Star-Phoenix from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada • 14

14 the STAR-PHOENIX, Saskatoon, Tuesday, March 8, 1977 A9 Fmley mot ready to give nip and Fred Stanley and pitcher Dock Ellis. Yankee president Gabe Paul said he spoke to Ed Keating, the agent for first baseman Chambliss. Chambliss had indicated last week that a contract agreement was close but no agreement has been reached yet. Player agent Jerry Kapstein, who represents Stanley, the Yankees' shortstop, and White," thestartingleftfielder, will be in Florida later this week and Paul expects to meet with him then. Among the absentees from Monday's workout was right-handed pitcher Jim Beattie.

Beattie, 22, was sent home after formity with long standing practice and at the specific request of the Texas club." Finley said Monday "it is obvious that his (Kuhn's) statement and actions cannot stand public scrutiny. "The facts of the Lindblad transaction and hearing are not as he represents them to be and he does not have the courage to release the hearing transcript for fear of revealing that he is now making false charges and harassing the Oakland club for personal vindictiveness." Although after the hearing Kuhn allowed the sale of Lindblad to stand, Finley added in his statement that "all parties present including the Texas club and the players' association, challenged Kuhn's authority to hold such a hearing or take any action involving assignments of player contracts or interfere with the personal property rights of the clubs." Finley also charged that "Kuhn has allowed his vengeful feelings to color his reason and judgement." 5 Meanwhile, New York Yan-' kees announced Monday that they have renewed the contracts of seven unsigned players, including starters Chris Chambliss, Roy White By The Asndatrd Pren Charles 0. Finley, owner of Oakland A's, demanded again Monday that baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn release the transcript of Wednesday'shear-ing in Dallas involving the sale of pitcher Paul Lindblad to the Texas Rangers for $400,000. Charging "harassment and personal vindictiveness," Fin-ley said a release of the transcript will reveal Kuhn's "irrational behavior." Finley said he originally asked Kuhn to release the transcript but that Kuhn sent him a telegram stating that the transcript of the hearing should remain confidential "in con- The veteran pitcher, who is involved in lawsuits and criminal charges in connection with his use of training facilities while a student at Michigan State University, told the Braves he wouldn't be in camp until March 25. Their first exhibition game is Thursday and they open their season April 8.

The back operation was to repair a damaged disc in the spine. And, three California Angels pitchers combined to limit Cal State Fullerton to two hits Monday as the Angels opened their exhibition baseball season with a 3-0 victory. Mike Barlow, a six-foot-five non-roster player, was the most impressive of the Angels' pitchers, throwing three perfect innings and striking out six. experiencing shoulder problems and being told not to throw for two weeks. Outfielder Gary Roenicke has agreed to a new contract with Montreal Expos for the 1977 Na-' tional League baseball season, it was announced Monday.

Two Expos remain without contracts for 1977. They are pitcher Bill Greif and infielder Rodney Scott. The Expos earlier announced Scott had agreed to terms but the 23-year-old infielder claims there was mistake in the way the contract was drawn up and has declined to sign it General manager Phil Seghi of Cleveland Indians wound up with two more players under 1977 American League baseball contracts Monday but one of them came the hard way. Seghi.renewed slugger Rico Carty's 1976 contract, slapping Carry with a 20-perent pay cut believed to have dropped his salary to about $48,000 but meaning be will become a free agent after mis year. Earlier, Seghi had signed right fielder Charlie Spikes to a one-year contract estimated at $46,000.

Atlanta Braves say they aren't worried about relief pitcher Mike Marshall being late to training And when he gets there, they figure he'll be better than ever. "I know the man, he'll be in shape when he gets here," said Bill Lucas, general manager of the National League baseball team. "He had a back operation 4 this winter and he was playing basketball eight days later. I'm not going to worry about him being ready." v- ft Britton shatters track py Jens Nielsen MONTREAL You can do a lot of things in this town. Almost everything.

