided to start retiring rings.

The first Stanley Cup Champions.

My encounters with NHLers

I managed a Blockbuster store while in college and worked for a pool service company to learn the business before opening my own. I was able to meet a lot of pro athletes as a lot of them lived in Boca Raton during their offseasons. Everyone from Mike Tyson, Leonard Marshall, both Bure's, Jaroslav Spacek and Chris Carter to Ryan Johnson, Radek Dvorak, my favorite Paul Laus. At Blockbuster, most would call and ask for me. I never asked for their autographs (except when the team was having a session) and would put movies aside for them so they could get in and get out. Most people wouldn't realize who they were until they were long gone. Paul told me that the guys really appreciated me allowing them to dictate the conversations and not ask for things. I'm still friends with Paul and we still email each other.

Worked on Robert Svehla's pool weekly. He would come out and ask how things were, chat about the Panthers and what we were up to. Really nice guy, gave great Christmas tips, too.

Spacek, Dvorak, and Ray Whitney would talk a bit, but Whitney only said hi once.

Pavel and Val I rarely saw, they were nice when I did. Didn't talk much, just exchanged pleasantries.

Enforcer Paul Laus was far and away the best guy to all of us. He would chat for awhile when he came in and never called ahead. He'd get stopped, but was always very nice to people. First time I met him he had a late fee and wasn't sure why. I was called over and didn't look at him, didn't notice til I saw his name on the screen. Looked up and said hi and took care of his fee, as it really was our fault. He thanked me, but was pretty distracted with his new(er) born.

Last summer the tem had a 96 Finals Run reunion game. He emailed me to ask if I'd be there, which I of course told him I was going to be. He took pictures with my daughter, who had a Panther onesie that my wife sewed him name and number on the back of using a kit we got on ebay. He git a big kick out of it and then gave us VIP tickets so we could get up to the post game lounge. They were a few hundred dollar tickets. A lot of the players were milling about as fans asked for autographs. Paul was mobbed more than Jovo, Boyle, Potvin, or the rest of the guys. He's just been so good to all of us. He kept looking over at us, nodding to let us know he'd get to us soon. After over an hour, he came over and met my wife, talking to us for almost 30 minute. Was great. My wife was floating, she'd never met a pro-athlete or anyone famous. With all the guys there and Paul spending time with us, she was really excited.

Met Hall of famer Denis Potvin at church last Christmas, was a really nice guy and very down-to-earth.

Mike Van Ryn ready to go

Thanks to Panthers beat writer George Richards...

BY GEORGE RICHARDS
grichards@MiamiHerald.com

After
multiple wrist surgeries, defenseman Mike Van Ryn said he feels 'awesome' and
expects to get back to top form.
Mike Van Ryn's wrists have been through a
lot the past few years.
The Panthers defenseman has endured four surgeries --
three on his right wrist alone -- as he has tried to regain the strength and
power that fueled his slapshot and helped him become one of Florida's top
players at the position.
Van Ryn missed 62 games last season after having his
second surgery on his right wrist in less than a year.
He said the time off
has helped him heal, and his wrist feels as good as ever. The Panthers hope Van
Ryn is right.
''I feel awesome now,'' said Van Ryn, who spent last week
helping coach a youth camp in Coral Springs. ``I look at other guys around the
league. It took [Edmonton Oilers defenseman] Sheldon Souray a while to get his
right. It can be a difficult surgery. I'm just excited to play, try and
contribute and help the Panthers win some games.''
The past two seasons have
been rough on Van Ryn. He had surgery on both wrists last summer, only his right
wrist was never fully fixed. After the team's first practice of training camp,
Van Ryn was forced to strap ice bags to his wrist, an early indicator something
was wrong.
Van Ryn had played through pain in 2006-07 and had a subpar
season. Last year, it was apparent he couldn't do that again. In November, just
20 games into the season, he shut things down and went to a different
specialist.
Baltimore's Dr. Thomas Graham found a number of problems with Van
Ryn's wrist and suggested more surgery. At the time, Van Ryn struggled with the
decision on whether to have surgery again. If the procedure did not work, he
said at the time, his career might be over.
INTENSE TRAINING
Van Ryn said
he doesn't have those fears anymore. He has spent the summer working out with
noted trainer Pete Bommarito in Davie, training with fellow athletes such as
teammate Nathan Horton, former teammate Ed Belfour, New York Giants wide
receiver Plaxico Burress and San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. He
said the intense workouts have helped him on the ice.
''I feel better than I
have in a long, long time,'' he said. ``This is a totally different deal. I know
what I can do, and people who have been here know what I can do. I've been
frustrated with my play the past two years. But it was never a lack of effort. I
was incapable of playing the way I had in the past.''
This offseason, the
Panthers traded captain Olli Jokinen for defensemen Keith Ballard and Nick
Boynton, and currently have eight NHL-caliber defensemen on the active
roster.
''Competition sometimes brings out the best in people,'' general
manager Jacques Martin said.
It's no secret Martin would like to move one or
two of his extra defensemen, perhaps to add some scoring, and Van Ryn could be
traded. Karlis Skrastins also has been mentioned as a trade
possibility.
''It's a possibility I could move one of them down the road,''
Martin said. ``But there is no one in particular. If we could get a forward in
return, well, that's something I would look at. But it's not necessarily
Mike.
``Look at the role he played before he got hurt. He was an important
part of our team. Hopefully the surgery was a success. He feels good about it.
He did a lot of [rehabilitation] last year, with all the time now, I think it's
positive he feels so good.''
`NOTHING I CAN DO'
Van Ryn doesn't want to
leave the Panthers, but knows his game is also a business. A member of the
Panthers since coming south in a trade with St. Louis in 2003, Van Ryn has seen
many friends leave the team over the years.
''Rumors are rumors,'' Van Ryn
said. ``Jacques has never said he is looking to trade me, but it's part of the
game. This is obviously where I want to be. I want to win here. I've been here
forever now, but if I'm traded, it's something I can't control. I'm going about
my business the same every day. There's nothing I can do about it. I'm just
trying to get ready for the season. I hope it's here.''
Martin, who wouldn't
confirm rumors he is shopping Van Ryn, might have to trade someone else before
Van Ryn's wrists are strong enough to endure the NHL. Van Ryn's salary of $3.35
million per season through 2009-10 also could be a hindrance. Of course, if Van
Ryn returns to past form, his contract might look like a bargain.
''I'm not
worried about things,'' Van Ryn said. ``I've had plenty of time to let the wrist
heal. I've had time off and let the wrist heal the way it should.''