Source: Sport-Express
August 6, 2008, 8:32 AM
Alexei Cherepanov could not contain his joy while speaking with a Sport-Express correspondent after netting his hat trick against HK-36 Skalica:
-- To be honest, I never thought I would get a hat trick today. Without my linemates, I never would have achieved this. -
- Viewers were hoping to see Jagr be the one scoring, but you were the hero today.
-- Jaromir set up several goals. -
- Your line was the best in the game. What may explain this understanding you have?
-- This is the third year Sasha Popov, Anton Kuryanov, and I are playing together. Over this time, everyone has to explore each other's style of game, and hence we develop such an understanding. As for other lines, they are new and kids need more time.
-- You will not be surprised that you play on the first line, and Jagr - on the second?
-- The coach determines the lines. Maybe, this is a tactical idea? In general, during pre-season it may well be one thing, and in the regular season - another. However, to be honest, I do not care what line I play on. My main goal is to play hard and give everything I can to the team.
-- Last season, you repeatedly said that Jagr was your idol, and dreamed of playing with him one day. Today, your dream come true… -
- You can not even imagine what emotions I feel. A dream is a dream, but at the same time, I even could not imagine that we would play together for the Omsk club!
-- Maybe now you're waiting for the moment to play with him at one point? -- I believe that is possible! I hope to score on some dream passes from Jagr.
-- Have you been able to get his autograph? -- Not yet, but the entire season is yet to come. -- Do you talk to him often?
-- Yeah, sometimes I ask about the NHL. Jaromir knows that I had an invitation from the NHL, and once said: "You want to play in the NHL - train more." After these words I began to work even harder. By the way, after each workout Jaromir stays with me: we look at video and he tells me what still needs work. So he is really one of my coaches.
-- They say that your departure for NHL has been postponed largely because of the fact that Jagr came to Avangard…
-- My contract with Avangard operates for another year, so that meant I was staying anyway. But when found out that my idol will be joining me in Omsk, I basically stopped thinking about that.
-- Do you think Avangard will be able to win a championship?
-- We have an excellent team, and we all will try to make sure that the team has achieved the highest result possible. Jagr's arrival should also give us youngsters even more confidence. Watch Jaromir and learn.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
NY Rangers' 1st Round pick Alexei Cherepanov kicks off 2008-09 preseason with a hat trick
In the build-up to the 2008 Bashkortostan President's Cup, much of the hype has been focused around the scheduled clash between star imports Jaromir Jagr and Alexander Radulov. These players are without a doubt the two biggest names that the Continental Hockey League has been able to attract for its inaugural 2008-09 season. This prestigious tournament is the first opportunity fans will have to see the pair square off outside of an NHL rink. However, with the star-studded clash days away, Jagr's teammate Alexei Cherepanov is the player who has managed to grab the spotlight.
The Bashkortostan tournament is an annual pre-season tournament held in Russia. This year, the six teams participating are Jagr and Cherepanov's Avangard Omsk, Radulov's Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL sides Traktor Chelyabinsk, Spartak Moscow, and Metallurg Magnitogorsk, as well as Slovakian club HK-36 Skalica. The opening game of the tournament had Avangard Omsk facing HK-36 Skalica. Omsk came out victorious, as expected, to the tune of a 6-3 score, but it was future NY Ranger Cherepanov and not former Ranger Jagr that powered the Russian side to the win. While Jagr managed two assists, his young teammate lit up the scoreboard on his way to a hat trick.
Cherepanov opened the game's scoring exactly 3 minutes in, before adding what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the middle of the 2nd period, and capping off his day with the team's final tally in the 3rd period. Cherepanov, still one of the world's best prospects at age 19, is aiming to have his best season yet, as a key force in Avangard Omsk's attack. The future looks very bright for the Rangers' 2007 1st-round draft pick.