Just so long as you don't try to fight a ghost. That is precisely what two young Montreal citizens have been doing this winter. They are finding out that it is no way to make friends and influence people. Guy Lafleur and Steve Shutt play hockey for the Montreal Canadians in case you hadn't heard. Each one of the highly talented wingers is having a season which would make them overnight sensations in any other National Hockey League city.

Lafleur scored his 50th goal in Buffalo Monday, two evenings after notching No. 49 in a one-sided whitewash of the New York Rangers at the Forum. Shutt has 53, more than anyone in the league, with his latest coming in that shellacking of John Ferguson's Manhatten Troupe. Yet, for all their accomplishments, they live in an awesome shadow. This is the Land of the Rocket, and don't you forget it.

Maurice Richard hasn't scored a goal in almost two decades, but the man still owns the hearts of 90 per cent of the people in this hockey-mad metropolis. Pick up a newspaper here any newspaper, even if you have to have it translated and the banner headline on the sports page is sure to have a comparison of Lafleur and Richard. Meanwhile, Shutt is not even mentioned in the same breath as the Rocket. But that's another story. Lafleur can do everything.

He went out onto the ice Saturday and totally dominated the game against the Rangers. If there is anything he cannot do, then only Toe Blake knows what it might be. Yet try as he might, he will never be another Rocket. It is something the local fans will not allow. All I ever saw of Richard, my childhood hero, were a few televised performances and some old film clips.

Up until Saturday evening, I believed Bobby Orr would be the most exciting and talented player I would have the opportunity to see. But letme tell you, my friends, when I walked out of the Forum I was in shock. Lafleur was so impressive I've spent three days trying to find words to describe what he did and still haven't turned to the right page of the dictionary. The man has moves which would put Johnny Rodgers to shame. He stops on a dime, gives the def enceman nine cents' change, and is off in another direction at full speed.

He has a shot goalies cannot believe, speed to burn, and uncanny sense for the puck and is a superlative playmaker. I i Take the DATSUN CURE at urn i Manchester is gifted with four talented goal-scorers with Stuart Pearson and Gordon Hill, the two young England stars, leading the way. Veteran Jimmy Greenhof, acquired in a transfer1 from Stoke, has also proved valuable while spelling off young Steve Coppell: If there is an area that has to be looked at in the future it is in goal where Alex Stepney is not getting any younger. The man who backs up the 35-year-old Stepney is Eire international Paddy Roche. Perhaps a transfer will come next year.

Certainly, Tommy Docherty's men are one of the most interesting, exciting teams in the league. It has been a constant struggle for West Ham since they won the UEFA Cup last springover Anderlechtof Belgium. Many felt the Hammers would be challenging for the top this year. If things keep going at their current pace they may have to be happy to challenge for the top of the Second Division next year. West Ham's most recent loss was a 6-0 trouncing at the hands of revitalized Sunderland.

To add insult to injury, West Ham has also made an exit from the FA Cup. When you look at young stars like goal; keeper Marvyn Day and England-under-23 defenders Kevin Lock and John McDowell, you start to wonder. Midfield has been a problem with newcomer Anton Otulakowski having a heavy responsibility on his young shoulders. The leg injury of Pat Holland has not helped matters. The real problem is up front where the Hammers have been averaging less than a goal per game.

It has been a shuttle service as Bryan Robson and John Radford have come for sizeable transfer fees to try to inject life. In addition, veterans Billy Jennings and Keith Robson in addition to Cypriot-born Jilma Orhan were there. There seemed to be enough talent to expect a few goals. Perhaps the return of injured Alan Taylor would help. At any rate, the next few weeks could be crucial for West Ham.

The Saskatoon and District Soccer Association will be staging referee clinics for the next three weeks at the Education Gym. Classes will commence at 7:30 p.m. on the next three Wednesdays with anyone interested welcome to attend. Instruction will be supplied by John Roberts. Girls' soccer in Saskatoon will also be de-' veloped mis season.

