barry can't get enough hockey...

Czech Mates
Not too much excessive exhuberance coming from my camp today. I need a hit of Meth. Why does Slats insist on signing nothing but Czech Republic players? Bring back Rucinsky, fine. Straka is a good skater and has worked well on a line with Jagr in the past but he is sort of a tired veteran at this point in his career. Perhaps teaming up with Jagar will reinvigorate his game.
Malik - He has to prove him self as a brusing defensman in my eyes.
Rachunek - Kid has some potential. And of course Jagar is a damn Czech. One advantage of all these signings is that it should bring some hot Czech models to the garden this winter. However, I don't understand Slats' obsession with Czech players! I do have an Czech Republic national olympic jersey with #69 Jagar on the back though and I will wear it often, with pride. We had a line of Rusinsky-Nedved-Halavac who caught fire at times the last few years. Perhaps Slats hopes to rekindle the Czech chemistry. At the very least, bring on the Czech babes to the garden.



Goalie News
We re-signed Kevin Weeks. He is one of the only African American players in the league right now and when he is hot, he is one of the strongest skaters in the league. I am glad they will have him as the last line of defense. However, they have a great crop of youngsters including Blackburn who has battled back from some injuries, this Sweede Henrick Lundvquist who I think we will hear a lot from in the
future, and of course former CCHA stand out and first Cuban ever to be drafted to the NHL - Al Montoya. Don't forget that Lundvquist and Jason LaBarbara teamed up for the Wolfpack last year as the strongest goaltenders in the league. I expect Montoya to begin his career in Hartford and either Lundvquist or LaBarbara will back up Weeks to
start off the year. We will send Mike Dunham on his merry way but I wish him the best as he had a solid showing at a low point for the organization.

Former Ranger News
Amonte - gone to play in Calgary. I remember his rookie year well. He played on a youngster line with Troy Mallete.



Leetch - Boston just signed him. My childhood idol is gone to the beaneaters? I am sort of broken hearted over this one but wish him all my best.
York - Traded to the Icelanders for M. Pecca and future draft considerations. Yorky has a bright future - no doubt. We got rid of him about 3 years ago for some used goods that got us nowhere. I'd go to war with any of the three aformentioned players.