August 5, 2008, 2:38 pm
The Morning Skate
By Stu Hackel
The prestigious Bashkortostan President’s Cup pre-season tournament has begun and a future Ranger upstaged a former Ranger in the opening game. Top Rangers draft choice of ‘07 Alexei Cherepanov notched a hat trick for Avangard Omsk while teammate Jaromir Jagr had to settle for a pair of assists on goals by his Czech linemates Pavel Rosa and Jakub Klepis as Omsk downed the Slovakian club HK-36 Skalica 6-3 in the tournament’s opening game.
Monday, August 4, 2008
AllHockey.Ru Interview with Dynamo Moscow D Danny Markov
Danny Markov: It's easier for us in Russia, here is our home
July 29, 2008, 10:49 PM
Author: Diana Ozimova, specifically for AllHockey.Ru
I have the honour to speak with one of the leading Dynamo Moscow players, and one of the best in Russian hockey in general, Daniil Markov. Despite his authoritative status, Danny was easy to contact. We had a positive conversation.
-- Daniil, last fall, why did you decide to return to Russia, becoming a player for Dynamo?
-- Negotiations, which I had with several teams, were also civilized, and I was satisfied with everything! But I knew that Dynamo was a good organization.
-- Recently, many Russian players in the NHL returned to Russia. Why in your opinion they are motivated to make such decisions?
-- Russia ... America ... America is still for us Russians, a foreign country, and regardless, you still see yourself as a foreigner. Here is your home, here is your birthplace, parents, family, children. Here is your native land. In Russia it is easier for us in many respects, and in domestic terms, too.
-- You played almost a full season for Dynamo, what you can say about Russian hockey in general, whether or not it is changing?
-- Yes, it varies, ranging from its organization even to the smallest details. In Russia hockey there is progression, and it is changing in a positive direction. I believe it will work out in the right way.
-- What is your attitude to the changes in our hockey as it pertains to KHL rules on fighting?
-- I can say one thing, that if the league permits fights, it should be with the same concept as in the NHL. More precisely, there are certain players, so-called fighters ("tough guys"), which account for a large amount of the fighting among themselves. For example, Georges Laraque goes after guys his size, and does not pound on regular players. This can help to lead a team at the right time. Each team has a fighter. I do not see anything wrong in that. Tough guys also have to act according to certain rules. Each team can have any number of such fighters here. Hockey is not chess, so I am fine with them.
-- This summer, Dynamo was strengthened by several acquisitions. Will the team would be able to claim the first Gagarin Cup?
-- Of course, Dynamo brought in very good players, and that helped strengthen the team. This will affect the club and the overall game plan. We now have a club full of talented players, which can definitely win the championship.
-- The KHL recently had one of its biggest signings - Jaromir Jagr became a player for Avangard Omsk. What does this mean for you?
-- Honestly for me it has little meaning. Jagr already played in Russia. The press gives too much attention to this, and this is already happened once. Open a newspaper, go on the Internet and everywhere is "JAGR, JAGR, JAGR." Of course, when those players are joining the Russian league, it raises our level of hockey. And for young children, it is what they have to learn from. He is still a great player, and has been for many years.
-- Do you think the KHL should go with smaller ice surfaces? How will that affect the development of our hockey?
-- Yes, I believe that it should. In my opinion, our hockey, moving into smaller rinks, will be more spectacular and more intense. And there will be more dynamic play. Some believe that we may lose our style of hockey, where the Russian style of play has lots of passing. But with anything like this, if you can play, then you can play at any venue. All this will make the game 2 times faster, more dynamic, and more interesting for the viewer. But this is my personal opinion.
-- For the first time in many years Russia managed to win the IIHF World Championships, and did so by beating Canada, the host country. What was the biggest factor in achieving this victory?
-- Actually, it was my dream come true! Winning in the final of the World Championship against the Canadians in their territory. The main factor was that we had a very good team chemistry. We all know who does what. It was a good, healthy atmosphere in the team. We played as a team and nobody cared who played more or less. From all these efforts, it was the ultimate team victory. Many did not believe in us, but we showed character, and each of us contributed something to winning the Gold.