There was one team organized last year, and the interest is rapidly increasing. There is the North Pole and the South Pole. There is black and there is white. Certainly, there are many contrasts in the world, Another perfect example of a contrast comes into play when considering the fortunes of Manchester United and West Ham United in the First Division of the English Football League. If one looks back to New Year's it was not a case of contrasts but rather of striking similarities.

At that time both clubs were mired near the bottom of the standings. Both teams had to be considering the stark reality of relegation. Now, that situation has changed considerably at least for one of the teams involved. Thanks to a string of 11 undefeated games by Manchester United, the Red Devils nolonger have to be thinking about life in the Second Division. But, for the Londoners from Upton Park, the realization is becoming increasingly acute as the weeks go by.

Manchester United have lifted themselves to fourth place in the standings, just behind arch-rival Manchester City. That is a drastic turnabout from tthe lower rungs of the table. On the other hand, the Hammers are in a five-team logjam at the bottom. If recent weeks are any indication, it would appear Sunderland have suddenly found their form, and could well avoid what seemed inevitable just a short time ago. Although things could still change -West Ham, Bristol, Derby and Tottenham look like they will be the teams fighting it out.

By simple calculations, it means only one team will survive. Manchester United proved to be quite a puzzle during their long drought earlier in the season. Everyone seemed to be in agreement that the club possessed exceptional young talent. Yet, they could not buy a point for the longest time. It is clear now that the only piece missing from the puzzle was skipper Martin Buchan.

Certainly it was no coincidence that the team's form took a sharp upswing when the injured midfield dynamo returned to the squad. The ex-Aberdeen star is the man who settles the defence and allows the young attackers the room to roam. Now, the defensive four has his leadership and stability from midfield. Consequently, young stars like Gerry Daly and Brian Greenhof are playing well again. "A Whole Hew Mountain" 2300' Vertical 5 Lifts 25 Runs "Ve Have The Snow" This Year Take A WINTER VACTI0N SKI WEEKS as low as Per person based on double occupancy Accommodations, lifts and lessons Included Ski Weeks Reservations 1 (403) 852-4913 1 (403) 852-3816 SKI JASPER'S MARMOT Bev Britton from the Saskatoon Riversdale-Kiwanis Track and Field Club smashed her own Canadian record Sunday at the Alberta age-class championships in Edmonton.

Britton established the new mark in the midget girls' 200 metres with a clocking of 26.1 seconds. Her old mark was 26.2. This is the third time Britton has broken the record this season. She also won the 400 metres with a time of 57.8. Riversdale's Ben Daku tied the Canadian juvenile boys' record in the 200 metres.

His winning time was 23.2. Daku also placed fourth in the 50 metres with a run of six seconds. In the bantam boys' division, Mark Johnson won the 200 and 400-metre races and also came second in the high jump. His time in the 200 was 25.5 and 57.3 in the 400. Johnson's best performance in the high jump was 1.48 metres.

Kelly Alcorn placed second in the midget boys' high jump with a leap of 1.77 metres and senior men's runner, Mike1 Kichula, was third in the 50 metres. Kichula's time was six seconds. In the bantam girls' division, Gwen Wall won the 400 and placed second in the 800. Sandy Fast was second in both the midget girls' 400 and 800 events. The bantam boys' relay team of Johnson, Kevin Van Cleave, Rob Coleman and John Rowan combined to win the 4x400 and 4x200.

Their time in the 400 was four minutes, seven seconds and four-tenths of a second. The 200 time was 1:47.3. The midget girls' team of Britton, Fast, Wall and Cheryl Fisher won the 4x400 and came second in the 4x200. Meanwhile, there will be a Saskatoon developmental track and field meet on Saturday, March 19 at the Jubilee Building. The meet is co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Track and Field Association and the University of Saskatchewan's College of Physical Education.

The meet will provide needed competition and incentive for young athletes under the age of 16 years in Saskatoon and surrounding area. Registration time is 9 a.m. and the meet will begin at 10 a.m. and run all day. The young athletes will be attempting to achieve standards of performance in such events as long jump, high jump, shot put and races ranging from 50 to 1,500 metres.

