The Brandon Sun from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada • Page 9

sports Friday, Seplamber 24, 1976 Kings could be on rise with this youthful group by BRUCE PENTON Sun Sports Writer Some people are already saying that although Brandon Wheat Kings may have a contending Western Canada Hockey League team this year, just wait and see what happens next year. It's a bit too early to be thinking that far ahead, but a quick check of the roster shows clearly that this edition of the Wheaties has more good young players than any Brandon team since Ron Chipperfield (16), Robbie Neale (17) and Dwayne Pentland (17) broke into the WCHL in 1970. And when the Wheaties skate out tonight for their home opener at the Keystone Centre against Saskatoon Blades at 8 o'clock, local fans could be watching the beginning of a powerful Wheat King era. If general-manager Jack Brockest, coaches Dune McCallum and Brian Boyle (Travellers) and chief scout Ron Dietrich have been doing their homework properly, that era just may never end. The future stars on the 1976-77 Wheaties have convinced coach McCallum they deserve to play regularly in the WCHL.

Convinced him so well, in fact, that the Wheaties have what is probably the youngest power-play alignment in the league. Dcfenceman Wayne Ramsey is the granddaddy of Sun photos by Bob McLennan BILL DERLAGO Delightful evening What better way for a young hockey fan to spend an autumn evening than by getting autographs from real life professional hoc-key stars? Winnipeg Jets' line-mates Anders Hedberg (left), Ulf Nilsson and Bobby Hull (right) spent more than an hour at the Brandon Shoppers Mall Thursday night signing their names to slips of paper foisted upon them by boys and girls of all ages. Danny Sparrow, 14, (centre) was one of the happy youngsters. Hedberg, Nilsson, Hull: Line of thoughts RAY ALLISON us I think we scored eight or 10 goals the first shift." Hull remembers marvelling at-the deft moves and smooth passing of his new team-mates that first time out. He also recalls the skeptics.

"They were saying, 'yeah, sure, but just wait until they have to play against the pros the Swedes will never "Nobody can pass any better than Ulfie," says Hull. "And you see Anders? You want to. know how fast he is? It takes two men to say 'here he and 'there he Hedberg, sporting a rather severe looking cut on the forehead just above the eyes, the product of an errant pass from Nilsson earlier in the day, just smiles and says: "I'm not that fast I'm not that slow, but Ron Chipperfield of Calgary calls Hedberg the fastest man on the extraman unit at age 19. Centre Bill Derlago is 18, but the other three wingers Brian Propp and Ray Allison and dcfenceman Brad McCrimmon, are just 17. That was the combination McCallum used Wednesday when the Wheaties opened the 72-game schedule with a 4-2 victory over the Monarchs in Winnipeg.

Should the kids not do the job scoring-wise on the power-play, McCallum doesn't have far to look for experience and size. He's got third-year man Danny Bonar available to play centre, and wingers Gord Kaluzniak and Dave Semenko will probably get some power-play ice time over the season. Although Brandon failed to score on all three of its power-play chances Wednesday, the Wheaties dominated the play and had plenty of good opportunities for Playing the man is important "To be effective, that line has to play the man on the power-play," said McCallum after the game. "Wc count hits and I think Propp was the big hitter for the game with two. That's not enough.

"Another thing I didn't like about the power-play was that nobody was standing in front of the net to screen the goalie or get deflections on the point shots. "There was one guy on each post, but no one in front. McCrimmon had three or four good shots from the point, but Steele (Winnipeg goalie Tim) had no trouble with them." The coach wasn't violently upset, though. Since the Wheaties only had 10 days of training camp before their season-opener, work on the specialty teams (power-plays and penalty-killing) were far down on the list of impor- "I don't blame them (the other players on other teams) for testing us," says Hedberg, alias The Swedish Express. "We were not only rookies, we were Europeans, too.

It's getting better now." Nilsson agrees with his compatriot's analysis. However, in North American pro hockey, "a lot of players can't accept a good check instead of waiting for a chance to check you back, they retaliate on the spot, 'with a stick or a punch." The question is asked: Is there anybody in European hockey who compares with 49-year-old Gordie Howe? Says Hedberg: "There is only one Gordie Howe in the world. I think the first, time I met him, he ran into me. Honestly, I don't like to play against him, he can do stuff 1 appreciate him, his attitude is terrific." Says Nilsson: "When we beat Houston (Howe's team) last year in the playoffs, here we were leading 9-1 or something with two minutes to go in the final game. And here he was still out there playing as hard as he could.

He is a remarkable man." Says Hull: "I'm afraid he's gn-. ing to hurt himself. Even George Blanda (the U.S. football kicker and quarterback) has retired. I hope Gordie does, too." ing, Hull didn't consider it a wasted trip.

He firmly believes in promoting the. game. That's why he'll stand there and sign autographs until his hand hurts. That's why he demands proper deportment from the Jets at all times. That's why Hedberg and Nilsson worship at the shrine.

