Gopher Center Kaufmann injured, has surgery

Size added to blueline: Fischer commits to Gophers

Gopher defenseman Peter Kennedy is recovering from a second surgery on his hip.  He works on rehabilitation for a few hours each day and he reports a significant reduction in pain for the injured hip. 
 
Goalie Adam Hauser is hosting his goalie camp at Minnetonka's Pagel Activity Center August 1-5th.  The cost for the week-long training camp is $400.  For more information or to register go to adamhauser.com.  The site also features tips and theories for goaltenders.  Hauser has not yet received his pads that meet the new requirements for goaltender equipment and doesn't expect to receive them in what he calls an 'appropriate' time to break them in for the season, but he says, 'that comes with the position.'
 
Both BJ Abel and Ben Stafford would be re-signed by the Philadelphia Flyers should they choose to return, according to Assistant GM Paul Holmgren.  Holmgren, however, believes that Stafford will retire to enroll in medical school.

The Minnesota Wild have several prospects for whom they will have to determine future statuses with the club.  Patrick O'Sullivan will certainly be signed prior to August 1st.  Also likely to be signed is Adam Courchaine out of the WHL and Grigori Misharin who played well at the recent Junior World Championships for Russia. The Wild will have to make a decision on Polish winger Marcin Polucz as well. Roman Voloshenko will also likely be signed out of Russia.  The new salary cap restrictions may keep the Wild from signing AJ Thelan this season, but rather let him play a year in the WHL before he is brought to the Aeros for development.

The New Jersey Devils have joined the more than 25 NHL teams announcing ticket price reductions for the coming season.  The Devils will give their discount in the form of a 10% rebate on all season tickets.  They will also give each season ticket holder a replica jersey with their own names or that of their favorite player.

According to Alan Hahn of Newsday Brian Lawton called NY Islanders General Manager Mike Milbury Saturday morning to discuss the status of Mark Parrish, a restricted free agent.  Parrish will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next season at age 29.  Parrish can be qualified at $1.786 million but will be due a much higher contract than that.

Another interesting clause in the new CBA has come to light.  The Waiver draft has been eliminated.  Players will also have to clear waivers twice to remain with the same team, they must clear when waived and should they be recalled they would also have to clear a re-entry waiver.  If a player is picked up by another team upon re-entry the team originally waiving him will have to pick up 50% of his salary and will be charged against the salary cap.

Players drafted in 2004 can sign for a maximum amount of $984,200 including a signing bonus of $328,067.
 

The NHL still does not have a transfer agreement in place with the IIHF meaning NHL teams wishing to sign European players must negotiate individually with that player's respective federation the amount of transfer fee they must pay to sign that player.

Cloquet's Mitch Ryan got into a fight with Burnsville's Matt Erickson during an invitation camp for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL.  Ryan stayed at Cloquet this spring and completed his advanced placement courses that have given him almost a complete year of college credits.
(WCF Courier)

Grand Rapids native and former Minnesota Moose Chris Tok was promoted to co-coach of the Waterloo Blackhawks this summer.

As the National Hockey League ratified its new collective bargaining agreement, a recent research study finds that the lockout cost the sport nearly 2 million fans in Canada. In a survey conducted by Solutions Research Group among 1,776 Canadians in May/June 2005, 55% of Canadian sports fans aged 12 or older identified hockey as one of their favourite sports, down 13 points from 68% in a survey conducted in 2003. The information comes from comprehensive telephone interviews with 1,776 Canadians 12 and older in May/June 2005 conducted as part of Fast Forward™, Solutions Research Group’s syndicated consumer trend research series. To maintain an unbiased perspective, Solutions Research Group funds its own syndicated research. The sample statistically reflects the regional and age/sex composition of the Canadian population. The results of the survey are accurate to ±2.3 points for the population as a whole, 19 times out of 20. (Solutions Research Group)
 

Quick Speculation:

Kevin Constantine did not attend the press conference introducing Peter Mueller to the Everett Silvertips fans, reportedly for 'personal reasons'.  Though Constantine was just given General Manager duties as well as his head coaching of the Tips he could be a candidate for one of the open AHL or NHL coaching positions. 

It would be a surprise if Jack Johnson doesn't go to Anaheim with the second pick overall in the NHL Entry Draft.  Though the Wild would love for him to be there with the #4 pick, former Edina resident Brian Burke, the new GM of the Ducks, is thought to be salivating at the thought of Johnson coming to Orange County.  If the Ducks pass on Johnson they will choose Benoit Pouliot, the big left wing who had 67 points in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves.  Pouliot impressed the Hurricanes scouts last season and with the Canes having the third overall pick it is believed they will take him if the Ducks choose Johnson as predicted.
 
According to news reports the Edmonton Oilers are said to be very interested in big defensive prospect Brian Lee of Moorhead, who will play for UND next year.  The Oilers pick 25th overall and though Lee is currently ranked 15th amongst North American skaters the Oilers think he may drop to them at 25.

NCAA Players drafted in 2003 who likely to forego their remaining eligibility to sign professional contracts with NHL clubs this fall include Mark Stuart Colorado College/Boston Bruins, Matt Carle Denver University/San Jose Sharks, Patrick Eaves Boston College/, Matt Smaby North Dakota/Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Tambellini Michigan/LA Kings.
 

Quick Quotes:

"Things are looking good for making a comeback but it is still too early to tell."

- Peter Kennedy on returning to the Gopher lineup following hip surgery.

"I think the league should go back to all-wood sticks.  I know the hardest shots in all star games still come from wood sticks, but I notice the speed change more on wrist and snap shots.  If we're [goaltenders] going to keep getting smaller, at least try and even the playing field for us as well."

- Adam Hauser on the new rule changes reducing goaltender equipment.

"Our family is very excited and looks forward to seeing David in the Maroon & Gold!"

- Joe Fischer on his son David accepting a scholarship tender to the University of Minnesota in an email to friends and family.

"We want to do something here.  Hard for me to go short and set him free at the end of the year, but if we have to, we have to. Talk to Mark, see what makes him happy and get back to me and we'll see what makes me happy."

- Mike Milbury speaking to Brian Lawton on the status of restricted free agent Mark Parrish. (NY Newsday)

"It's like when you go shopping you can go to the little general store at the service station or you could go to Target or Wal-Mart. Now we can go to the Super Target." 

