UKRAINIAN PRO HOCKEY UPDATE (05/24/98)

UKRAINIAN PRO HOCKEY UPDATE

by Ihor Stelmach

Hockey still reigns as Canada's top sport

Nothing's changed. It's the same as it's been for the last hundred or so years. Kids growing up in the land to the north of us still pick ice hockey overwhelming over any other organized team sport. And why not? What used to be simply a favorite form of physical education or a youngster's automatic choice for activity with friends has certainly blossomed into a potential career move. Witness so many young Ukrainian Canadians entering the ranks of Canadian junior hockey: some 49 known young Ukrainians were found playing pucks in the three major junior leagues in 1997-1998. Good chance there are many others. And why not? With upcoming expansion plans, the National Hockey League will total 30 teams within the next two seasons. The bottom line: this means jobs. Well-paying jobs.

This hockey pundit's research attempts revealed some 28 pucksters of Ukrainian origin learning their trade in the aggressive Western Hockey League, another 18 training in the Ontario Hockey League and just three lonely Ukes signed up in the Quebec League. Below is a brief listing and mention of each and every one of them with their most recent scoring stats in parentheses.

A tidbit of official information comes first. The Canadian Hockey League is an alliance of the three major junior leagues: Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League. After the regular season, the three leagues compete in a round-robin tournament to decide the Memorial Cup championship.

Young Ukrainians caught in action this past junior league season in the Ontario Hockey League include Casey Wolak (47GP-20G-12A-32PTS-166PIM) with the North Bay Centennials. The Oshawa Generals had Jason Maleyko (61-4-4-8-141). Goaltender Seamus Kotyk (31GP-1,422MINS-13-5-52.66GA-.896PCT) tended the nets for the Ottawa 67s. This wraps up the OHL's East.

Over in the Central Division, Calgary Flames' draftee Daniel Tkaczuk (56-34-39-73-38) enjoyed a heck of an explosive offensive show with the Barrie Colts. He was joined there by Mihajlo Martinovich (51-4-5-9-12) for a Ukie double delight. John Zubyck (17-0-1-1-5) saw action with the Guelph Storm. Three native sons toiled away for those Owen Sound Platers: Mike Dombkiewicz (57-8-34-42-54), Larry Paleczny (62-21-32-53-28) and Jamie Sokolsky (11-1-4-5-25). On the roster of the Toronto St. Michael's was Steve Zoryk (61-34-25-59-36). Troy Turyk (51-1-4-5-152PIM) made it a pair.

Way out there in the Western Division of the Western League (how far away is that from the East Coast?) we located three remote Ukrainians skating for the Plymouth Whalers. They included Yuri Babenko, a Colorado Avalanche draft choice (57GP-22G-32A-54PTS-22PIM). Carolina Hurricanes' draftee Steve Wasylko (41-4-18-22-8) and John Paul Luciuk (34-1-8-9-24) rode the buses with Babenko. The Sarnia Sting boasted Rob Palahnuk (56-7-12-19-85) in 1997-1998. Yet another pair of Ukrainians laced 'em up for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. They were Peter Bohunicky (28-0-7-7-9) and Trevor Tokarczyk (10-3-2-5-6). Jeff Kapitanchuk (12-1-1-2-5) saw some playing time with those spunky Windsor Spitfires.

Well, when you're Ukrainian you really can't be French, now can you? You could, we suppose, be Ukrainian-French, or, is that French-Ukrainian? After all, what nationalities are in the bloodlines of the aforementioned John Paul Luciuk? The reason we bring this up is because we could scout out only three junior league players in that Quebec Junior League this past "régulier saison." The franchise in Baie-Comeau had a healthy scorer in the person of Oleg Timchenko (62-34-32-66-57). Almost as notable with the Hull Olympiques was Colorado draft choice Peter Ratchuk (58GP-21G-31A-52PTS-34PIM). Tomas Baluch saw action for two squads this past season, sharing time with the Sherbrooke Faucons (not a typo) and the Victoriaville Tigres, notching a combined 34-8-18-26-38 stat total.