July 29, 2008, 10:49 PM
Author: Diana Ozimova, specifically for AllHockey.Ru
I have the honour to speak with one of the leading Dynamo Moscow players, and one of the best in Russian hockey in general, Daniil Markov. Despite his authoritative status, Danny was easy to contact. We had a positive conversation.
-- Daniil, last fall, why did you decide to return to Russia, becoming a player for Dynamo?
-- Negotiations, which I had with several teams, were also civilized, and I was satisfied with everything! But I knew that Dynamo was a good organization.
-- Recently, many Russian players in the NHL returned to Russia. Why in your opinion they are motivated to make such decisions?
-- Russia ... America ... America is still for us Russians, a foreign country, and regardless, you still see yourself as a foreigner. Here is your home, here is your birthplace, parents, family, children. Here is your native land. In Russia it is easier for us in many respects, and in domestic terms, too.
-- You played almost a full season for Dynamo, what you can say about Russian hockey in general, whether or not it is changing?
-- Yes, it varies, ranging from its organization even to the smallest details. In Russia hockey there is progression, and it is changing in a positive direction. I believe it will work out in the right way.
-- What is your attitude to the changes in our hockey as it pertains to KHL rules on fighting?
-- I can say one thing, that if the league permits fights, it should be with the same concept as in the NHL. More precisely, there are certain players, so-called fighters ("tough guys"), which account for a large amount of the fighting among themselves. For example, Georges Laraque goes after guys his size, and does not pound on regular players. This can help to lead a team at the right time. Each team has a fighter. I do not see anything wrong in that. Tough guys also have to act according to certain rules. Each team can have any number of such fighters here. Hockey is not chess, so I am fine with them.
-- This summer, Dynamo was strengthened by several acquisitions. Will the team would be able to claim the first Gagarin Cup?
-- Of course, Dynamo brought in very good players, and that helped strengthen the team. This will affect the club and the overall game plan. We now have a club full of talented players, which can definitely win the championship.
-- The KHL recently had one of its biggest signings - Jaromir Jagr became a player for Avangard Omsk. What does this mean for you?
-- Honestly for me it has little meaning. Jagr already played in Russia. The press gives too much attention to this, and this is already happened once. Open a newspaper, go on the Internet and everywhere is "JAGR, JAGR, JAGR." Of course, when those players are joining the Russian league, it raises our level of hockey. And for young children, it is what they have to learn from. He is still a great player, and has been for many years.
-- Do you think the KHL should go with smaller ice surfaces? How will that affect the development of our hockey?
-- Yes, I believe that it should. In my opinion, our hockey, moving into smaller rinks, will be more spectacular and more intense. And there will be more dynamic play. Some believe that we may lose our style of hockey, where the Russian style of play has lots of passing. But with anything like this, if you can play, then you can play at any venue. All this will make the game 2 times faster, more dynamic, and more interesting for the viewer. But this is my personal opinion.
-- For the first time in many years Russia managed to win the IIHF World Championships, and did so by beating Canada, the host country. What was the biggest factor in achieving this victory?
-- Actually, it was my dream come true! Winning in the final of the World Championship against the Canadians in their territory. The main factor was that we had a very good team chemistry. We all know who does what. It was a good, healthy atmosphere in the team. We played as a team and nobody cared who played more or less. From all these efforts, it was the ultimate team victory. Many did not believe in us, but we showed character, and each of us contributed something to winning the Gold.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Interview with Nashville G Pekka Rinne
TheNeilShow: One On One with Nashville Goaltender Pekka Rinne
Monday, July 28 2008
In my debut interview for HockeyPrimeTime.com, I sit down with Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne to talk some hockey.
Neil Bristow - You made your NHL debut Dec.15th 2005. Can you share with us a little of what that was like? What was going through your mind at that time?
