NO RESPECT!
by The Mask

Tuesday January 7, 2003

Hello hockey fans,

I have to write about something that bugs me very much and this is RESPECT. Not only RESPECT of the game but also RESPECT among players.

RESPECT is something that players once had toward each others. When I see all the dirty play these days, I wonder why it is tolerated. It's basically ruining the game we love.

When Jeremy Roenick hit Mike Modano, he did not care about Modano at all. Jeremy, don't tell me that B.S. that Modano is your friend because if he would have been your friend, you would not had given him such a dirty hit. The worst is that Roenick only received a two game suspension.

It's spredding accross the league lately. Lindros hit Quintal for no reason when the play was stop. Barnaby had his elbows in Juneau's face, resulting in a concussion. The Flames's Scott Nichol was suspended 5 games for a hit that was just as illegal as the one on Modano.

The worst hits are knee to knee collisions. Those are career threatning hits and obviously should not be tolerated. The point is that the NHL as different rules for different players. If Matt Johnson would have put the same hit on Modano (or even if Brashear or Laraque had) you can be sure that the judgement would be much more severe. But, like in life, there is politics in hockey also.

"Hey, this is one of our best players! You can't suspend him! He puts people in the stands." And all the BS that goes with this. It needs to change.

On another matter the World Junior Championship were held in Halifax, Canada this year from Dec 26th to Jan 5th. Russia was the favorite for this tournament, and they took home the gold. I sincerely believed that Canada and the US had an edge. The reason is simple: the size of the rink. We know that the Europeans skate on a Olympic size rink, Canadians and Americans do not. I thought that would help push them to the Gold, but Russia beat Canada in the Gold Medal game, overcoming the ice disadvantage.

The US was not part of the finals. They relied way to much on their goalie. The result and comment on the next article.

RUMOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We all know that Mike Dunham was traded to New York Rangers. The rumour I heard was that the Rangers inquired about the availability of Manny Fernandez. But, since the Rangers's offer was not good enough, Minnesota refused the trade. This was mentioned to me by a referee. So I dont know his source.

Other rumour implicated Calgary and Philadelphia. It goes like this: Turek and Iginla to Philly for Cechmanek, Gagné and Desjardins. I have heard that the decision came from the top of the organization to refuse this trade, meaning the Calgary Flames Higher hiarchy had to inform the GM Button that it was a NO NO.

The word out is that Philly is looking for a solid goaltender for the playoffs.

Another one was with Boston...Rumour was Manny and Dupuis for Martin Lapointe and Kyle Mclaren...I heard that this will not happen because the Wild managment are afraid to lose one of their goalies next summer. That would be Roloson. Rumour says that he will go and test the UFA to see what kind of money he can get. With all the interest over free agents, I would not be surprise to see him leave for another team. And if they trade Manny right now and Dwayne leaves us next summer who is going to be in net? The difference is huge between the American Hockey League and the NHL.

I for one feel that Gustafson is not the caliber of a NHL goalie, same for Kochan. As a back up role maybe, but not more.

Why are there so many rumours implicating our goalies? For one, they are doing very well. And it's pretty obvious that its due to them that the team is doing so good. The interest is also high due to the fact that the the Wild are playing so called defensive hockey, a style of hockey called the trap, but are usually outshot by their opponents.

But most importantly, our goalie are UNDERESTIMATED. Both of them. Give the #1 job to either of them on another team and you will see the team's record improve for sure. Newspapers in Canada are writing about the job done by the Minnesota duo. Fernandez is very highly quoted due to his past winning record. On the other hand, Roloson is mentionned as a goalie who became very consistant in the past year and a half.

In case there is a trade my only wish is that we assure the goltending situation for next year, otherwise Mr. Risebrough you are in deep molasses.

I will take this oppotunity to offer my best wishes to all of you for 2003.
Enjoy hockey until next time
The Mask
ihbtm@yahoo.com

The Mask is a new writer for WildOnIce.net who wll be providing hockey insights and knowledge on a weekly basis. His experience and connections make him a valuable addition to our staff. "The Mask" would love feedback, so you can e-mail him at "IHBTM@YAHOO.COM", or leave a comment addressed to him on the message board.