UKRAINIAN PRO HOCKEY UPDATE
by Ihor Stelmach
The 1996-1997 season begins
Believe it or not, a whopping 52 known professional Ukrainian hockey players notched spots on 1996-1997 National Hockey League training camp rosters. Of these, a seasoned hockey pundit breaks them down into four distinct categories of players: 26 genuine NHL prospects, 19 proven NHL performers, five likely career minor leaguers and a couple of border-line question marks.
Positionally, the most popular spot on the ice is defense (19), followed by left wing (11). ln hot pursuit are centermen (9) and right wingers (8). Only five Ukrainian pucksters aspire to master the most difficult artistry of a goaltender.
Following is a conference/division/team Ukrainian highlight package:
Atlanta Division
In the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, the mighty Philly Flyers boasted three Ukes. "Ducky" Dale Hawerchuk returns, although with his high salary, he could be back on the trading block very soon. Defender Jamie Sokolsky is a true prospect, while tough guy Frank Bialowas was brought on board to bolster Philadelphia's new AHL club, also in Philadelphia. Those disappointing Devils hope Dave Andreychuk adds a full season of offensive firepower to a 1995-1996 squad of anemic scorers. Kenny Daneyko helps captain Scott Stevens anchor a solid defense. Veteran netminder Peter Sidorkiewicz can't find one last break as an NHL back-up somewhere. The "Great One" rejoins his Edmonton buddy Mark Messier now with the Rangers in the Big Apple. Gretzky agrees young blueliner Lee Sorochan needs more seasoning on the Binghamton farm. Rat-throwing fans of the surprising Florida Panthers have high hopes for winger David Nemirovsky. Veteran minor league defender Dan Ratushny remains just that. Two Washingtonians equal lots of Capital: Peter Bondra and Steve Konowalchuk figure to be a huge portion of any Capital offense in 1996-1997. Tampa Bay's sole Ukrainian representative is winger and team leader Brian Bellows - still a scoring threat, especially on the power play. Mike Milbury's rebuilding New York lslanders drafted Ukrainian defenseman Mike Muzechka.
Northeast Division
Over in the Northeast Division, the hapless Hartford Whalers (where will this franchise be in two years?) currently boast more Ukrainian hockeyists than any other team: five. Joining veteran Whalers Alexander Godynyuk (D) and Andrei Nikolishin (C/LW) are 1996 entry draftees Trevor Wasylyk and Steve Wasylko. Previously drafted backliner Steve Halko has also joined the Whalers' fold. The new arena/new logo Buffalo Sabres are next with two Ukes, both defensemen: the blossoming Alexei Zhitnik and the promising Sergei Klimentiev. Mario's Penguins list right-winger Boris Protsenko as a future player. Ottawa gave Mike Maneluk still another change of address on his minor league resume. We round out the Northeast Division with two of only four total NHL clubs with nary a Ukrainian on its camp roster: shame on Montreal and Boston!
Central Division
In the opposing Western Conference, two Central Division teams head the list by having four Ukrainians on their pre-season personnel lists. The two are the relocated Winnipeg Jets (now and forever the Phoenix Coyotes) and the Dallas Stars (only two years removed from their previous home in Minnesota). Those howling Coyotes add back-up goalie Darcy Wakaluk to their awfully potent forward/defenseman duo of Keith Tkachuk and Oleg Tverdovsky. Prospect Steve Cheredaryk continues to earn positive scouting grades. Most improved player and top defenseman Richard Matvichuk should mature and resonate in Dallas. Prospect Brad Lukowich hopes to join veteran NHL holdovers Brent Fedyk and Pat Elynuik on the Michigan (IHL)-Dallas (NHL) shuttle. The latter two dudes are on the proverbial NHL bubble (last chance?). St. Louis tsar (GM-coach) Mike Keenan can easily brag about having three legitimate future prospects in the persons of GT Mike Buzak, LW Alex Vasilevski and C Jonathan Zukowsky. Chicago GM Bob Pulford can almost make the same claim: yes, to D Chris Twerdun and LW Ryan Huska. Minor league vet Dave Chyzowski has seen better days. Toronto's Maple Leafs have a right to look forward to the future when the names of Mark Kolesar and Brendan Yarema are mentioned. Kolesar is immediate help. The ever-contending Detroit Red Wings (too many Russians!) round out the Central with prospect centerman Dan Pawlaczyk.
Pacific Division
Three Pacific Division teams tie for the top spot in Ukrainian listings. The defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche took to drafting goaltending prospect Randy Petruk to join previously picked defender Wade Belak. It is hoped Belak could be the new Curtis Leschyshyn, when the latter vet calls it a career. All three should experience the Rocky Mountain high! Vancouver has committed to veteran Dave Babych (they lovingly refer to him as "Old Man River") for two more years on defense, prior to youngster Yevgeny Namestnikov finally getting a true NHL shot. Right wing Bogdan Savenko starts yet another season in the AHL. The road to San Jose has now been traveled by ex-Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey, signed by the Sharks to be their new back-up. Prospects Alexander Osadchy (D) and Brad Mehalko (RW) hope to rise in the wings. Los Angeles lost Gretzky and Hrudey, yet still have Dimitri Khristich, and acquire the still potent Eddie Olczyk as a free agent. Good move Kings! Calgary's Todd Hlushko's future may just be in the high minors. Those quacky Ducks of Anaheim and the Oilers of Edmonton join Boston and Montreal as totally Uke-less!
Ukrainian NHL transactions (July through September)
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, November 17, 1996, No. 46, Vol. LXIV
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