Pekka Rinne - It was something that I had always been dreaming of. At that time both Tomas Vokoun and Chris Mason were hurt and I got the call. Everything happened pretty fast and I didn`t have time to stress about the game, we won the game and it was just amazing experience I'll remember for rest of my life.
Neil Bristow -You played with Karpat Oulu (FNL)before coming over to North America. Is playing goalie over here different than in Finland? If so, why? And did you have to make adjustments to your game at all?
Pekka Rinne - The game is little different in Finland mostly because of the bigger ice surface.Players have more time to use their skills. In North America game is more north-south style of play. That`s why I had to change my game more aggressive to challenge the shooter and cut down the angles. I really like the North American style of game.
Neil Bristow - What are some of your goals this year coming in to Camp in Nashville?
Pekka Rinne - My goal is to have a good summer and strong training camp and make the team. Also prove that I can play in NHL and that I belong there.
Neil Bristow - What is your biggest moment so far in your career and why?
Pekka Rinne - When I played in Finland we won two championships in a row 2004 and 2005. It was pretty special cause I played for my hometown team in front of my family and friends. Other great moment was when we made it to Calder Cup finals with Milwaukee on 2006. We had a great team but unfortunately we came short and Hershey won the Cup.
Neil Bristow - With players like Jaromir Jagr going over to play in the Kontinental league in Russia for the same money they would make in the NHL, the Russianleague has stated in the past, that they will pay NHL-like salaries for players in their league. Do you see this becoming a realistic problem for the NHL, losing great European talent to Russia?
Pekka Rinne - Maybe in the future, but I don't think it's a problem right now. NHL is such a respected league around the world that every kid in Europe wants to play in NHL someday.
Neil Bristow -Who did you look up to growing up, goaltender wise?
Pekka Rinne - My cousin used to play goalie growing up and he had a big influence on me. He is the biggest reason why I started to play goalie. In NHL I used watch Patrick Roy and John Vanbiesbrouck play when growing up.
Neil Bristow - Who is one player that you have faced before, that you wouldn't want coming in on you in a shootout? And why?
Pekka Rinne -I haven't been involved in single one shootout in NHL, but in AHL I think Darren Haydar is a player that I don`t like to face too many times. I played with him in Milwaukee '06-'07 and you would think that I know his moves, but he's just so smart and skilled player that he reads goalies and forces them to make the first move.
Neil Bristow - The NHL is once again starting the season over in Europe this year with the Lightning and Rangers battling in Prague and the Sens and Pens in Stockholm. What are your thoughts on NHL teams starting a long season over there with all the travel and scheduling? Are you in favour of that?
Pekka Rinne - As a European and knowing European hockey fans I think it's great thing that they are able to see and watch their favorite players and teams. Also it`s a good way to showcase the whole NHL and it`s unbelieveble players. And also for players I think it`s nice to see some new countries and cities. Obviously the schedule is hard but there's more gain than harm, teams playing in Europe.
Neil Bristow - What NHL city that you haven’t visited yet are you most looking forward to playing in? And why?
Pekka Rinne - Beside Nashville I haven`t visited too many NHL cities, but I really like all Canadian NHL cities because hockey is just so big in Canada. I have to say it`s a privilege to play for Nashville organization we have such a great fans and hockey is getting bigger in South.
Neil Bristow - NHL has thrown around the idea of maybe shrinking the NHL nets or maybe altering goaltender’s equipment. What are your thoughts and ideas on that topic?
Pekka Rinne - It's a topic that everybody has different opinion. I think that if people decide to change the size of the nets, would be a mistake. All the records and games played before would lose their meaning and new era of hockey would begin. But I'm fine with altering goalie gear as long as it's safe for goalies.
Neil Bristow - Have you had any embarrassing on- ice moments in your career so far? If so, could you share a story with our readers?
