The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. Each week, we’ll dig back into the magazine’s archives to look back on a key moment, player or other important figure in the ECHL.
A THN subscription gives you access to the magazine’s entire archives dating back to the first issue in 1947 (over 2,000 issues). Click here to subscribe.
(Note: Due to the digital quality of some older issues, articles may contain errors.
Mar 3, 1995/vol. 48, issue 24
Langway long way from NHL in ECHL
Two-time Norris Trophy winner Rod Langway, who hasn’t played competitively since Feb. 21, 1993, is attempting a comeback of sorts with the Richmond Renegades of the East Coast League.
Langway, 37, parted company with the Washington Capitals on less than friendly terms after the 15-year yeter-an was told he would no longer be playing every game because the club wanted to work younger legs into the lineup. Langway was six games short of his 1,000th NHL contest.
Craig Laughlin, Richmond general manager and a former teammate of Langway with the Montreal Canadiens and Capitals, said Langway’s performance would be assessed on a game-by-game basis.
“I told him I didn’t want to put his life in jeopardy for a minor league team,” Laughlin said.
ECHL teams are allowed to dress three veterans. Langway will be used as a player and defensive tutor.
Laughlin and team president Harry Feuerstein said there were no immediate aims for Langway to attempt an NHL return.
The Renegades are averaging 5,700 fans a night and Feuerstein denied this was a publicity stunt to fill more seats.
“You don’t do publicity stunts with a team that’s in first place,” he said.
“Stunt assumes there’s some sham involved, that something’s wrong. The reality is Rod wants to play and promote the game.”
Langway has spent the past two years perfecting his golf game.
NOTEBOOK: The Capitals completed the first quarter of their schedule winless (0-6-2) on the road. In their first 12 games overall, they scored a league-low 22 goals, only nine at even strength…The team sent video to the NHL seeking redress after defenseman Jim Johnson received a two-handed slash across his left wrist from the Philadelphia Flyers’ Eric Lindros Feb. 13
There have only been two players wear the #64 for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Unfortunately for Columbus, neither one of them made a significant impact for Columbus. Cleveland is a different story, however.
Trey Fix-Wolansky
Many people thought, despite being drafted so late in the draft and his diminutive size —5-foot-7, 180 pounds —he would turn out to be a really good winger in the NHL. So far, he’s yet to be able to show his talent at the NHL level.
Fix-Wolansky played three seasons in the WHL for the Edmonton Oil Kings. In those three seasons, he played 206 games, scored 93 goals, and had 245 points. His production improved year after year, so many thought he could translate that into the pros.
He made his full-season pro debut during the 2019-20 season for the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. He would play in 43 games, score 12 goals, and end with 26 points. The following season, he suffered a leg injury that required surgery, limiting him to only nine games. But even in those limited games, he would have nine points.
In the 2021-22 season, Fix-Wolansky played in 53 games and had 33 points, but more importantly, on February 8th, 2022, he would make his NHL debut. Fix-Wolansky would score in his debut against the Washington Capitals, taking a pass and sneaking the puck by Phoenix Copley. He finished playing in six games for Columbus that season, netting two points. He had five shots in those six games and had an average time on ice of around six minutes.
TFW's breakout season in the AHL would be the 2022-23 season. He would score 29 goals and total 71 points in 61 games. He set career highs in goals, assists, points, games played, and power-play goals. Fix-Wolansky played in nine games for the CBJ, scoring only one goal. He did average almost 13 minutes a game, however.
Fix-Wolansky had two very good seasons in 23-24 and 24-25. In each season, he finished with 26 goals and 60 points. Despite having an unreal career for Cleveland the last seven years, Fix-Wolansky never got an extended chance to prove he could be an everyday NHL player, and was not tendered a contract this summer. He went on to sign a deal with the New York Rangers.
TFW is generally considered the greatest player in Monsters' history. He leads the Monsters franchise with 112 goals, 147 assists, and 259 points. Defenseman Jake Christiansen is the only active player close enough to catch TFW, but he was in Columbus last season, and most likely this season, so Fix-Wolansky's records are safe.
Tyler Motte
Tyler Motte was the first player to wear #64 for the Blue Jackets, although it wasn't for very long.
Motte was traded to Columbus by Chicago with Artemi Panarin and NY Islanders' 6th round pick (previously acquired, Columbus selected Jonathan Davidsson) in the 2017 NHL Draft for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg, and Columbus' 5th round pick in 2018 NHL Draft, June 23, 2017.
Motte would go to play in 31 games for the Blue Jackets, scoring 3 goals and 5 points, while averaging 9:56 per game of ice time.