- Jim Rutherford, Hurricanes GM, on their plans to shop for free agents under the new CBA (Herald Sun)

"It's pretty overwhelming - unbelievable. The team is already good. I just hope me and (fellow Everett draftee John)Lammers bring some goals and some hard work, and hopefully we'll win some more games down the road." 

- Peter Mueller on being introduced as a member of the Everett Silvertips and the reception from Tips fans (Everett Herald)

"After seeing him the first couple of days, Mitch has not been disappointing at all. He's a big, power forward with skill. Mitch also has leadership ability and is everything we thought."

- PK O'Handley, co-coach of the Warterloo Blackhawks on Mitch Ryan after the first days of an invitation-only camp for the Hawks.
 
"He ran the goalie. I'm just excited he ran the goalie."

- Waterloo Blackhawks co-coach Chris Tok on Cloquet's Mitch Ryan after Ryan scored a highlight reel goal during an invitation-only camp for the Hawks.

With more than 500 votes tabulated the NHLPA announced that they have ratified the proposed CBA with approximately 87% of the votes cast in favor of ratification. 

The NHL and NHLPA have based current salary cap figures on projected revenues of $1.7 billion for next season.

As elements of the new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement come to light through media and other sources, there are some lesser-publicized items that Quick Facts believes are especially of interest.  They include:

European players will now be on an even-keel with their North American counterparts when it comes to the NHL Entry Draft.  The Wild will no longer be able to draft an overage player like Lubomir Sekeras out of Europe as Europeans will now only be eligible for the draft up until the age of 22,  after which time they will need to be signed as free agents rather than be drafted.  In addition NHL teams will need to sign drafted European players within two years following their draft or lose their rights, a change from the old system where teams could hold a European players' rights basically indefinitely. 

Compensation levels for losing restricted free agents to other teams have also been adjusted.  Instead of 5 first round picks teams who lose a player whose contract is valued at $5 million or more will only receive 4 first round picks.  If a player makes less than $1 million the team that loses that player will receive only one third-round draft choice.

Drug testing will begin in January of next season and tests will only be conducted during the season and not on game days.  Players can only be tested twice a season but only after they have been through a class informing them of the substances that would be banned.

Bonuses under the terms of the new CBA will be very restricted.  Performance bonuses for the top players in the league will be paid by the NHL and not individual teams and will be not count toward a cap for the team.  For instance the best goaltender in the league will receive a performance bonus from the NHL.  Entry level signing bonuses for players cannot exceed 10% of their salary meaning the highest signing bonuses can be is $85,000 and the maximum a player can earn through performance bonuses is $212,500.  In addition teams will be restricted to whom they can award performance bonuses.  Teams will be allowed to give bonuses only to players 35 years or older on one-year deals or players who have played at least 400 NHL games and spent at least 100 days the previous season on Injured Reserve, but those bonuses will count toward the team's salary cap figure.
 
Loopholes for bonuses and other compensation have been closed.  Deals cannot be made with minor-league affiliates to circumvent cap restrictions.  Renegotiatons, cash payouts, reimbursements, and options have all been eliminated with the terms of the new CBA.
 
Players who have multiple year contracts currently in force will have the average value of the contract applied to each year's cap figure.  Meaning a player who has three years remaining on a deal that pays a player $2million the first year, $3 million the second year and $4 million the third year will have a value of $3 million applied to his team's cap each of the three years, providing teams more room to maneuver under the cap; more time to plan.

Arbitration will prove to be the most complex portion of the CBA.  Instead of a one-way system teams can now take players who earn more than $1.5 million a year to arbitration as well.  However teams can only do that once to a player during his career and will be able to take no more than two players a year to arbitration. 
 
The revenue sharing program will include a restriction for the lower-revenue teams to receive funds.  In order to be eligible for redistribution of monies from top 10 producing teams the poorer 15 teams will have to meet certain 'standards' to prevent teams from purposely skewing their results.  Quick Facts believes this will follow the model set by the previous Canadian Currency equalization program whereas teams will have to meet minimum season-ticket sales figures and other criteria proving an attempt to reach higher revenue figures.
 
Gino Guyer has returned home after spending several days at the Stars Developmental Camp.  Guyer will be a senior captain of the Golden Gophers this season.
 
Danny Irmen, also a captain for the Gophers, will be likely attending the Wild's prospect development camp in August.

Gabe Guentzel, son of Gopher assistant coach Mike Guentzel, will play for Team Northeast of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League this fall.  Guentzel's coach is former Gopher Chris McAlpine who will receive assistance from former Gopher coach Bill Butters.

Former Gopher Jim Hillman has been tapped to coach the Elite League's Team Southeast, whose roster includes some of the top defensive recruits in the state including Nick Canzanello, David Fischer, Nick Jaskowiak, and Kyle Medvec.  The Elite League season begins September 3rd.
 

In addition to naming Tom Kurvers Director of Player Personnel the Phoenix Coyotes announced the hiring of Ron Sutter as a Professional Scout, a position he last held with the Minnesota Wild.

Correction:  In the last Quick Facts it was announced that Derek Herlofsky had signed to play with the Cardiff Devils of the British Elite League.  However, three days after reaching an agreement with the Devils, Herlofsky changed his mind.  As predicted in Quick Facts earlier this Spring Herlofsky has decided to retire from professional hockey and will join Robb Stauber and his GoalCrease coaching program.  Herlofsky will also work with good friend and fellow Edison grad Joe Dziedzic at Dziedzic's hockey camps.  Cardiff Devils coach Ed Patterson released the following statement about Herlofsky's announcement: "Derek had a deal with our club and was excited to come back to Cardiff but unfortunately he has decided three days after the fact to retire from hockey. It is easy to be upset at this but we have to take into consideration that a person's life does not revolve around a hockey season. We only wish Derek the best in his future and I hope the fans will remember him for his great goaltending and not this.  I have found a replacement that I should have signed in the first place. He is an outstanding goalie who has lead his team to finals in the past."