Pekka Rinne - There's couple moments that I try to forget. This one happened when playing in Finland. We played against Ilves Tampere and were leading 3-2, there was only 3 seconds left in the game and I started almost celebrating when somebody just threw the puck to net and it went in off my skate and at the same time buzzer went off. We ended up losing the game in overtime. It was the final game of the regular season and we would have finished first if we would have won that game. I wasn't happy tell you that much. Luckily we were able to win the Finnish Championship that year so I could laugh about it with the guys afterwards.
Neil Bristow - If you had the power to make changes in the NHL game, would you change anything? If so what would you change?
Pekka Rinne - I think NHL have done a great job with some changes in the game last few years. It has made the game faster and more interesting for the fans and also for the players. I don't have any new suggestions, I just try to work on things that I can control. Thanks!!
Until next time, I’m Neil Bristow for hockeyprimetime.com.
Neil Bristow
HPT Radio Correspondent
Monday, July 28 2008
In my debut interview for HockeyPrimeTime.com, I sit down with Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne to talk some hockey.
Neil Bristow - You made your NHL debut Dec.15th 2005. Can you share with us a little of what that was like? What was going through your mind at that time?
Pekka Rinne - It was something that I had always been dreaming of. At that time both Tomas Vokoun and Chris Mason were hurt and I got the call. Everything happened pretty fast and I didn`t have time to stress about the game, we won the game and it was just amazing experience I'll remember for rest of my life.
Neil Bristow -You played with Karpat Oulu (FNL)before coming over to North America. Is playing goalie over here different than in Finland? If so, why? And did you have to make adjustments to your game at all?
Pekka Rinne - The game is little different in Finland mostly because of the bigger ice surface.Players have more time to use their skills. In North America game is more north-south style of play. That`s why I had to change my game more aggressive to challenge the shooter and cut down the angles. I really like the North American style of game.
Neil Bristow - What are some of your goals this year coming in to Camp in Nashville?
Pekka Rinne - My goal is to have a good summer and strong training camp and make the team. Also prove that I can play in NHL and that I belong there.
Neil Bristow - What is your biggest moment so far in your career and why?
Pekka Rinne - When I played in Finland we won two championships in a row 2004 and 2005. It was pretty special cause I played for my hometown team in front of my family and friends. Other great moment was when we made it to Calder Cup finals with Milwaukee on 2006. We had a great team but unfortunately we came short and Hershey won the Cup.
Neil Bristow - With players like Jaromir Jagr going over to play in the Kontinental league in Russia for the same money they would make in the NHL, the Russianleague has stated in the past, that they will pay NHL-like salaries for players in their league. Do you see this becoming a realistic problem for the NHL, losing great European talent to Russia?
Pekka Rinne - Maybe in the future, but I don't think it's a problem right now. NHL is such a respected league around the world that every kid in Europe wants to play in NHL someday.
Neil Bristow -Who did you look up to growing up, goaltender wise?
Pekka Rinne - My cousin used to play goalie growing up and he had a big influence on me. He is the biggest reason why I started to play goalie. In NHL I used watch Patrick Roy and John Vanbiesbrouck play when growing up.
Neil Bristow - Who is one player that you have faced before, that you wouldn't want coming in on you in a shootout? And why?
Pekka Rinne -I haven't been involved in single one shootout in NHL, but in AHL I think Darren Haydar is a player that I don`t like to face too many times. I played with him in Milwaukee '06-'07 and you would think that I know his moves, but he's just so smart and skilled player that he reads goalies and forces them to make the first move.
Neil Bristow - The NHL is once again starting the season over in Europe this year with the Lightning and Rangers battling in Prague and the Sens and Pens in Stockholm. What are your thoughts on NHL teams starting a long season over there with all the travel and scheduling? Are you in favour of that?