Later that season, Motte was traded the Vancouver by Columbus with Jussi Jokinen for Thomas Vanek, February 26, 2018.
The St. Clair, Michigan native went on to play four more seasons in Vancouver. After playing last season with his home state Detroit Red Wings, Motte currently sits without a contract after playing nine NHL seasons.
As of right now, no other player is scheduled to wear #64 in the immediate future for the CBJ, but surely someday someone will take that number who will have an impact on the team.
The Jackets have 64 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and fans are getting restless. The CBJ will take on the New Jersey Devils on Monday, October 13th at 7 PM. The Blue Jackets have much higher expectations this season than in previous years. Many expect the CBJ to make the playoffs, something they missed by a single win last season. Can the Blue Jackets overcome their deficiencies and weaknesses to make a playoff push in the weak Metro Division?
Goaltending seems to be the topic du jour just about every day in the CBJ universe, and this is something that probably won't go away unless Elvis and Jet Greaves both have outstanding seasons. All signs are pointing to that happening, and fans can't wait until the 25-26 season gets underway.
Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!
Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.
The Mets take on the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. on PIX11.
Here's what to know about the game and how to watch...
Mets Notes
Pete Alonso crushed the 252nd homer of his career on Saturday, officially tying Darryl Strawberry's all-time franchise record
Alonso is hitting .286 with three home runs and nine RBI over his last seven games
Juan Soto has left the yard in three consecutive games, bringing his total to 28 on the season
Sean Manaea is looking to bounceback after allowing five runs earlier this week against the Guardians
The southpaw has a 3.52 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over his first five outings of the season
METS
BREWERS
Francisco Lindor, SS
XX
Juan Soto, RF
XX
Brandon Nimmo, LF
XX
Pete Alonso, 1B
XX
Jeff McNeil, DH
XX
Ronny Mauricio, 3B
XX
Cedric Mullins, CF
XX
Brett Baty, 2B
XX
Luis Torrens, C
XX
How can I watch the game online?
To watch Mets games online via PIX11, you will need a subscription to a TV service provider and live in the New York City metro area. This will allow fans to watch the Mets on their computer, tablet or mobile phone browser.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the second, Frankie Montas was able to get Brewers infielder Joey Ortiz to ground into what appeared to be an inning ender.
However, Lindor was unable to come up with the high-hopping chopper up the middle and it bounced past him into center for a two-run knock.
Montas luckily escaped without further damage on his ledger, but it was a bad break for a starter who has been struggling mightily since making his season debut.
“I wasn’t able to help Montas that inning,” Lindor said. “He executed, got us the pitch we needed to get out of that inning without damage against -- it’s a routine groundball and should have been made. Montas is a guy going through it and I wanted to be there for him in that moment.”
Frustration finally boiled over for the usually calm and collected Lindor, as cameras caught him slamming his glove after making his way back to the dugout in between innings.
“I take a lot of pride in my defense,” the usually sure-handed shortstop said. “The pitchers work as hard as they can, they execute the pitch and if there’s a groundball to me it’s up to me to be able to finish the play for them.
“I think that’s the frustrating part of this -- every year there’s a moment where I vent out like that, just this time it was right there in the dugout. I have to be better. I have to pick up my teammates and be there for them, I just have to be better.”
The Mets certainly do need Lindor to be better as they look to claw out of this brutally tough stretch.
Even after dropping the first two games in Milwaukee, New York still holds the third NL Wild Card spot, but they have one of the worst records in all of baseball since the beginning of June.
With three straight hitless showings, Lindor is hitting just .208 with a .641 OPS over that span.
If they want to turn things around down the stretch, they'll need their star shortstop to get himself going again.
South Korea star wins penalty in substitute appearance
Son joined LAFC in record transfer earlier this week
South Korea star Son Heung-min made his MLS debut for Los Angeles FC on Saturday, providing a burst of energy as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw with the Fire in Chicago.
Son drew a penalty in the 77th minute that Denis Bouanga converted to clinch the draw in the 81st minute – VAR confirming the spot kick after the referee initially let play continue.
The Philadelphia Flyers have quite a few roster spots ready to be filled by up-and-coming prospects next season, but there's one prospect who should be talked about much more.
But, what about the defense? What about Oliver Bonk?
It's always harder to shelter a young defenseman at the NHL level than a young forward, but Oliver Bonk is uniquely equipped to handle the challenge.
The 20-year-old is going to be turning pro this fall, but long Memorial Cup campaigns have prevented him from getting any tastes of AHL action to this point.
But, Bonk's strong points have always lied in his hockey IQ and understanding of how to play his position effectively. He's not the biggest, fastest, or most skilled defenseman, but knows what he needs to do on the ice and why.
