Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2004 By Lucas Aykroyd Today, North American fans are accustomed to watching Russian players strut their skills on this side of the Atlantic. But recently, some Canadian CHL graduates have reversed the trend by heading over to Russia. Few are better qualified to describe that experience than former goalie […]

Originally published in Rinkside in 2004 By Lucas Aykroyd It’s often called “the most exciting play in hockey,” but a penalty shot is also one of the most nerve-wracking for shooters and goalies. In the normal course of a game, there are dozens of possibilities developing on the ice, and there’s a give-and-take to the […]

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001 By Lucas Aykroyd Alexei Tezikov isn’t in line for the Norris Trophy, but he might well take the prize for being the NHL’s friendliest Russian defenseman. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to score some points with the media when you’re playing your first NHL game since a 23-game stint […]

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2000 By Lucas Aykroyd Paul Kariya may wear the C for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, but it’s clear this team has two leaders. Teemu Selanne’s solid start to his ninth NHL season has been a key to whatever success the Ducks have enjoyed so far. The Finnish Flash has […]

Originally published in Eishockey News in 2007 By Lucas Aykroyd In recent NHL history, only a handful of teams have won the Stanley Cup thanks more to their scoring ability than their defensive play. The mid-1980’s Edmonton Oilers and, arguably, the early 1990’s Pittsburgh Penguins come to mind. If the Tampa Bay Lightning are to […]

Originally published in the IIHF News Release in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd In many ways, Steve Tambellini represents the best of Canadian hockey. So it was hardly surprising when Canadian Hockey introduced him on September 26 as the general manager of the Maple Leaf squad for the 2003 IIHF World Championships in Finland. The 44-year-old […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2005 By Lucas Aykroyd Most hockey observers believe Corey Perry of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks has a bright future. But will the 6-3, 197-pound center give Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin a run for their money in the quest for NHL Rookie of the Year status? Or will he […]

Originally published in The Prague Post in 2002 By Lucas Aykroyd “I’m going to Disneyland” is what pro athletes in North America often crow after they capture a championship. Yet for National Hockey League players, Anaheim has historically resembled a graveyard more than a Magic Kingdom. Winger Petr Sykora is hoping to reverse that trend […]

Originally published in Rinkside in 2003 By Lucas Aykroyd All year long, they’re going to hear the ABBA jokes. Questions about whether coach Marc Crawford is fluent in Swedish yet. Suggestions that General Motors Place should be renamed the Volvodrome. So the Swedish members of the 2003-04 Vancouver Canucks may as well get used to […]

Originally published in Prospects Hockey in 2006 By Lucas Aykroyd Canada clearly ruled the hockey world from 2002 to 2005, holding every major title early in the latter year (Olympics, World Cup, World Championship, and World Juniors). However, it’s equally clear that 2006 belonged to Sweden. Even though Brent Sutter’s Canadian World Junior team earned […]