Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Jim Kelley from Roger Sportsnet
NHL Call-In: Al Morganti from Comcast Sports and Eric Duhatschek from the Globe & Mail
Main NHL Story:
The Shane Doan incident. Doan was accused 17 months ago of making a "French-Canadian" slur during an NHL game. Doan has been named the captain of the Canadian over in Russia. Duhatschek, who has known Doan for a long time, said that this is really uncharacteristic of Doan and also the NHL is known being strict on things like this and yet they are coming to his defense - therefore the investigation the NHL did must have proved that Doan didn't say what the government is alleging he said and case closed. Morganti said the story really hasn't hit the US, but Morganti just can't believe this story - he thought Canada had more common sense. Morganti feels this is all politically driven and he feels sorry for Doan. Kelley brought up the fly in the ointment point that the official involved said under oath that a french slur was said during a lawsuit between the official and Doan. Kelley asked, did the NHL do enough research? Duhatschek said during the NHL investigation they concluded that something was said, but it definitely wasn't Doan and no one will say it was them - drawing the blame away from Doan. Duhatschek said that all three officials should submit a deposition about what they saw and heard on the ice. Duhatschek goes one step further and said if Doan is "acquitted" what will the Canadian government do to rebuild his reputation? Morganti brought up the fact of Don Cherry and why does he get away with it, especially given his position.
John Tavares - The 16 year old phenom of the OHL. McCown feels that he is flying under the radar and wants to know why. Duhatschek suggested that because Tavares hasn't played internationally for Canada, yet and the people out west haven't seen much of him. Duhatschek said that give him sometime and within 2 years Tavares will be a household name. Morganti said there really isn't too much of a buzz about him now, outside of hockey people, and really in the US no one has heard of him or cares, simply because they have Crosby and Ovechkin already to watch and also some of young USA players (Jack Johnson, etc) deserve some of the spotlight right now, but his time will come. McCown said if he was a GM he would attempt to suck by the time that draft year comes up.
Phoenix Coyotes GM Position - The GM list has been shortened and a decision is due soon. Will Gretzky still have a say? Duhatschek says yes and also says it's hard to pick who will get that role as there are so many potential GMs out there, some new and some with only a year of experience. McCown asked Morganti - should Wayne's name be on the list. Morganti said no. Given Wayne's track record as a coach and his only GM experience is with Team Canada (which is a different pool altogether).
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