Veteran defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen isn't expected to be ready to play for the Flyers by the start of the season, which means opportunity for players like Bonk, Emil Andrae, and Helge Grans.
All it takes is an impressive training camp to crack the door open, and The Athletic prospects expert Scott Wheeler thinks Bonk is ready for the challenge.
Bonk’s smarts are his game’s defining quality but he has also defended at one of the highest levels in junior hockey over the last couple of years, has an impressive feel for coverage and timing and escapes pressure well despite having average feet," Wheeler said of Bonk in his July prospect rankings.
"He just looks like he’s going to be a solid two-way defenseman who can influence play and potentially help out on both special teams, even if he’s not a natural power-play quarterback or your prototypical penalty killer. He projects as a No. 3-5 defenseman. . . I expect him to play in the NHL in 2025-26, if not full-time, then at least to start."
Further supporting the possibility of Bonk playing in the NHL soon, Wheeler notably ranked Bonk (45th overall) ahead of fellow defensemen Kevin Korchinski (62nd), Scott Morrow (67th), Maveric Lamoureux (80th), and Seamus Casey (85th).
The common denominator for all of those players? Each has played NHL games already.
So, not only does Bonk have the pedigree that supports an early NHL debut, but similar players have already done the same.
Whether the Flyers give him a real opportunity to make remains to be seen, but the roster spot is there for the taking.
Oliver Bonk has a legitimate chance to make the Flyers outright to start the 2025-26 season.
Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov is becoming the face of hockey in his native Finland.
Winning back-to-back Stanley Cups and Selke Trophies certainly helps his cause, as does becoming the first Finnish-born captain to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup in the history of the NHL.
On Saturday, Barkov utilized his special day with the Stanley Cup to share it fans, friends and family in his hometown of Tampere, Finland.
“I think pretty much the first thing you think about when people say ‘Finland’ is ice hockey,” Barkov said. “Everyone loves hockey here, everyone is watching hockey and follows hockey. It’s great, it’s like a lifestyle here, just like Canada.”
To no surprise considering his love for tennis and paddleball, Barkov brought the Cup to PadelOne Arena for some time with fans.
“I’ve been here a couple times, watching paddle tournaments,” Barkov said. “It’s one of my favorite sports that I play.”
He said that compared to last year, this summer’s Stanley Cup day felt a bit more laid back, which was by design.
“Last year was kind of hectic, so this year I’m trying to do it in a more relaxed way,” he said.
He also made sure to leave time for a trip to the sauna, and some home cooking from his momma.
You can check out footage of Barkov's day with the Stanley Cup in the video below:
It’s been several days now that the Stanley Cup has been in Finland.
Australia battled back from a dreadful start n Darwin to win the first of three T20 matches
5th over: Australia 60-3 (Green 25, David 18) So the run rate’s up and the wickets are falling. David doesn’t mind the latter, he maintains the former, thrashing Corbin Bosch’s first ball over backward point for four. It was full and wide but David has the reach to fetch what Travis Head couldn’t earlier. Bosch, tall and blond and built, looks annoyed, bowls the next into leg stump, and has David hitting to his outfielder at deep backward. That’s more the plan. No plan is containing Green though, who makes it look so easy slotting another six over long on. He’s 24 off 7 balls! Then races a single. He’s six foot seventy-three but he’s also quick enough. One ball to come, and David drives it over cover for six!
Oh boy. Three down and they’re going at 12 an over. The ground DJ is playing Chappell Roan. Hot to Go.
Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News has reported that the Philadelphia Flyers could be a potential landing spot for New Jersey Devils goaltender Nico Daws. The Devils, however, should consider their history before shopping Daws to other teams.
Daws, 24, has played in the NHL in previous seasons when the Devils’ starters were unavailable due to injury. New Jersey currently has Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen locked in as its goaltending tandem for the upcoming season.
Markstrom, 35, is entering the final year of his six-year, $36 million contract. He joined the Devils last season, appearing in 49 games with a .900 save percentage.
Allen, also 35, re-signed with New Jersey on July 1 to a five-year, $9 million contract after initially being expected to test free agency. He had been linked to teams with goaltending needs, including the Flyers, before returning to the Devils.
With Markstrom and Allen set as the top two goaltenders, Daws remains the organization’s third option in net. Drafted 84th overall in 2020, he has primarily played for the AHL’s Utica Comets but has appeared in 52 NHL games, recording 22 wins and a .898 save percentage.
Daws has stepped in at the NHL level during multiple seasons, 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25, including six games last season.
Both of the Devils’ current NHL goaltenders are 35 and have dealt with injuries in the past, factors that may influence whether the team decides to retain Daws or explore trade options before his contract expires.