The standards, which the athletes are shooting for, are set out by the Saskatchewan Track and Field Association according to three levels of achievement for boys and girls in each of the events for pee wee, bantam and midget age classif ica-' tions. Box 1300, Jasper, Alberta (403)852-3816 Canadian Brier curling results THEY LOVE LAFLEUR HERE. His face makes the front page of the local dailies more often than Jean Drapeau and he had nothing to do with Expo or the Olympics. People throng to the Forum just to watch Lafleur do his thing. When he gets the puck on his stick, you can feel the buzz in the stands.

When he takes off on one of his wild dashes down the right everyone in the place from young boys to elderly widows jump to their feet. He ignites the building as hasn't been accomplished in years, despite the perennial success of the hockey club. However, Lafleur has everything going for him until the inevitable comparisons begin. Once people start talking about whether he or Richard provided the most excitement and-or scoring ability, Lafleur is reduced to the role of runner-up. You have to wonder if it will ever change.

Lafleur now has three consecutive 50-goal seasons under his belt, an accomplishment only 1 Phil Esposito can match. He is, without doubt, the most exciting player in all of pro hockey. But that is today, and Richard lives in days of yore, from whence legends came. The Rocket is the ultimate around here. Forget the fact that Gordie Howe, has scored 900 goals and that Richard only had 544.

Forget the fact that nine men now have more than 500 goals to their credit. Forget the fact that Richard played during the Second World War, when the NHL was not a particular powerhouse. Lafleur might be able to beat Drapeau in an election, but Richard could beat the Pope. There is a picture of Maurice Richard adorning the walls of the shrine they use for a hockey rink in this town. Immediately, you notice the eyes.

They are black as coal and appear to be on fire. It is the image we all recall of Richard as he crossed the blueline and prepared to do damage to some hapless netminder. "Nobody attacked goalies as savagely as the Rocket," says Floyd Currie, a Canadien's employee who played with the Habs during Richard's glory days. "From the blueline in, something happened to him. But you look at Lafleur today and the Rocket couldn't skate with him.

He certainly couldn't shoot the way Lafleur does. Not too many players in those days could shoot with most of the kids we have in the league today. "Lafleur might be more exciting than the Rocket when you watch what they doall over the ice. Lafleur is stronger from end to end. But Guy is not as strong as the Rocket used to be from the blueline in.

He will get better but there was only one Rocket." THAT, IN A NUTSHELL, sums up the situation with Les Canadians, so far as the Lafleur-Rlchard thing goes. Until Lafleur scores 100 goals in 50 games, comes up with a 150-goal season or learns to walk on water, there is no way he will come out on top in the all-time popularity polls. You don't beat ghosts, even if they are still alive and sitting in the stands. In the interim, Shutt goes merely along his way, wreaking havoc in every rink in the NHL. Around here, they don't even give him the benefit of comparison with Lafleur or Richard.

In fact, it has become the "in" thing to knock Shutt by saying he scores too many garbage goals. There is no doubt none whatsoever that Shutt does not rate with his linemate Lafleur or Richard when It comes to explosive-ness. He is the kind of person you seldom notice, until he puts the puck into the net. I ask you: That's bad? Shutt has scored eight game-winning goals this year as the Canadiens steamroll over almost everyone in sight. Lafleur also has eight winners to his credit.

Not a Canadien has more. Shutt has seven power-play goals, second only to Lafleur's 13. But they say he's a garbage collector. They say all he does is stand around in front of the net and tap in the rebounds after Lafleur or Jacques Lemalre or Peter Mahovllch or one of a dozen other people have done all the work. I would have loved more than anything to talk to the cynics Saturday evening after Lemalre, Lafleur and Shutt combined to score one of the prettiest and most exciting goals Imaginable against the Rangers' John Davidson.

It came in the third period, when the game was out of reach, but It was a beauty which should have made even the most hardened fan of yesterday realize two things: No. 1, Lafleur is as determined as anyone inside the blueline and, No. 2, Shutt can score from more than five feet away. It went like this: Lafleur broke down the wing, In typical hair-raising fashion. He dropped the puck to Lemalre just inside the New York blueline, continuing on towards the corner.