Patrick O'Sullivan, the Minnesota Wild's 2003 draft pick, will be able to sign with the Wild under terms of the previous CBA, minus the 24% rollback, meaning it is possible for him to sign for an amount higher than the $850,000 rookie maximum and his contract term can be shorter than the required 4-year deal in the new CBA.  However his signing bonus will be limited to 30% of his salary a limit other 2003 draft picks who signed prior to the expiration of the CBA did not face.  According to media reports the window for the Wild to sign O'Sullivan is five days beginning July 23rd the day following the expected NHL Board of Governors vote to ratify the CBA.  Should the Wild fail to sign O'Sullivan in that time he would be eligible to go back into the draft to be held July 30th in Ottawa.

Tom Kurvers, who had been an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes has been named Director of Player Personnel for the team.  He will work directly with players like Keith Ballard, Jeff Taffe, David Tanabe and eventually Blake Wheeler.

Quick Facts has compiled a list of Minnesota players' expected contract status for the upcoming NHL season.  This list is not yet comprehensive and is based on a collection of resources.  Based on recent reports, restricted free agents who do not receive qualifying offers within the eight-day window (July 23rd-July 31st) will become unrestricted free agents on Aug. 1.

Minnesota NHL Contracted Players:  Duvie Westcott (Blue Jackets), Trent Klatt (Kings), David Tanabe (Coyotes), Bret Hedican (Hurricanes), Sean Hill (Panthers), Erik Rasmussen (Devils), Jason Blake (Islanders), Mark Hartigan (Blue Jackets), Keith Ballard (Coyotes), Jake Taylor (Rangers), Matt Koalska (Islanders), Troy Riddle (Blues), Thomas Vanek (Sabres), Junior Lessard (Dallas), John Pohl (Blues), Zach Parise (Devils), Grant Potulny (Senators)
 
Minnesota NHL Restricted Free Agents:  Matt Cullen (Hurricanes), Paul Martin (Devils), Jamie Langenbrunner (Devils), Mark Parish (Islanders), Josh Langfeld (Senators), Ryan Malone (Penguins), Jordan Leopold (Flames), Tyler Arnason (Blackhawks), Kurt Sauer (Avalanche), Dan Hinote (Avalanche), Jeff Taffe (Coyotes), Erik Westrum (Coyotes), Tom Preissing (Sharks), Karl Goehring (Blue Jackets), Nate DiCasmirro (Oilers), Josh Olson (Panthers), Mark Cullen (Minnesota), Wyatt Smith (Atlanta), Mike Peluso (Flyers), Jesse Fibiger (Ottawa), Adam Hauser (Kings), BJ Abel (Flyers), Bryce Lampman (Rangers), Andy Hedlund (Senators)
 
Minnesota NHL Unrestricted Free Agents: 
Todd Rohloff (Sabres), Ben Clymer* (Lightning),
Craig Johnson* (Capitals),
John Gruden** (Capitals),
Darby Hendrickson (Avalanche),
Brian Gornick (Ducks), Casey Hankinson (Ducks),
Chris Paradise (Boston),
Rick Mrozik (Oilers), Brad DeFauw (Hurricanes),
Chris Hartsburg (Devils),
Ryan Kraft (Islanders)
* Expected to play in Europe
** Retired
 
Former Gopher Nick Angell will launch a subscription-based website this fall for High School hockey players who want to promote themselves to Junior and College teams.  Angell's site will provide statistics, contact information and biographical information on high school players.  The secure information will be made available free of charge for Junior and College scouts and managers with players paying a fee to have their information posted.  Watch Quick Facts for more information on the website launch this fall.
 

For those who want to get a head start on their custom Gopher Hockey jerseys:  Phil Kessel will wear sweater number 26 for the Golden Gophers this fall.  Kessel's usual number 8 is retired to in honor of John Mayasich so he chose the number 26 that he wears for Team USA.  Jeff Frazee will wear sweater number 1, RJ Anderson will wear 6, Justin Bostrom will don 14, Blake Wheeler is number 17, Ryan Stoa has been given number 29.
 
Is the NHL headed to Spike TV?  Some media reports have them amongst four cable networks who may be interested in cable TV rights for the league.  According to MediaWeek the other networks with whom the NHL is discussing rights are ESPN, Comcast and Turner.  Comcast would either air games on their Outdoor Life Network or create a new network.  Quick Facts reported earlier that the NHL may investigate creating their own cable network to air games, al la NFL Network, but the a deal with Comcast could be a hybrid deal.
 
InGlasCo, the hockey puck supplier to the NHL, has begun to rehire personnel in order to produce pucks for the expected season.  Look for teams to order additional practice pucks as several will be tossed into the stands during warm-ups in an attempt to warm-up the fans again after a year lost to the lockout.
 
 
Quick Take

Part of the changes suggested for the NHL is a redesign of hockey sweaters.  The explanation that has been presented for this change is for the betterment of the game; that by making the jerseys more slim-fitting, it will reduce the occurance of holding.  Quick Facts believes that explanation to be a ruse; rather than trying to make the game better, the sweater redesign is an attempt to get the fans to shell out up to $250 each for the new sweaters, especially with new 'Official" jersey suppliers expected.  Any change to the current skaters' hockey sweaters will be an attempt for a quick money-grab and nothing more.
 

Former Gopher Ken Gernander who recently announced his retirement as a professional hockey player has been named an assistant coach with the team he captained for 10 years, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Former St. Cloud State standout and professional hockey player Brett Lievers hung up his skates last year after several years as one of the top scorers in the Finnish Elite League.  He has traded in his hockey stick for a tennis racquet.  Lievers, now living in Shorewood, defeated Karl Monson 6-1, 6-7, 1-0 (10-7) in a qualifying match Friday for the 10th annual Minneapolis Aquatennial Plaza Tennis Invitational.  Lievers, advances to the next draw and will play Monday at 9 a.m. versus Mehdi Benyebka.

Former North Star pugilist Shane Churla has been named a scout for the Dallas Stars.  Churla had previously done scouting duties as a Global Amateur Scout for the Phoenix Coyotes. 

The Stars also named former North Stars draft pick John Weisbrod as a scout.  Weisbrod, who played college hockey at Harvard, resigned as General Manager of the NBA Orlando Magic to pursue his dream of working in hockey. Weisbrod spent four seasons as director of hockey operations for the Albany River Rats who won three division titles and won the Calder Cup in 1995.  Weisbrod was also VP and GM of the Orlando Solar Bears of the International Hockey League in and in four years, the Solar Bears had the highest winning percentage in the IHL and captured the Turner Cup in 2001. Weisbrod is looking to move into an NHL General Manager position in the near future.