That's why Hull is one of the highest paid professionals in hockey. ir -fir While Hull enjoyed being a part of Team Canada in its recent success against the European powers in the Canada Cup, he was happy to get home. He was happy to see his family. He was happy to be reunited with his linemates. "These guys," Hull says pointing to Nilsson and Hedberg in a Sun interview, I've never played with better guys and I've never enjoyed the game more." Hull remembers the first time, in the late summer of 1974, when he stepped onto the ice surface in the St.

James Civic Centre with Nilsson and Hedberg. Introductions out of the way, and sans the proper protective equipment, they started scrimmaging; "There was a university team on the ice the Winnipeg Wes-men I think they were called and they weren't that bad, either," remembers Hull. "They couldn't get the puck away from by BILL DAVIDSON Sun Sports Editor Hull, Hedberg and Nilsson all kinds of trouble for World Hockey Association opponents, and all kinds of fun for Hull, Hedberg and Nilsson. That's the impression one immediately gets when Bobby Hull, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson, dubbed by most hockey people as one of the finest lines in the world, sit down to talk about the Winnipeg Jets and the game they love. Thursday they talked, and signed autographs in Brandon at the Shoppers Mali.

One week later, Sept. 30, they will be back in Brandon leading the Jets at the Keystone Centre in an exhibition (oops, pre-season test as Jet g-m Rudy Pilous calls them) game against the. Calgary Cowboys. The three players and Pilous were in Brandon yesterday promoting that game. It was a wasted trip only because the game is already virtually -a Not counting.

standing room', which has not gone on sale yet, a Keystone box office spokesman said Thursday afternoon that approximately 700 tickets remained to be sold. The SRO shingle notwithstand "I told Anders and Ulf to play their game," says Hull recalling that first meeting, "and I'd be the one to adjust." The record books will show that Hull has adjusted. But the Swedes are quick to point out that they, too, have had to make adjustments. When Hedberg and Nilsson joined the team two seasons back, Hedberg was expecting the worst. BRIAN PROPP Cougars erupt NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.

(CP) Victoria Cougars scored three goals in the third period to break open a close game and defeat New Westminster Bruins 6-3 in an exhibition Western Canada Hockey League game Thursday. Victoria outshot New Westminster 47-39 iti a wide-open contest. Flames douse the hopes of a few rookies "We skated for an hour and a half this morning (Wednesday), and we spent an hour on the power-play. That's all we've done. I'm sure it'll come around." As for tonight's game with the Blades, the Wheaties are going into it blind.

They do know that Jackie McLeod's defending Eastern Division champions lost a lot of firepower last year (scoring champ Bernie Fedcrko, line-mates Blair Chapman and Neil Hawryliw and pesky centre Fred Williams) but that McLeod's track record as a coach is enviable. McLeod has veteran goalies Dave Parro and Randy Ireland back in the fold, and returning forwards Bruce Hamilton, Dell Chapman, Stan Gulutzan and Wes George. On defence, there is experience galore with Brian Sehnitzler, Brian McGregor, Bryan Baron and Mel Hewitt. "I figure we have to beat Saskatoon to win the East Division," said McCallum. "I'll feel a lot better if we can knock them off Friday." Blades are back for a rematch Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Bob Grant Shmyr, Jansch, Archie Henderson. Sun-CP-AP Atlanta Flames cut five Western Canada Hockey League graduates Thursday, including two who played with Brandon Wheat Kings last season. Dale McMullin and Mike Bradbury, line-mates with the Wheat Kings last year, were two of the players Rick Curt Fraser and Dale Ewasiuk scored for the Cougars, while Don Hobbtns, Brad Maxwell and Mark Lofthouse were the New Westminster scorers. the past will not happen again." In other WHA news, centre Gord Blumenschein appears to be in tough with Edmonton Oilers. The former star of Winnipeg Clubs probably won't make the team this season and may be sent back to his old junior team, now the Winnipeg Monarchs.

Oiler coach Bep Guidolin said yesterday that Blumenschein must improve his checking and skating, but is capable of playing major-league, hockey in a year or two. More hockey on page 1 0 negotiating of their own yesterday and, as a result, announced they have signed a lease to play in the St. Paul Civic Centre for the coming season. The lease was signed by St. Paul Mayor George Latimer, Lloyd Leider, chairman of the Civic Centre Authority, and Nick Mileti, owner of the World Hockey Association franchise.

The original Fighting Saints folded last February, leaving its Civic Centre rent unpaid. "In two weeks, more than 2,150 season tickets have been sold;" said Latimer. "More importantly, the Saints now have over $500,000 in local banks. "What has happened in with his contract, asked the Flyers to trade him yesterday. Acquired two years ago from St.

Louis Blues as back-up to Bernie Parent, Stephenson stepped in last year after Parent suffered a neck injury. The Winnipeg native played 66 games for Philadelphia and compiled a goals-against average of 2.66. Stephenson said his original contract was based on the premise that he would be back up to Parent. He has since asked for the contract to be renegotiated, but without success. Minnesota Fighting Saints concluded some released as the National Hockey League club pared its training camp roster.