While it may be appealing to the Devils to trade Daws this season before his contract expires, it would not be smart given the team's history.
Daws has been ready whenever the Devils need him. He has shown up, done what needs to get done, and helped the team when called upon.
The Flyers, along with other teams are looking for goaltenders.
The Devils shouldn’t consider trading Daws to another team; what they should consider is making him a more permanent member of the roster moving forward.
Jeremy Brodeur and Keith Kinkaid both took the ice in Florida for the three-on-three tournament, which is held annually during the NHL offseason as an opportunity for current, former, and aspiring players to compete in a fast-paced, friendly format.
The event is now heading into its final four round, featuring No. 4 Minnesota, No. 3 Tennessee, No. 2 NJ/NY, and No. 1 Buffalo.
Leading the Buffalo team in net is former Devil Keith Kinkaid.
Kinkaid joined New Jersey in 2012-13 as an undrafted free agent and went on to play six seasons with the team, appearing in 41 games across the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. In total, he spent 10 seasons in the NHL, playing primarily with American Hockey League affiliates, and is now looking to return to the league. His strong showing in the tournament could draw interest from teams, especially with the current NHL goaltending market thin and several clubs in need.
“Right now, I just want to keep playing,” Kinkaid told NHL.com. “We’ll see what happens. This is a great opportunity to show I still have it. My body is holding up very well… Any opportunity is fine with me.”
Kinkaid isn’t the only player in the tournament with ties to the Devils.
Jeremy Brodeur, son of Devils legend Martin Brodeur, also competed. The Brodeur name is synonymous with New Jersey hockey. Martin leads the NHL in both games played and shutouts and now serves as the Devils’ executive vice president of hockey operations.
Jeremy has spent the past decade playing in the AHL, ECHL, and international leagues. Most recently, he split time last season between the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, and their ECHL affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder. In Utica, he appeared in five games, and with Adirondack, he played 24 games, posting a .905 save percentage.
Brodeur suited up for the Buffalo 3ICE squad, and while his team was eliminated, the 28-year-old left a strong impression.
“I definitely get a couple more eyeballs on me when they see my last name,” Brodeur told NHL.com. “But I’m just trying to do my thing—work on my game and improve every day.”
Both goaltenders are looking to make a push for a Devils roster spot, though openings are unlikely with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen currently locked in.
The Devils’ presence at the tournament didn’t stop there. The NY/NJ 3ICE team was coached by Ken Daneyko, former Devils broadcaster and three-time Stanley Cup champion.
From the bench to the crease, the organization was well represented at the 3ICE Tournament, with former, current, and hopeful Devils all sharing the ice.
The Guardian’s fans network looks ahead to the new season: fresh talent, weak links, and who will be sacked first
Optimism abounds in London N5. I had some doubts about Arteta’s ability to keep motivating this group, but this summer’s heavy spend should fix that, reinvigorating the squad. Only time will tell whether the new faces can gel and develop chemistry, but it’s a relief to have the clamour for a centre-forward answered at last. Hopefully come May we’ll be lauding Victor’s veni, vidi, vici Premier League triumph.
Who knows how many playoff teams in baseball history endured multiple six-game losing streaks in a season, but the Mets are now hellbent on joining that particular club.
The latest letdown can be attributed to poor defense and bullpen hiccups, and a handful of players were deserving of blame for the untimely miscues.
"We continue to make mistakes. We’re not playing good baseball, especially when you are playing against teams like this," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said afterward. "You give them extra outs, extra bases, they are going to make you pay and that happened today. Not good enough."
Francisco Lindor was responsible for the first blunder in the second inning, as he misplayed a high chopper up the middle with two outs and the bases loaded that allowed a pair of runs to score. He ultimately finished 0-for-5 in the leadoff spot with three strikeouts.
While the Mets held a one-run lead entering the bottom of the seventh, it didn't take long for the Brewers to take full advantage of some back-breaking gaffes.
With two outs and a runner on third in a 4-4 tie, Ronny Mauricio botched a two-out grounder at third that allowed the Brewers' go-ahead run to cross home. Then, after reliever Ryan Helsley believed he induced an inning-ending flyout of William Contreras, the umpire ruled a pitch clock violation that kept the at-bat alive.
On the very next pitch, Contreras crushed a fastball into the left field bullpen for a two-run homer. The bizarre sequence ultimately placed the Brewers ahead by three, and the Mets just weren't equipped to orchestrate a late-inning rally.
"It is what it is when it comes to the field. I should've made my play," Lindor said. "I take all the pride in defense... I have to do better. I have to pick up my teammates and be there for my teammates, and finish the plays. Bottom-line, I have to be better. They're a really good team. They do things right."