Shjon Podein has signed to play for the Nikko Ice Bucks in Japan next season.  Podein has looked at pursuing an ownership interest in a Japanese team.  Podein has spent the last three seasons in Sweden.

Jon Francisco of Hermantown has re-signed with the Reading Royals of the ECHL.
 
Team USA earned a bronze medal in the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships in Finland, defeating the Czech Republic 6-0   The US fell to Sweden for the chance to play for the Gold. 

Derek Herlofsky will return to play for the Cardiff Devils in Wales next season.  Herlofsky has played goal for the Odense Bulldogs in Denmark the past four seasons. Herlofsky played for the BISL Devils between 1997 and 2001 and was very much a fan favourite, helping the Devils win the Super League title during that time. Herlofsky replaces forme CC goalie Jason Cugnet in net for Cardiff. The British League season begins September 10th.

St. Cloud State forward Andrew Gordon, a seventh round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2004 took part in the prospect camp for the Hershey Bears this week, impressing observers on his first day of scrimmages with stickhandling skills.  Also in attendance at the Bears camp is former UMD Bulldog Marco Peluso.

Under the new rules of free agency, Paul Martin will become an unrestricted free agent in 2008.  He is a restricted free agent this season and will receive an offer valued at 105% of his last salary for the New Jersey Devils to retain his rights.
 
Player Agents will not review the new CBA until after it is ratified by the players next week.  They will pour over the document to try to understand how best to represent their clients in negotiations, which are expected to be more complex and difficult, especially with the more than 400 free agents expected to be made available following buyouts and non-qualifications.
 

According to Team Marketing Report the average ticket price for the NHL during the 2003-2004 season was $43.57.  While some teams have announced price reductions up to 10%, that will hardly come close to the 24% salary rollback the teams received as a concession from the players.
 
 
Quick Speculation

Expect the Minnesota Wild to release ticket pricing and packages this week.  Speculation abounds on what 'extra' benefits will be made to season ticket holders following last year's lockout.  Quick Facts believes that the Wild will reduce ticket prices and may offer fans, especially those who left their ticket payments with the Wild in escrow during the lockout,  the opportunity to lock in lower pricing for extended periods of time.  Some fans have already received 7% interest and $200 worth of gift certificates for the Xcel Energy Center.
 
Quick Facts also believes that depending on who is available, the Minnesota Wild may go shopping for rear guards and may end up with at least one high-profile acquisition for the blueline either through free agency or via trade during the NHL transaction frenzy that will ensue following July 30.  Quick Facts also believes that Andrew Brunette will be re-signed by the Wild but Richard Park will not.
 

Of the 40 women invited to the USA Hockey Women's Festival, 8 are from Minnesota.  They include Winny Brodt (Roseville), Krissy Wendell (Brooklyn Park), Tiffany Hagge (Minneapolis), Erica Olson (Minneapolis), Natalie Darwitz (Eden Prairie), Shari Vogt (Richmond), Meagan Van Buesekom (Loretto) ,Jenny Potter (Eagan) and Laura Slominski (Burnsville).  The Festival, being held in Lake Placid, New York August 18th through August 25th, is a selection camp for the US Women's National Team that will play at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy.  The players will be divided into two teams competing in a round-robin tournament as well as practicing.  An announcement will be made the final day of the festival on the 25 players selected to become the US Women's National team who will compete in the Olympics. 

Bret Hedican's NHL salary with the Carolina Hurricanes after the expected 24% rollback will be $2.4 million, but that is only if he returns to the Canes or the NHL.  Hedican attended the recent Celebrity party and golf tournament in Rochester benefiting the Shjon Podein Children's Foundation.  He underwent surgery in this April to remove a bone in his back that had been pressing on a nerve causing him great pain in his legs and back.  He has said he is beginning to feel good enough to return to playing, something he had doubts about previous to the surgery.  However, he has more to worry about than just the resolution of a new CBA.  Hedican has filed a grievance with the league asking for back pay owed to him during the lockout and medical expenses incurred due to the back injury and treatment.  While NHL teams paid injured players their full salary d uring the lockout, the Hurricanes had declared Hedican healthy at his exit physical last year following his rehab from knee surgery, and have claimed his injury unrelated to hockey, therefore absolving them from responsibility for medical and salary reimbursement.  Hedican claims the back injury was hockey related, incurred during the 2003-04 season.  According to the NHLPA, Hedican is one of 15 players awaiting a grievance hearing.  So despite the CBA resolution announced this week, Hedican has one more round to go with the NHL before he can lace up the skates again. (some info from Raleigh News & Observer)

Only 3% of the more than 41,000 people that voted in an online ESPN.com poll about the return of the NHL claimed to be Wild fans, the same number said they were Dallas Stars fans but both were less than the more than 6% who said they didn't have a favorite team.  More than 10%, a majority, named themselves Detroit Red Wings fans.  Go here to register your votes.

The Minnesota Wild have only 10 players under contract, with a cumulative salary of just more than $13 million.  

The Phoenix Coyotes seem to be in the best position following the lockout with 21 players under contract, including Keith Ballard, Jeff Taffe and David Tanabe, but still only have salaries totalling $28 million.  Wayne Gretzky is expected to be named the new head coach for the team if he decides to relocate his family from Los Angeles.  Look for the Desert Dogs to make a run for goaltender Manny Fernandez or another free agent goaltender.

After a trip to Las Vegas look for several former Gophers to step up training efforts now that the NHL lockout seems to be resolved.  Matt Koalska will be trying to impress Mike Milbury at training camp with the Islanders; Grant Potulny, soon to become a father for the first time, will be trying to take his game to the next level after a season with the Binghamton Senators; Jordan Leopold will be looking to maximize his contract as a restricted free agent; and Paul Martin will be expected to take on a greater role on the New Jersey Devils' blueline.
 
