From the FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH department...
All of the following clips are reprinted, without
permission, from THE HOCKEY NEWS [22 April 1994].
 
From LETTERS...
NO EXCUSE
  I have no sympathy for the Maine Black Bears, who
did not qualify for the National Collegiate Athletic
Association tournament this season [THN, March 18].
  The fault for Maine's off-ice troubles this season lies
with the school's compliance director Woody Carville
and ineligible player Patrice Tardif.
  What else does a compliance director have to do
but make sure that athletes are eligible under NCAA
rule?
  The fact the Tardif case happened in the first place
re-affirms the thought held by many that college
officials and athletes alike view the time spent at
college as only a preparation period for the NHL
draft.
............Geoffrey Powers, Shaker Heights, Ohio
 
From BLUELINES by Stan Fischler...
The New York Rangers' interest in twin prospects Peter
and Chris Ferraro has plummeted to the point where the
two are considering either joining an International Hockey
League independent team or even returning to the
University of Maine next season.
 
From OILERS [NOTEBOOK] by Dan Barnes...
General Manager Glen Sather was still trying to sign
Michigan Wolverine right winger David Oliver in time to
send him to the Cape Breton Oilers for the American
Hockey League playoffs.  But Sather said Oliver's agent
is asking for a one-way deal, U.S. money and a $400,000
signing bonus.  Agent Kurt Overhardt wouldn't get into
specifics, but denied he asked for a $400,000 bonus.
"We believe that there is a place in the marketplace for
David with Derek Plante, Bryan Smolinski, players who
stepped in from college.  We believe David can do
that."
 
......end quoted material......
 
COMMENTS...
  [A] If any out there with a head that has uses other than
simply a resting place for a hat would like to set Geoffrey
and THN straight, write to Letters, The Hockey News,
85 Scarsdale Rd, Suite 100, Don Mills, Ontario M3B 2R2 in
Canada or Letters, The Hockey News, P.O.Box 904,
Buffalo NY 14240-9947 in the U.S.
  [B] Haven't we already confirmed that Stan Fischler
doesn't know jack about the Black Bears?
  [C] I don't envy anyone negotiating with Glen Sather,
let alone someone representing a player who has never
played a professional game.  Tough call for me on this
one...Oliver is one of my favorite players and the Edmonton
Oilers are my favorite professional franchise...in any sport.
I hope they can agree on something, Ollie the Oiler has
already brought a wide smile to my face.
 
 
  John H
  U Mich