Also released were goal-tenders Lome Molleken (Winnipeg Clubs), Mark Earp (Kamloops Chiefs) and defenceman Rick Hodgson (Calgary Centennials). The Flames also handed walking papers to one veteran, defenceman Larry Carriere, who was acquired from Buffalo Sabres midway 'through the 1975-76 season. While the Flames were taking stock of their roster, goaltender Wayne Stephenson was taking a hard look at his situation with Philadelphia Flyers. Stephenson, unhappy Bruins first but Cougars last? A Park tuelt Season BONUS OFFER EXAMPLE: Model 420C 4 HP Retail 499.95 Less Bonus 15.00 Your Price $484.95 ward full time this year. The defence is strong with Dan Clark, Dave Johnson, Dave Robinson and Soetaert.

The incumbent in goal should be Brian Henderson, backup last year to Mark Earp, but former Victoria Cougar Danny Rogers is also in the Chiefs' camp. "We'll have a bigger club than New Westminster and twice as aggressive, both physically and mentally," says Prediger, who plans to motivate his players with pre-game music in the dressing room. 4. Victoria, coach Patty Gin-nell. Last year's finish, 4th (37-28-7) The pick-for-fourth for the Cougars goes against the grain, because Ginnell has never had a losing season.

Jim Gustafson heads the list of graduates, but big 18-year-old Curt Fraser and Gregg Anderson can put the puck into the net and Murray Banner-man, an 18-ycar-old goalie, can keep them out. Other returnees who can score a few are Dale Ewasiuk, big Archie Henderson, who will miss the first month due to a court-imposed suspension, and Dennis Fenske. The only returning defenceman is oft-suspended Greg Tebbutt, who is a better fighter than skater. Leroy Heck is a defensive standout amongst the rooks, though, and other first-year men expect to make the team are Al Monro, Lome Schmidt, Geordie Robertson, Gary Lupul and Rod Guimont. The first month of the season will tell Ginnell plenty; he opens the season at home this Saturday, and then hits the road for 11 games in the next 13 nights.

Anything bettor than a 3-8 record on that trip will mean his rookie crop can hack the WCHL pace. The WCHL's West Division predicted finish, and the reasons why. by BRUCE PENTON Sun Sports Writer 1. New Westminster, coach Ernie McLean. Last Year's finish 1st (54-144).

The Bruins will once again have the best defence in the league, anchored by 19-year-old veterans Barry Beck and Brad Maxwell, who seem to have been in this league since puberty-Brian Young and Miles Zaharko are also veteran defencemen, and Mark Lofthouse, a 68-goal scorer last year, will lead the offence. Eighteen-year-old Stan Smyl, who got 32 goals last year, is also being counted on for a big year. The best of the Bruin rookies are Randy Betty and John Paul Kelly, from the Bruins' Tier II team, and Carl Van Harrewyn, 18, of Winnipeg. "He hits like Bubba (Barry) Beck and he'll make our team, says McLean of Van Harrewyn. In goal, New West is solid with cither Blaine Peterson, the team's over-age player, or Carey Walker, who had a 3.21 average last year, best in the league.

2. Portland, coach Ken Hodge. Last year's finish, 5th (25-42-5). The Winter Hawks have probably the most-set lineup in the league, with just four regulars Rocky Maze and Terry McDonald the only notables missing. Returning is the best crop of 18-year-olds in the league, led by Tony Currie, Wayne Babych and Doug Lccuycr, who combined for 113 goals last year.

Other good 18s are Dave Morrow, a definite all-star threat, massive Paul Mulvey, entering his third year, and 61-point man Brent Peterson. As for rookies, general-manager Brian Shaw says he has signed Blake Westley, 17, "the PLUS ELECTRIC START Hang up your snow shovel for good. Here's your chance to buy a premium-quality Ariens Snow-Thro and save! Clip the bonus coupon and hurry down to your Ariens dealer before October 91h. He'll give you $1 5.00 off the regular price of a 4 or 5 bp. mode! $25.00 off the regular price of a 6, 7 or 8 hp.

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Tim Thomlison and Brad Hall, both 18, are returning goalies "and they're a year older," said Shaw in defence of their poor stats of last year. One acquistion was big centre Dale Yakichuk, who played half a season with Lethbridge last year and picked up 17 points and 146 minutes in penalties. 3. Kamloops, coach Ivan Prediger. Last year's finish, 2nd (40-26-6).

The Chiefs have made the most personnel changes over the winter, with general-marfager-coach Harvey Roy relinquishing bench duties in favor of Prediger, and engineering a couple of important trades. Roy rid the Chiefs of left-wingers Kelly Ferncr and Dave Hatheway to other divisions, losing 57 goals, and picking up dcfenceman Gary Soetaert and Mike Boychuk, who tallied 21 between them. Their acquisitions, though, will provide more muscle, something Prediger likes. Leading the way offensively this year will be 18-year-old centre Ryan Walter, over-age centre Don Moores and former defenceman Reg Kerr, who is moving to for BONUS COUPON FREE ELECTRIC START $OC00 off the retail price of a 6,7 or 6 hp. Ariens Sno-Thro BONUS COUPON FREE ELECTRIC START E00 the l.J retail price of a 1 or 5 hp.

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