Former Gopher Bobby Dustin III lost his father Bob Dustin, Jr, after he suffered a heart attack last year while pheasant hunting.  This Saturday there will be over 100 participants in the First Annual Bobby Dustin, Jr Memorial Hockey Tournament sponsored by Steichen's at the Roseville Skating Center.  Players in the tournament will come from a wide range of talent from former NHL players including Chris McAlpine, Dan Trebil and Brian Bonin, women's hockey stars like Winny Brodt, to players that have hardly skated before. Six teams will play in a round robin tournament with each game lasting 30 minutes.  Following the tournament will be a dinner/dance sponsored by Big Ten at the Roseville Skating Center Banquet Facilities.  Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the both Diabetes and Heart Associations.  Entry to the tournament, beginning at noon on Saturday, July 15th is free but donations in honor of Dustin can be sent to 8250 Eastwood Road, Moundsview, MN  55112.  To obtain tickets to the dinner/dance following the tournament for $15 each, please contact Jason Westad at (763) 717-7932.

The only major victory for players in the new Collective Bargainin Agreement lies within thier ability to become unrestricted free agents much earlier in their careers.  As of 2007-08, players — regardless of age — can become unrestricted free agents after seven years in the NHL, with the last year's season counting in the service time despited the lockout. That means any player who begins play in the NHL after being drafted or signed at the age of 18  has the opportunity to qualify for unrestricted free agency when they turn 25.   The only other major concession for the players is increased pension levels.

Under the new CBA gone are the days of hockey's $10 million dollar men, the individual player maximum for next year in the NHL will be $7.8 million.  With the expected rollback only Jaromir Jagr will exceed that figure.  Keith Tkachuck, Alexi Yashin and Niklas Lidstrom will all fall just under $7.8 million.  Expect all but Lidstrom to have their contracts bought out by their current teams.


Quick Speculation

The Minnesota Wild will have a 4.17 chance of drafting touted prospect Sidney Crosby.  However, should the Wild win the lottery jackpot Quick Facts believes that Doug Risebrough would be more likely to trade his rights to another team like the NY Rangers in exchange for a stockpile of other draft choices.  Trading Crosby would provide any team the opportunity to stock their roster for more than a few seasons to come.  Quick Facts believes that Jack Johnson would be a top prospect more on the Wild's wish list.
 
Jordan Leopold is a restricted free agent.  With the Calgary Flames having a full stable of defensemen they may be looking to trade a prominent blueliner.  There is no doubt that Leopold would have more of an impact as a Wild rearguard than many other players but the Flames may be more willing to part with Steve Montador, Mike Commodore, Andrew Ference,  or Rhett Warrener.
 
When the CBA is finally approved look for NHL teams to sign draft pick prospects before free agent shopping, meaning Barry Tallackson should expect a contract offer from Lou Lamoriello and the New Jersey Devils shortly following ratification.


Quick Quotes

"It is very exciting to have a chance to make the next step in my hockey carrer to reach my goal of playing in the NHL.  Last season was a great learing experience because Ottawa sent lots of guys down to binghamton to stay sharp and I was fortunate enough to learn from a number of players with NHL experience."

- Fomer Gopher Grant Potulny on the impending resolution of the NHL CBA dispute.

"I think it was a bit of a clash of personalities. We didn't seem to communicate that well."

- Center Tyler Arnason of the Chicago Blackhawks, speaking to the Chicago Tribune about his troubles with former coach Brian Sutter


Quick Take

The NHL is almost guaranteed a return this fall following a locked-out year full of rhetoric and bitterness.  It appears that the owners won the full capitulation of the union that they wanted, but at what price?  The Minnesota market may be different than others, but woe be the owners who don't take heed of the outcry of the fans. 
 
NHL owners have won their cost certainty at the expense of their players.  Now that you have extracted your pint of blood from your players do not make the mistake of thinking you can turn around and do the same from your fans.   
 
Here's a novel idea, take that 24% rollback the players offered, and you were only to happy to accept, and turn around and offer the same to your fans.  A 24% ticket price rollback to the people who are now virtually your sole source of revenue, after the lockout cost you a real television deal, would be the only fair and just outcome after forcing those fans to wait out your year-long battle. 
 
You were only too happy to accept the players' offer of a 24% salary rollback.  Now turnabout is fairplay; give the fans a 24% ticket price reduction and you will be well on your way to winning back the goodwill of the fans your season-long lockout took away.

According to several media reports the new NHL CBA is likely to include a revenue sharing agreement whereby the top ten revenue teams will pay to a pool to be distributed to the lowest revenue-generating teams.  According to the most recent Forbes Magazine reports, the Minnesota Wild have been amongst the top five teams in terms of profit.  That would mean they would be included in the group sharing their wealth to the poorer teams.  Other likely candidates for being forced to pony up are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.

Bloomington's Geno Parrish will compete with Team USA for the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships this week in Finland.  Parrish was also a member of the team in 2003 when the team won the Bronze medal.  Parrish, who played last season with Freiburg EHC in the Bundesliga 2 in Germany last season, is the only Minnesota native on the team.  The tournament began in the Twin Cities in 1996.  This year's series will be certain to receive additional attention as roller sports, including inline hockey, are being considered for addition to the Olympics replacing Softball and Baseball.

Wild and Gopher Hockey sideline reporter Clay Matvick will host the first annual Wishes & More Celebrity Dinner with Twins TV analyst Bert Blyleven at Bellenotte in Minneapolis on Sunday July 17th.  The event begins with cocktails at 5:30pm with dinner served by celebrity waiters at 7:00pm.  Tickets are available by calling 763-502-1500. In addition, Wild radio analyst and former North Star Tom Reid will host the First Annual Wishes & More Golf Classic at the Legends in Prior Lake on Tuesday August 16th.  Cost is $245 per person.  Go here for a Registration Application. Sponsorships and prize donations for the raffle are still being sought as well. Email here if you are interested in helping this worthy cause.  Wishes & More is Minnesota's newest children's wish granting organization made up of seasoned wish granting experts who want to provide wonderful wish experiences for qualified children and families, enhancing the lives of children fighting terminal or life-threatening conditions.

Congratulations to Edina's Ben Stafford and his fiancee Ali Cobbett who will be married this weekend.  Stafford is considering retirement this summer after scoring the Calder Cup-winning goal to give his Philadelphia Phantoms the AHL title this spring.  Stafford, a Yale graduate, has been accepted to medical school in the Philadelphia area and is likely to hang up the skates to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Former Wild goaltender and Madison native Dieter Kochan has signed to play with Sibir Novosibirsk in Russia next season.  He played with the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers last year.
 