Pekka Rinne - As a European and knowing European hockey fans I think it's great thing that they are able to see and watch their favorite players and teams. Also it`s a good way to showcase the whole NHL and it`s unbelieveble players. And also for players I think it`s nice to see some new countries and cities. Obviously the schedule is hard but there's more gain than harm, teams playing in Europe.
Neil Bristow - What NHL city that you haven’t visited yet are you most looking forward to playing in? And why?
Pekka Rinne - Beside Nashville I haven`t visited too many NHL cities, but I really like all Canadian NHL cities because hockey is just so big in Canada. I have to say it`s a privilege to play for Nashville organization we have such a great fans and hockey is getting bigger in South.
Neil Bristow - NHL has thrown around the idea of maybe shrinking the NHL nets or maybe altering goaltender’s equipment. What are your thoughts and ideas on that topic?
Pekka Rinne - It's a topic that everybody has different opinion. I think that if people decide to change the size of the nets, would be a mistake. All the records and games played before would lose their meaning and new era of hockey would begin. But I'm fine with altering goalie gear as long as it's safe for goalies.
Neil Bristow - Have you had any embarrassing on- ice moments in your career so far? If so, could you share a story with our readers?
Pekka Rinne - There's couple moments that I try to forget. This one happened when playing in Finland. We played against Ilves Tampere and were leading 3-2, there was only 3 seconds left in the game and I started almost celebrating when somebody just threw the puck to net and it went in off my skate and at the same time buzzer went off. We ended up losing the game in overtime. It was the final game of the regular season and we would have finished first if we would have won that game. I wasn't happy tell you that much. Luckily we were able to win the Finnish Championship that year so I could laugh about it with the guys afterwards.
Neil Bristow - If you had the power to make changes in the NHL game, would you change anything? If so what would you change?
Pekka Rinne - I think NHL have done a great job with some changes in the game last few years. It has made the game faster and more interesting for the fans and also for the players. I don't have any new suggestions, I just try to work on things that I can control. Thanks!!
Until next time, I’m Neil Bristow for hockeyprimetime.com.
Neil Bristow
HPT Radio Correspondent
Thursday, July 3, 2008
D Anton Babchuk signs with Carolina after one-year hiatus
Just as it has in the past, the opening of the NHL free agency period produced a flurry of big signings. On the day, over $300 million were committed to player contracts. In a move that flew under the radar early in the day, one of those many millions was committed to defenseman Anton Babchuk by the Carolina Hurricanes.
His signing ($1 million for 1 year) marks his return to the organization with which he won a Stanley Cup in 2006. Though the team won a championship in his first season in Carolina, his relationship with the Hurricanes turned a little ugly the following season. To begin the 2006-07 season, the Hurricanes assigned Babchuk to their AHL affiliate in Albany. When he refused to report, he was suspended for violating team rules.
Babchuk ended up playing 52 games with the Hurricanes that season, and after eventually accepting a demotion, played an additional 9 games in the AHL. That season Babchuk posted a career-high 12 assists, 14 points, and 30 penalty minutes.
His signing ($1 million for 1 year) marks his return to the organization with which he won a Stanley Cup in 2006. Though the team won a championship in his first season in Carolina, his relationship with the Hurricanes turned a little ugly the following season. To begin the 2006-07 season, the Hurricanes assigned Babchuk to their AHL affiliate in Albany. When he refused to report, he was suspended for violating team rules.
Babchuk ended up playing 52 games with the Hurricanes that season, and after eventually accepting a demotion, played an additional 9 games in the AHL. That season Babchuk posted a career-high 12 assists, 14 points, and 30 penalty minutes.
Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League was his destination for the 2007-08 season. Babchuk, a 1st round pick of the Blackhawks in 2002, had a strong season for Omsk. He amassed 9 goals and 15 assists while playing in all 57 regular season games. However, as an elite athlete, Babchuk still had a burning desire to return to the NHL, to play in the best league in the world.