Finally, we visit the Western Hockey League - without a doubt the roughest and toughest junior league out there. Here, it's blood and guts every night - an accurate training session for what's ahead if you're one of the few fortunate graduates to the NHL big show.

In the Eastern Division of the Western League we first focus in on the Moose Jaw Warriors where we locate Chicago Blackhawks' draft choice Chris Twerdun (67-11-10-21-93) and netminder Jay Ewasiuk (19GP-962MINS-3-7-2-4.37GA-.876PCT). With the Prince Albert Raiders was Ross Lupaschuk (65-6-10-16-168). Another trio of Ukes is found in the Regina Pats: Brett Lysak (67-22-36-58-78), Flyers' amateur selection Todd Fedoruk (48-6-7-13-189) and Chris Kwas (18-0-1-1-15). A duo of Swift Current Broncos: Dan Hulak (67-3-13-16-32) and Dean Serdachny (34-0-1-1-44).

In the Western League's whatever-it-means Central Division we start with those Calgary Hitmen. Ukrainian representation is provided by Brad Mehalko (52-22-45-67-107) and his teammate Jordan Krestanovich (22-1-0-1-0). Among this year's Edmonton Ice were: Avalanche pick, Graham Belak (45-5-5-10-152), Tom Zavediuk (4-1-0-1-9) and Pat Stachniak (11-0-0-0-9). In the eye of the storm with this year's Lethbridge Hurricanes were Carolina Hurricane draftee Trevor Wasyluk (35-10-9-19-56) and mate Dustin Kazak (48-0-3-3-51). A lone Medicine Hat Tiger was Berkeley Buchko (66-15-18-33-56). Rounding out this Central Division are three Red Deer Rebels. John Kachur managed a whopping 43 goals and 35 helpers in only 66 matches for 78 points and 54 minutes, while Kyle Kos (68-7-31-38-96) and St. Louis Blues' future star Jonathan Zukiwsky (31-9-13-22-10) rounded out this Red Deer triumvirate.

And finally, way way out there in the westernmost regions of this Western Junior Hockey League, first stop is Kamloops. The No. 1 goalie for this troop was yet another Colorado Avalanche draft pick, Randy Petruk. Boy, for Pete's sake, do the 'Lanche have the future invested in Ukes, or what? Goalie Petruk saw action in (yikes!) 55 games, playing 3,020 minutes, winning 31 games, losing 20 and tying one. He posted a goals against average of a very respectable for juniors, 3.06, with a save percentage of .905, assisting on five goals and accumulating four minutes in penalties. Kevin Korol, a true king of a player, saw action with the Kelowna Rockets. His incomplete stats read 64-14-15-29-39. A recent top pick of the Florida Panthers, Joey Tetarenko, (46-2-11-13-137) spent serious ice time on the blueline of the Portland Winter Hawks. Among this year's Prince George Cougars were Andrew Luciuk (63-30-46-76-47, better than a point per game) and Mike Olynyk (2-1-0-1-2). Primary goalminder for those flying Seattle Thunderbirds was Cody Rudkowsky, who played goal in 51 games, playing 2,681 minutes, winning 18, losing 22, while tying three, with a 3.83 goals-against-average and an .894 save percentage. Justin Ossachuk (46-4-8-12-78) dotted the players' list for the Spokane Chiefs. Tri-City Americans included Ondrej Vesely (23-20-43-40) and David Boychuk (45-2-2-4-40) - equal opportunity penalty minute accumulators.