Chris Berenguer, son of former Twins pitcher Juan Berenguer, will play for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL this season. The Stampede will be coached by former Gopher Kevin Hartzell. Other Minnesota players on the Stampede roster include Kevin's son, goalie Eric Hartzell, Josh Brodeen (Warroad), Michael Forney (Thief River Falls), Alex Kangas (Rochester), Channing Boe (Bemidji), Jake Bauer (Champlin Park), Matt Overmann ( Bloomington Jefferson), Travis Vermeulen (Centennial) and Jared Hummel (Holy Angels).

If a new CBA is recommended to the NHL board of Governors who will need a majority vote of yes to ratify the deal. There are no current indications that any teams will not vote to ratify the deal. However, with the 700-member players union, a majority vote is not as likely. Should the union reject the deal that is brought to them by the negotiation team, the executive committee, including former Gopher Trent Klatt, will be obligated to resign and a new committee would need to be named.

Congratulations to Grant Potulny and his wife Melissa on the impending arrival of their first child, a son!  In keeping with Potulny's incredible sense of clutch timing, the baby is due early September, just before the start of Training Camp.  Potulny will return to the Ottawa Senators organization this season and will likely play for their AHL affiliate in Binghamton but, with a new CBA likely, for the first time will have a chance to participate in camp with the NHL Sens.

Former Gopher Ken Gernander has announced he is hanging up his skates and retiring from professional hockey as a player.  Gernander played 14 years of professional hockey, the last 10 with the NY Rangers organization as Captain of their AHL affiliate in Binghamton and now Hartford.  Gernander owns several franchise records for the Pack and this past year set the all-time mark for career AHL playoff games played by any player, 121.  He is the highest scoring American-born player in AHL history with 293 goals 331 assists for 624 points.  In his professional hockey career the Coleraine native scored a total of 637 points.  Gernander will remain with the Rangers organization in a new position that has yet to be announced, but will certainly entail player development and leadership two characteristics for which Gernander was most well known.  Gernander's work ethic inspired many young players who had the priviledge of calling him their teamm ate and his presence on the ice will certainly be missed.

The following Minnesota players received qualifying offers by their ECHL clubs:  Ryan Moren (Lakeville) - Alaska Aces, Treavor Peterson (Thief River Falls) - Augusta Lynx, Dylan Mills (Duluth) - Bakersfield Condors, Brett Hammond (Roseville) - Fresno Falcons, Corey Hessler (Mendota Heights) - Fresno Falcons, Jake Brenk (Roseville) - Greenville Grrrowl, Joe Bourne (Eden Prairie) - Gwinnett Gladiators, Keith Anderson (Thief River Falls) - Las Vegas Wranglers, Pat O'Leary (Plymouth) - Reading Royals, Jason Notermann (Rochester) - Stockton Thunder, Steve Slaton (Plymouth) - Texas Wildcatters,
 
Former St. Cloud State players Matt Noga (Long Beach Ice Dogs) and Jake Moreland (Stockton Thunder) were also qualified.

Last time the players were locked out in the NHL the league relaunched with the campaign slogan "Game On!"  This time the slogan, with a new silvery NHL logo replacing the staid black and orange shield, will be "Its a Whole New Game!"

The Florida Panthers have already won the award for most creative marketing campaign to relaunch the NHL this fall.  Hoping to get into the minds of fans early after a full season off the ice, they are planting lawn signs across the region, putting up advertising window clings in local businesses and covering construction fences with team logos and a phone number for tickets. Their message: "There's a cold front moving in." (Florida Sun Sentinel)

Eastview High School head coach Mike Gibbons has been named the assistant coach to Walt Kyle for the US National Junior Team. Gibbons served as assistant coach under Kyle for two years with the American Hockey League’s Baltimore Bandits (1995-97). The two also worked together as assistant coaches for five seasons at Northern Michigan University (1983-88).

Rob Niedermayer is expected to be a free agent looking for a team once the NHL comes to a labor agreement.  Could the Wild be in his future?  Niedermayer played under Jacques Lemaire in New Jersey previously.  A lot of free agent signings would depend on what sort of salary cap room Doug Risebrough has to work with, something that can't be determined until it is definite whether 2004-2005 contracts will be honored despite the lockout.  There is no doubt Niedermayer would succeed well patrolling and leading the Wild blueline but other teams would be more inclinded to break cap rules and pay the penalty to acquire the Norris Trophy winning defenseman, Philadelphia and New York primary among them.  Niedermayer's expected departure will no doubt affect Paul Martin who will be expected to take a greater role and Niedermayer's absence will no doubt affect Martin's learning curve as he had become the former Gopher's primary mentor.

Martin has been working out and skating diligently in expectation of a new CBA being reached.  Should the new agreement not include a provision honoring 2004-05 contracts Martin would become a restricted free agent if the Devils tender a qualifying offer (according to reports a qualifying offer will change from a 10% increase over previous salary to an offer equal to their previous deal) to the former Gopher star.  With both Scott Stevens and Rob Neidermayer questionable for a return to New Jersey under a new agreement Martin is certain to be given a greater role, with greater expectations, on the Devils' blueline.

With Peter Mueller committing to the Everett Silvertips Minnesota coach Don Lucia has an additional scholarship available for the 2006 recruiting class.  No doubt Lucia and assistants Guentzel and Hill will be paying close attention to the Select 16 festival and the Upper Midwest Elite League this season to see if there is an additional prospect for the Gopher team to play with such other prized recruits like Phil Kessel and Kyle Okposo.


Quick Quotes

"I get a sense that everyone wants to play.  Whether or not that means a CBA gets done is still up for question.  I still think that a deal needs to get by the players' vote and some are rumoring that it is 50/50 among the players as to whether or not it gets by the player vote."

- David Tanabe on an impending labor agreement in the NHL (Arizona Republic)

I like no red line for two-line passes. I think anything that can create space on the ice is great. Great players need time and space to do great things. That's what the fans want to see. They don't go to see a bunch of people crowded, otherwise they would just go sit in traffic on the 101."