Lemalre gave the puck back and Lafleur cut In towards the right corner of the net. Suddenly, he flipped a pass back Into the slot to Shutt, who was 25 feet in front. Shutt saw less than a foot of room In the left corner and, before you could say "Sacre Bleu!" the puck was in the net. It was magnificent. All three linemutes played things perfectly, faking the opposition, moving the puck, positioning themselves and then finishing things off with the goal.

This Richard business never will be resolved. It Is one of those moot points. Did Hank Aaron hit home runs better than Babe Ruth? Could Jack Nlcklaus play golf better than Robert T. JonesT Could Willie Burden carry a football further than George Reed? Who caret? Spare me the comparisons, which are little more than opinion. Let's just recognize the talent we have before us and enjoy tilings while It's our turn.

SPORTSGERRYPYNE Gerry Pyne Is the Sports Director with coverage of the National and Local Sports Scene. Listen for Sports at 6:45 a.m.-7:15 a.m.-7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m.-12:45 noon and 5:15 p.m. Sports throughout the evening every half hour. STANDINGS British Columbia Territories P.E.I. Quebec US 010 110 a 000 103 001 001 ono too i no 010 (HI a Fourth Draw jKM Quebec British Columbia Manitoba Ontario New Brunswick Saskatchewan Territories Alberta Newfoundland Nova Scotia Northern Ontario RK.I.

101 102 010 1 010 010 101 0 4 002 010 200 20 110 102 001 01 8 030 010 002 6 llfi 000 10 Territories I'E I Saskatchewan Quebec New Brunswick Nova Scotia 'It 0) a fif Filth Draw Third Draw RADIO ON THE MOVE 1250 KHz Alberta British Colitnbia 003 023 110 9 110 100 QUI 4 101 000 101 0 4 oio no oio i ft 010 102 102 1 I 103 010 020 0 7 1(10 201 Wx 8 ooo oio iox a 020 100 212 I 1U0 010 000 I Northern Ontario Nina Scotia Saskatchewan Newfoundland New Brunswick Northern Ontario Manitoba Alberta Ontario Newloundland 002 010 101 110 102 020 mm Smith rink wins bonspiel wi Patrick Dodge Early Bird Specials 1975 76 Oodje 4 Chrysler Wj AIR CONDITIONING For all makes of cars SHOCK ABSORBERS Installed 17.95 For 318, 360, 400 440 engines with 100 amp alternator I I I JOl I II I Gail Smith and her Nutana rink of Sandra Peters, Shirley Schelrich and Linda Brickner combined to win the championship event Sunday In the annual Hub City Club's Fun and For tune women's cash bonspiel. Smith tripped Merle Kopach of Exhibition 84 In the final of the 'spiel which had attracted 32 rinks. Smith advanced to the final with a 13-7 victory over Pat Bug-lass of Granite while Kopach, who was backed by Gall Hopkins, Joyce Clayton and Thelma Cowle, had little trouble defeating Merle Simpson of Sutherland 12-1. Judy Kerslake of Nutana won the event with an 8-7 decision over Fay Coben of Tessler. Kerslake edged 'Diane Minoguc of Lacadena 7-4 In one 2 only 00 SMITH PETERS $S9S Installed Low As SCHEIRICH BRICKNER The annual Nutana Pot of Gold women's cash bonspiel will be held March 18-20.

Tlte entry fee Is $48 and the entries should be sent to Malzie Howard, 33 Kirk Cres, Saskatoon. Total prize money Is 11,500 and the winning rink will get $400. semi-final while Coben won over Donna Matthews of Nutana 104. Heather Howard of Nutana won the event with a 13-4 triumph over Jen Falk of the Hub, Howard tripped Myrna Lewis of Granite 8 3 In the semi-finals and Falk won over Elaine Farkas of Granite 9-6. 33.