JUNIOR UKRAINIAN UTTERINGS: The Ottawa 67s broke an OHL record that had stood for 26 seasons when goalie Craig Hillier and rookie Seamus Kotyk allowed only 172 goals. The previous mark was 174 by the Peterborough Petes in 1971-1972. Hillier and Kotyk combined for an OHL-record 10 shutouts, which tied the CHL mark set by the Flin Flon Bombers in 1967-1968 ... Kamloops Blazers' goalie Randy Petruk suffered a late-season injury for the second straight year. In 1996, Petruk missed the final six weeks after injuring a medial collateral knee ligament. On February 27, Petruk sustained a pulled groin in a 3-3 tie with Prince George, but was expected to be out only until early March. "I don't think it's that bad," said Blazers' assistant coach Craig Bonner. "Behind the bench, I was thinking, 'Not again.' As of right now, I don't think it's very serious." Petruk, who backstopped Kamloops to a Memorial Cup title as a 16-year-old, was 31-20-1 with a 3.06 GAA, three shutouts and .905 save percentage in 55 games ... Seamus Kotyk, an eighth-round draft pick, had a 2.31 goals-against average with four shutouts at one time for the Ottawa 67s. GM-Coach Brian Kilrea said the scouts were high on Kotyk, who played Junior B hockey in Stratford, Ontario. "We were sitting around the draft table and we needed to get a goalie," Kilrea said. "I can't say it was great drafting, or we wouldn't have waited until the eighth round." ... After three of his teammates were benched for a game against the United States after being late for a team walk, Junior teammate Daniel Tkaczuk of the Barrie Colts did not think the three deserved public humiliation. "We lose to the Russians and everybody is looking for answers. The next day three players are benched," Tkaczuk said. "As a player, I would have liked to see them deal with it in a different way. I feel for those guys. It's unfortunate they had to be singled out. I can't help but wonder if we'd won the game against the Russians if it would have been the same consequences." For the second consecutive year, a front-line player is balking at rejoining the Medicine Hat Tigers. Left-winger Trevor Wasyluk, 19, demanded to be traded to another Western League team. Last year, defenseman Jonathan Aitken refused to return.

The Tigers are in the second year of a rebuilding program. Wasyluk would prefer to play for a team with well-founded WHL championship aspirations.

1998 NHL playoff preview

Will the Detroit Red Wings become the first team since the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990-1991 and 1991-1992 to win back-to-back Stanley Cups?

Here are some mini-team profiles and overall outlooks on the 16 teams in this year's hunt for Lord Stanley's coveted Cup. (Teams are listed by league rankings, 1 through 16.)

Detroit Red Wings: The defending champions were the top offensive team in the NHL and had the No.7-ranked team defense. Special teams were indeed special - top five in both power play and penalty killing. No team was better (14-5-3) after the Olympic break. As well as the Wings have played this season, they clearly have another gear. If they get goaltending, they'll win again.

New Jersey Devils: Best defensive team in the league, and have greater depth up front than any other club. They have one of the best power plays (No. 2) and top penalty-killing units (No. 4). Netminder Martin Brodeur's numbers (1.81GAA, .921SP, 43 wins, 10 shutouts) were spectacular. The infusion of young scorers Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora will ensure the Devils avoid last spring's disaster.

Colorado Avalanche: The 'Lanche have arguably the most talented lineup, led by playoff-tested Patrick Roy in net and centers Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg. No team had more power play goals (71) than the Avs. In spite of it all (injuries and slumps during the end of the regular season), the Avs are still a cup contender who need the playoffs to bring out the best in them.

Dallas Stars: Until Mike Modano went down with a shoulder injury, the Stars were the NHL's best team. Even without him they had the No. 2 defense and No. 4 offense. Their power play (No. 1) was exceptional and so, too, was penalty killing (No. 2). They play a high-tempo, pressure game with short shifts. They have yet to prove, however, that they can win.

Philadelphia Flyers: No team is bigger, especially up front. As long as newcomers Mike Sillinger and Alexandre Daigle continue to score, the Flyers have newfound offensive balance to go with proven commodities John LeClair, Eric Lindros and Rod Brind'Amour. The Flyers are a threat to put it all together, but they do appear to have taken a step back.