-David Tanabe on likely NHL rule changes this season. (Arizona Republic)

"With the right economic system, we can take the pressure off of ticket prices, and I believe with the right economic system, many, if not most of our teams, will actually lower ticket prices. I believe we owe it to our fans to have affordable ticket prices."

- Gary Bettman quoted in 2004 at the All Star Game on the impact of a new NHL CBA (Denver Post) [Quick Facts Note: only a handful of teams are expected to lower ticket prices this season]

"For us to have a shootout and to know that at some point ESPN will be carrying it as the decisive factor of a game, that's huge. In Europe, people stayed in their seats to watch the shootout if it was a tight game. I'm all about it -- especially because I'm not going to be one of the players chosen to take the breakaway." 

- Hurricanes defensemen Kevyn Adams on likely NHL rule changes incorporating a shootout to decide ties. (Charlotte News & Observer)

"Ken Gernander has been the heart and soul of this hockey club from day one.  I am thrilled that Ken has agreed to stay with the team. His leadership skills, hockey sense and depth of character will continue to be an asset to this club and the New York Rangers organization." 

- Wolf Pack General Manager Jim Schoenfeld on the retirement of Ken Gernander )Hartford Wolf Pack)


07.06.05 • 1:30pm CST

Mueller leaves
for WHL
Gopher recruit Peter Mueller telephoned head coach Don Lucia last night to inform him that he was leaving the US Development Team in Ann Arbor to play for Kevin Constantine and the WHL Everett Silvertips.  Mueller was expected to be a big component of a highly touted 2006 recruiting class for the Gophers, but by playing in the Western Hockey League will lose his college eligibility.  Reports to Quick Facts indicate that Lucia's tough academic standards may have been an issue for Mueller, known more for his hockey ability than academic prowess.

Reports from NHL negotiations are that more drastic rule changes will be made than originally expected.  According to media reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer and other outlets, center ice offsides will be eliminated, allowing passes from blueline to blueline.  In addition the tag-up offsides rule will return and no-touch icing will be implemented, both rules tested in the AHL last season.  All indications are that a shootout will be used for elimination of ties, but only after a four-on-four overtime period, followed by a three-on-three overtime.

The University of Minnesota will take delivery on Zamboni #8000 which will be used at both Mariucci Arena and Ridder Arena.  The Gophers will receive the Model 540 Zamboni ice resurfacing machine this month.  The Minnesota Wild have Zamboni machine #7000.

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Former NHL pugilist Lyndon Byers will be part of Daryl Wolski's "Battle of the Hockey Enforcers", formerly called Hockey Gladiators.  Despite another round of trouble, the event will go forward in Prince George, British Columbia August 27th.  Should he win the top prize Byers has pledged to give all of it to a boy he met at Shjon Podein's Celebrity Party last year in Rochester, Taylor Richmond.  Richmond, of Wisconsin, is battling ataxia telangiectasia.  Byers described Taylor as 'the toughest guy I ever met."
 
Gopher Defenseman Peter Kennedy underwent another surgery on his injured hip recently.  The second surgery, however, was not nearly as invasive as the one that kept him out of the Gopher lineup for the entire 2004-2005 season, and was completed by laparoscope.  Kennedy is reportedly doing well and hoping for a full recovery.
 
Shattuck defensman Brett Kostolansky of Denver, Colorado has been chosen to take part in the International Ice Hockey Federation Hockey Development Camp to be held in Vierumaki, Finland, July 3-9.

Mike Carmen, Jamie McBain and Trent Palm are all currently working out with noted athlete trainer Ted Johnson at Lifetime Fitness several times a week. 

Gopher recruit Peter Mueller's childhood best friend Tony Mosey will join the  NTDP Under-18 team this season which could be a factor in Mueller likley staying in Ann Arbor this coming year rather than joining the USHL.

Chris McAlpine was named head coach of Team Northeast of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League, replacing Kevin Hartzell who left the program to become head coach for the USHL.  McAlpine will be assisted by former Gopher coach Bill Butters.  McAlpine's former Gopher teammate Joe Dzeidzic will take over Team Northwest, formerly coached by Scott Bell who also left the Elite League after accepting the head coaching position with Hamline.  Jim Hillman will replace Craig Sarner, who followed Hartzell to Sioux Falls, as head coach for Team Southeast.

Dan Bjornlie will play for SC Bietigheim-Bissingen in Germany next season.  He played for Kölner Haie last season.

Former Gopher Joey Martin will take this season off from professional hockey and is likely to accept an assistant position coaching at St. Olaf College.

Following is a list of Minnesota players participating in the USA Select 16 Festival which ends July 1st:
 
Anthony DeCenzo (Hibbing)
Nick Larson
(Hill-Murray)
Ben Arnt
(North Saint Paul)
Nick Thielen (Moorhead)
Brennan Vargas
(Coon Rapids) 
Nico Sacchetti
(Virginia)
Bryan Brutlag
(Holy Angels)
Patrick White
(Grand Rapids)
Cade Fairchild
(Duluth East) 
Preston Ghizoni
(Coon Rapids)
Chris Student
(Benilde)
Reid Ellingson
(Cloquet)
Daniel Vranek
(Eden Prairie) 
Rob Johnson
(Duluth East)
Greg Sutherland (Hibbing)
Rob Maloney
(Eastview)
Jake Johnson
(Duluth Denfeld)
Ryan McDonagh (Cretin)
Jarrett Galbreath (Grand Forks)
Tim Serratore (Coleraine)
John Lee
(Moorhead) 
Tom Kleidon
(White Bear Lake)
Kent Patterson
(Blake)
Tom Serratore (Coleraine)
Matt Reber
(Edina)
Tyler Johnson (Cloquet) 
Mike Hoeffel
(Hill-Murray)
Tyler Kieffer (Stillwater)
Nick Jaskowiak (Benilde)
Tyler Thompson (Benilde)

Kevin Constantine added the General Manager title to his Head Coach mantle for the WHL Everett Silvertips.  Doug Soetart, the former Tips GM was named the President of the new Omaha Knights AHL franchise.  Constantine's name has repeatedly come up in discussion as a candidate for numerous AHL head coaching vacancies.  The Coleraine native just recently had his contract extended by two years by the Silvertips.  Constantine is participating in the USA Hockey Coaching Symposium being held in Grand Rapids, Michigan this week.

