The annual hockey banquet was held a week ago. I'm sure Justin Doherty will give more details, but I can report that Dallas Drake was named most valuable player--no surprise. Corwin Saurdiff, the freshman goalie, also won as rookie of the year, I believe--REALLY no surprise. Saturday evening we had dinner with a couple who is very close to the players, especially the seniors, and it was said that Jim Hiller was in constant telephone contact with his agent who was relaying updates on negotiations with the NHL team which has the rights to his services. There was speculation that something might even have been finalized that night, although the Sunday Mining Journal had nothing on it that I noticed. Also, the word was that Scott Beattie will probably go to Europe to play. That probably makes sense. Scott's made it clear he would love to have a shot at the North American pros, but everyone seems to believe he's too small. *He's* pointed out he weighs the same as Wayne Gretzky, but I guess Gretzky is a couple of inches taller (is height that important in hockey?). Anyway, the European game is probably very well suited to Scott's skills. Maybe he'll be on Team USA in '94. Dallas Drake's rights belong to the Red Wings and everyone around here thinks he'll do well in their organization. (He hasn't been contracted or assigned yet, as far as I know.) I don't have any recent word on Mark Beaufait's pro prospects, but he also was drafted a couple of years ago and is expected to sign with someone before the next season. *********************************** * Steve Christopher, NMU * * "Go 'Cats!''Goin' for it again in * * '93--With a little less "O" * * and a lot more "D"! * * [log in to unmask] * ***********************************