St. Louis Blues: Only Detroit is more productive than the Blues and, like the Wings, St. Louis scores by committee. Factor in goalie Grant Fuhr's wealth of playoff experience and a solid defense, spearheaded by stars Al MacInnis and Chris Pronger, and it's obvious the Blues are a potential playoff force. They are a well-balanced and versatile team that plays with confidence fortified by above-average goaltending.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Believe it or not, team defense is the key here. The Pens' GAA was fourth-best in the NHL, which is a testament to the players buying into Coach Kevin Constantine's system. The primary factor was resurgent netminding from Tom Barrasso. Jaromir Jagr is arguably the game's best player. The Pens will be a force if Barrasso's great comeback continues.

Buffalo Sabres: Primary strengths: Dominik Hasek, Dominik Hasek, Dominik Hasek ... well, you get the idea. Buffalo allowed more shots on goal than any playoff team, yet the Sabres' GAA was third-best in the league. Figure it out. Plus, Hasek appears to have his wits and health about him this spring, unlike a year ago. With the Dominator in net, it's not difficult to imagine Buffalo upsetting someone or two.

Los Angeles Kings: The Kings have a big, punishing blueline led by Norris Trophy candidate Rob Blake and have emerged as difficult team to play against. Kings' output was slightly better than Colorado's this season, a surprise to many. Coach Larry Robinson gets the most out of a big, tough team that is devoted to strong team play, but one that struggled down the stretch.

Washington Capitals: Olie Kolzig (.918 save percentage) has emerged as a legitimate No. 1 netminder. The Caps are the top penalty-killing team in the league. Esa Tikkanen relishes his role as a playoff hero. They have good depth at almost every position, which is critical with their injury problems. Peter Bondra and Steve Konowalchuk were both hurt as the playoffs began. The Caps, whose playoff psyche is battered at the best of times, would be a good darkhorse if they were a bit healthier.

Boston Bruins: Coach Pat Burns and his defense-first system should thrive in the playoffs. Netminder Byron Dafoe has emerged as No. 1. A lack of firepower means the Bs are in trouble when they get behind, and they're not a physically intimidating team. Burns' teams are always adept at shutting down opposing stars and have a knack of frustrating more talented stars. Won't go too far.

Montreal Canadiens: Veteran Andy Moog has solidified what was a volatile playoff goaltending scene, though Jocelyn Thibault could yet emerge as the main man. Montreal, middle of the pack in team defense, is at its best when it has the puck (No. 5-ranked offense). Team speed is an asset. If the Habs are to make any noise, they need all hands on deck and in good health - and they're not.

Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers possess terrific speed and skill, both up front and especially on the blueline with Boris Mironov, Roman Hamrlik and Janne Niinimaa. Cujo (Curtis Joseph) is a goalie who, if he's hot, is capable of winning a series by himself. They can use their speed to intimidate and are capable of getting on a roll; if Joseph's in the groove, they can knock off a superior foe.

Phoenix Coyotes: Left-winger Keith Tkachuk is a power scorer who can dominate a game all by himself. This is a team not short of a physical presence up front and the forwards go hard to the net. Both special team units were rather unproductive. When they their play is both physical and smart, the Coyotes can overwhelm opponents, but too often they self-destruct.

San Jose Sharks: The Sharks have experience and enthusiasm in Coach Darryl Sutter, in net with cup champ Mike Vernon, on the blueline with Bryan Marchment and up front with John MacLean, Mike Ricci and Bernie Nicholls. They have skill and speed from youngsters Jeff Friesen and Patrick Marleau and a strong work ethic. Vernon and an aggressive mentality ensure the Sharks to be no pushover.

Ottawa Senators: Team defense and timely netminding are two big pluses. Damian Rhodes or Ron Tugnutt provide competitive goaltending. Their defense is ranked only 10th, but is impressive considering their youth (Chris Phillips and Wade Redden). All eyes are on the Sens' stars - Alexei Yashin and Daniel Alfredsson - but the team strength is in the efforts of unheralded soldiers such as Magnus Arvedsson and Andreas Dackell. The defense, netminding and hard work keep them in almost every game.