Of course, the Mets remain in control of their postseason destiny. In spite of the vexing losing skid, they still hold a 2.5-game lead for the third NL wild-card spot. They're aiming much higher, though, and the rival Phillies now own a 4.5-game lead for first place in the NL East.
The Mets have lost seven straight games before -- that downward spiral came in mid-June, when the sense of urgency to turn things around wasn't nearly as dire. But a sweep at the hands of the Brewers would place them back at that unlucky seven mark and further raise panic meters.
"They know we're better... right now, we're not getting the job done," Mendoza said. "We’re not playing well... We have a lot of talent and we will turn it around. I know I sound like a broken record, but there’s too much talent there. Going to continue to push those guys and support them. Keep pushing them."
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell delivers in the first inning of a 9-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
It took until August, but the sparkling starting rotation the Dodgers envisioned in spring training is coming into focus an outing at a time, by five — even six — different pitchers.
Vowing not to revisit the predicament they endured last postseason, when only two true starters and a stacked bullpen somehow patched together enough innings to win a World Series, the Dodgers added two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell to a rotation that already boasted four potential aces and several other candidates coming off injuries or ascending from the minor leagues.
Snell complained of shoulder inflammation April 2 after his second start and took his sweet time recovering — four months, to be precise. But if his performance against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium is a fair indication, the wait was worthwhile.
Snell struck out 10 in five scoreless innings of a 9-1 Dodgers victory, living up to the "Snellzilla" nickname he stole from his older brother as a brash 11-year-old and still uses as his Instagram handle.
In two starts since coming off the injured list, the left-hander in the first year of a five-year, $182 million contract has 18 strikeouts in 10 innings. And he believes the best is yet to come.
"There are some things I want to do in my next start that I’m excited about," Snell said. "I still [have] a lot of work to do. I can be better. I'm trying to find a rhythm, trying to figure it out. It was only my second start."
He got support from the Dodgers' offense, which was fueled by the long ball early. Max Muncy belted a two-run, opposite-field home run in the fourth inning and Shohei Ohtani absolutely crushed his 40th long ball of the season 417 feet to dead center in the fifth. It marked the fourth time in the last five seasons that Ohtani has hit at least 40 homers.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits his 40th home run of the season Saturday against the Blue Jays. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
A six-run rally an inning later put the game away. Two hit batters and two walks set the table, and Dalton Rushing and Mookie Betts each delivered two-run singles with none out. Andy Pages drove in the last two with a two-out double, his second hit of the inning.
The win was the second in a row against Toronto (68-50), which remains in first place in the American League East. The series concludes Sunday with another formidable starter — Tyler Glasnow — taking the mound for the Dodgers (68-49).
Glasnow took a similar if less pronounced path than Snell this season, going on the injured list before the end of April and not returning until July 9. He has given up only one run in four of his five starts since returning and most recently went seven strong innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.
It's clear that Snell and Glasnow are healthy, their arms as fresh and live as would be expected coming out of spring training. The same is true of Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw, two future Hall of Famers whose recoveries from injuries also were methodical and unhurried. Both are pitching well.
And so is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the only starter whose health hasn't cost him time off. He's made 22 starts, going 10-7 with a 2.51 earned-run average and leads National League starters with eight scoreless outings.
"This is how we hoped it would play out as far as every night, you see the probable [starting pitchers] and have a chance to prevent runs," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts aid. "And you look at the lineup and see you have an opportunity to score runs. Then you go play the game."
The Dodgers employ a sixth starter to give Ohtani and Yamamoto five to seven days off between starts. The job belonged to Dustin May until he was traded to the Red Sox at the deadline, creating an opportunity for Emmet Sheehan, who was impressive over 60 innings as a rookie in 2023, but had Tommy John surgery in May 2024.
Max Muncy, right, celebrates with Freddie Freeman after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Sheehan has pitched well, posting a 3.00 ERA over 30 innings, giving the Dodgers a luxury they haven't enjoyed in recent memory: trotting out a starting pitcher every night that can prevent runs through the middle innings.
"I’m pretty pleased," Roberts said. "You look at the starters and the next guy is going to try to outdo the next guy and that’s how you build momentum."
That leaves the bullpen to finish the job, and injuries and inconsistency continue to riddle the relief corps. Roberts said help is on the way, with several key relievers on the mend. If they return as effective as the starters, pitching could be a Dodgers strength entering the postseason.
“Honestly, right now, watching everybody, it’s a lot better than I thought we were going to be,” Snell said. “This staff’s stacked.”