Nico Sacchetti of Virginia is leading all Minnesotans in the Select 16 Festival. 
Also doing well are Nick Jaskowiak, and Mike Hoeffel.  Anthony DeCenzo had a hat trick in a game on Wednesday.  Blake netminder Kent Patterson is ranked second amongst all Festival goaltenders.
 
For complete statistics for skaters go check usahockey.com And for goaltenders click here.

Former Badger netminder Kirk Daubenspeck was named to the executive committee for the Professional Hockey Players Association.

Phoenix Coyotes' prospects will play in San Antonio with the AHL Rampage next season and the franchise will be coached by the former Utah Grizzlies staff.  Jeff Taffe, Keith Ballard and Erik Westrum all saw time in Utah last year.

Not only could Jeff Taffe be playing for Wayne Gretzky as his head coach next season with the Coyotes but it does appear that Gretzky is likely to become Taffe's Uncle-In-Law.  Sources tell Quick Facts that Taffe is engaged or soon to be engaged to Gretzky's neice, the daughter of Janet Jones' sister.

The Annual Shjon Podein Celebrity Party and Golf Tournament in Rochester was a resounding success.  Dozens of hockey players, celebrities and hundreds of friends helped Podein raise funds to support his Children's Foundation last weekend.  Highlights of the party included meeting the kids the event supports as they played the part of carnival barkers early in the evening; Dan Hinote winning the live auction for the official Batman costume, and wearing it all evening, and the following day at the Golf event; John Pohl playing guitar on stage with gb leighton; Former Bruins enforcer Lyndon Byers proposing to his girlfriend (she accepted); and country star Brad Paisley making a brief appearance and singing live for the appreciative crowd.  The official website for the Podein Children's Foundation is Team25.com .

Its very likely that Reg Berg will hang up the skates for good this summer.  Berg has been runner-up for the Kelly Cup Championship with the Florida Everblades the last two seasons but both years had to overcome serious injuries to play.

Matt Koalska and some of his Sound Tigers teammates took batting practice with the Bridgeport Bluefish minor league baseball team on Fathers Day as part of a promotional appearance during the Tigers' recent mini-camp.  The players also attended a Yankees and Mets game while in New York.  The mini-camp included on-ice scrimmages and drills as well as off-ice conditioning which included karate and this year incorporated Pilates.  Koalska will report to Islanders' training camp in Canada early September should a new NHL CBA be reached in time.  Dave Bassegio will be Koalska's new coach for the Sound Tigers this season, he served as an assistant last year.

Hobey Baker winner Marty Sertich is enthusiastically looking forward to returning to the Colorado College Tigers next season.  Sertich was amongst the many attendees at the Podein Children's Foundation fundraiser last weekend.

Quick Facts believes that a new NHL CBA will be in place by July 15th.  Should that happen please check back to Quick Facts for updates on the mass flurry of free agent and rookie signings for NHL teams.

Quick Facts has confirmed that Xcel Energy Center will be announced as a site for a future NCAA Frozen Four Tournament.  The announcement will be made at 2PM during a telephone press conference by the NCAA selection committee today and there will be a press conference at Xcel Energy Center at 3:30 PM . 
 
The Detroit Free Press announced yesterday that Ford Field will be announced as a site for the Frozen Four as well. Ford Field can hold more than 60,000 fans.

The University of Minnesota will take delivery on Zamboni #8000 which will be used at both Mariucci Arena and Ridder Arena.  The Gophers will receive the Model 540 Zamboni ice resurfacing machine this month.  The Minnesota Wild have Zamboni machine #7000.

An announcement will be made on Thursday by the NCAA Selection Committee as to the choices for future sites for the Frozen Four tournament and Regional tournaments.  Xcel Energy Center is expected to be awarded a Frozen Four tournament and Mariucci Arena is expected to be a Regional site.  Look for Philadelphia and Boston to be other sites for the Frozen Four with Tampa and Washington DC vying for the final spot.
 
The Hartford Wolf Pack would like Ken Gernander to return next season as in either a playing or coaching capacity.  Gernander has been with the Rangers' affiliate for 11 seasons.
 
Jeff Frazee, Nate Hagemo, Phil Kessel and Blake Wheeler have been invited to the 2005 US National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid.  The quartet of Gophers are candidates for the 2006 US National Junior Team that will compete in the IIHF World Junior Championships in Vancouver this winter.

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim have expressed interest in re-signing former Gopher captain Casey Hankinson.  Hankinson was the captain of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks last season.  The new Anaheim affiliate is the Portland Pirates in Maine. NHL.  Hankinson has yet to make a decision whether to return or retire.  Should he return to the Ducks, Hankinson's  boss would be fellow Edinan Brian Burke who was just named General Manager of the Ducks.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who were said to have wanted Burke to take over GM duties for their team, is expected to name Dale Tallon General Manager.  Tallon has been the Assistant General Manager since 2003 and has been working with Bob Pulford performing general manager duties since the firing of Mike Smith in October 2003.

The NHLPA appears to have won participation in the Olympics as a concession in CBA negotiations with the NHL.  Most European Elite Leagues have already scheduled breaks in their schedule to accomodate the Olympics.  The Swedish Elitserien and Allsvenskan as well as the Deutche Eishockey Liga all have scheduled breaks beginning February 5th next year.

Dan Bjornlie will play for SC Bietigheim-Bissingen in Germany next season.  He played for Kölner Haie last season.

Aaron Fox will not return to EHC Freiburg next season.

A final count of 388 NHL players signed to play with teams in Europe since the lockout began on September 15th. The largest number of NHL players signed with Russian Superleague teams, largely accepted as the highest-paid league in Europe, and Swedish Elitserien teams, regarded as the one of the highest skilled leagues overseas.

The IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships will be held in Kuopio Finland from July 9-16.  Team USA will play in Group A with Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia.  Team USA is the defending Gold Medal Champion.  Dave Fromm is a member of the coaching staff for Team USA.

Kevin Constantine added the General Manager title to his Head Coach mantle for the WHL Everett Silvertips.  Doug Soetart, the former Tips GM was named the President of the new Omaha Knights AHL franchise.  Constantine's name has repeatedly come up in discussion as a candidate for numerous AHL head coaching vacancies.  The Coleraine native just recently had his contract extended by two years by the Silvertips.  Co