The signing of the 6’5”, 215 lb. Babchuk is just one move the Hurricanes have taken to re-tool their often criticized defense for the 2008-09 season. With the loss of Bret Hedican and Glen Wesley to free agency, Carolina has also brought in Josef Melichar, returning to the NHL from time in Europe, and Joni Pitkanen, acquired from the Oilers in a trade for Erik Cole. The Hurricanes will look to Babchuk to be a steadying force on the blueline, as well as to contribute offensively by jump-starting the attack and manning the point on the power play.
The signing of the 6’5”, 215 lb. Babchuk is just one move the Hurricanes have taken to re-tool their often criticized defense for the 2008-09 season. With the loss of Bret Hedican and Glen Wesley to free agency, Carolina has also brought in Josef Melichar, returning to the NHL from time in Europe, and Joni Pitkanen, acquired from the Oilers in a trade for Erik Cole. The Hurricanes will look to Babchuk to be a steadying force on the blueline, as well as to contribute offensively by jump-starting the attack and manning the point on the power play.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Red Wings' Mikael Samuelsson hoists Stanley Cup, joins elusive Triple Gold Club
Detroit Red Wings right wing Mikael Samuelsson capped off a strong playoff performance by assisting on Valtteri Filppula's second period goal in last night's Game 6 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, bringing the Cup back to Hockeytown for the 4th time in the last 11 years. Samuelsson scored 5 goals, added 8 assists and was +8 during Detroit'z run, including a two-goal performance in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against his former team. "Sammy" also had a two-goal game in Game 4 of Detroit's series-clinching win over Colorado. Samuelsson played on a line with Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula throughout the playoffs and was a significant part of the team's second power-play unit, which was lauded earlier in the finals by head coach Mike Babcock. With last night's win, Mikael joined the elite Triple Gold Club.
Triple Gold Club expands to 22
Zetterberg, Kronwall and Samuelsson do it in only two years.
06-05-08
PITTSBURGH – With Detroit’s Stanley Cup victory, the Triple Gold Club expanded with three new members – Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, and Mikael Samuelsson. The three Swedes were the fastest of the 22 players to complete the triple (Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and Stanley Cup).
The three out of a total of seven Swedish players on the 2008 Red Wings’ Stanley Cup team built their Triple Gold Club platform just two years ago. In 2006, they were part of Sweden’s Tre Kronor when it became the first team in hockey history to win the Olympic gold (Turin) and the World Championship (Riga) in the same year. They are now the first players who have achieved their Triple Gold Club merits entirely in the 21st century.
Zetterberg, Kronwall, and Samuelsson were among the eight Swedish players that year who were on both the Olympic as well as on the World Championship team. As a result, the Swedish Triple Gold Club contingent is now nine players strong.
By comparison, Soviet and Russian stalwart defenceman Vyacheslav Fetisov had to wait 19 years between his first title (1978 World Championship) and the year he finally reached the triple, in 1997 after winning his first of two Stanley Cups with Detroit.
Other examples: It took Jaromir Jagr 14 years, Joe Sakic 12 and Nicklas Lidstrom 15 years to win all three titles.
The Triple Gold Club now consists of nine Swedish players, six Russians, five Canadians and two Czechs. Out of the 22 players, 12 are forwards and 10 are defenceman. The club still has yet to welcome its first goaltender.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
D Anssi Salmela signs with New Jersey
The New Jersey Devils made news last Friday by signing undrafted free agent defenseman Anssi Salmela to a one year entry-level contract. The 23-year old blueliner most recently played for Team Finland in the 2008 IIHF World Championships, where he logged 15.23 minutes per game and finished with a +3 rating. Salmela also made a splash by fighting current St. Louis Blues forward David Backes at the end of Finland's May 11th game against the US. Salmela drew interest from several NHL clubs after a strong 2007-08 season in which he led all SM-Liiga defensemen in goals (16) and played for the National Team. Anssi, known for having an edge to his game, should figure to compete in 2008-09 for one of the top six spots in New Jersey's lineup.
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