The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2005-08-03, Page 11News Local NHLers happy lockout resolved but worry about player's agreement By Jason Middleton Expositor Staff Now that the NHL lockout has been put on ice, two local NHLers are looking forward to the season starting — with one being coached maybe by the "Great One" and the other rehabilitating his neck to get back into action. Dublin native Rem Murray and Boyd Devereaux, formerly of Seaforth, both said that while they might have lost some benefits, it was about time for the lockout to end. "I think it got to a point where the players had sat out long enough and they were willing to give up more than they were originally willing to," Murray said, adding the players sacrificed a lot to get back to the game. Under the new agreement between the NHL and its players union, there is a 24 per cent salary rollback on all existing players contracts, a payroll range of $21.5 million to $39 million US and an entry level rookie salary cap of $850,000 for '05 and '06 draftees. "It certainly doesn't look too great for us initially," Devereaux said. "We certainly got some good things out of it." Devereaux explained that the players got a good deal regarding the changes to free agency. Waiting for a better deal and wasting a second season would be foolish, Devereaux said. "I'm just happy to be back preparing for a second season," he said. Devereaux was among 550 players who went to Toronto last month to vote (on the new support the deal) reached by the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players Association) and the league. "It was a little more subdued than anybody thought it would be," Devereaux said. "I think a lot of guys were expecting fireworks and a lot of debate," Devereaux said, adding most of the players were in the mindset that we worked hard to get the deal it was time to move forward. Murray, who is sidelined again this season with a neck ailment called cervical dystonia, said he's not sure when he'll be back in the league. In January 2004, Murray was diagnosed with the disorder which happens when neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing abnormal movements and posture of the head and neck Since he was diagnosed, Murray said that he has seen specialists from across North America and has seen some changes. "My neck has improved quite a bit, but it hasn't got to the point where I can play hockey again yet," Murray said. Although he might be able to play NHL hockey again, Murray has looked into other avenues in case he is forced to retire. Murray has taken some real estate courses and took a course sponsored by the NHL educating players about opportunities available for hockey. With no contract, Murray is a free agent this season and admits that if he does get well enough to play again this season, it will be hard to find a team willing to pick him up because of the number of free agents. During the lockout, - Devereaux said that he got to spend time with his new- born baby, Tessa, and his wife, Leah. "I think I'll back on it (the Prrirm7 Buck & Doe for Jeanette Denys & Scott Meyer AUGUST 13, 2005 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Seaforth & District Community Centre $5.00 Lunch Provided 1(Age of Majority For rickets contact A nda 519 233 3161 &&ea time where l could just spend pretty much all the time 1 could want with my daughter and my wife," he said. "It was a nice time." While he had thought about going to play in Europe, Devereaux said that because his wife was pregnant he didn't want to go overseas. During the break, Devereaux kept up his skating skills by going to a local arena where some pros were practicing. This year, Devereaux was picked up for an optional second year after his first year of his contract with the Phoenix Coyotes was avoid because of the lockout. "I'm excited about it," Devereaux said, adding that there is a little excitement building in Phoenix as Wayne Gretzky, a co-owner of the Coyotes, decides if he is going to coach the team. "That would be a real great experience for Phoenix, the and the league," will get to play with former teammate Brett Hull, Shane Doan, Mike Ricci and Mike Comrie. Devereaux explained that his team has "a lot of good players. It looks really good there." Along with the new agreement came rule changes for players in the league. These changes include reducing the size of goalies' equipment, allowing two-line passes and getting tougher on obstruction. "I think the game was getting a little stagnant and stale," Murray said. "Anything they can do to improve the product is a move in the right direction." Murray explained that the size of the goalies equipment was getting "out of hand." Devereaux agreed and said that the equipment was too big and slowed down some excitement at the net. "That's just one easy way, I think, to make the goalies make spectacular saves instead ofjust getting in front of the puck," Devereaux said. He added that some of the' other rale changes will help "open up the game" and fans will see more exciting breakaway style passes. "I think that'll be an exciting aspect of the game for the fans and the players," Devereaux said. toted `I think it got to a point where the players had sat out long enough and they were willing to give up more than they were originally willing to,'— NHLer Rem Murray players after always look lockout) as a TONIGHT THE DUKES OF HAZZARD plus ... CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Open 6:30 PM Show 9:45 PM sturNlactivolndlsoLawn Moron Amory Rs MO. Nowa 238-8344 for myself, whole team he said. On the Coyotes, Devereaux 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • Stratford • • Cinemas • ® 551 Huron St. 273-6780 Dukes Of Hazzard Nightly at 7 & 9:15 se awrw.. UMW* at 2 pm The Wedding Crashers 1a Nightly at 6:45 & 9:15 SW4WNa. Magn.. at 2 pm Charlie and the O Chocolate Factory p(t Nightly at 8:45 & 9:15 8.YSWVTW.. Matinee at 2 pm War Of The Worlds Nightly at 8:45 & 9:15 s.VSuWnwa. Math.. at 2 pm The Fantastic Four Nightly at 7 & 9:15 Sat/Sun/Tula Matimo at 2 pm 55.00 Tuesdays weir•: ' trallordcmemas.con, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 WEDDINGS Performed - your location or our indoor or outdoor chapel (non -denominational). For brochure call: REV. CHRIS MORGAN AU. FAITHS PASTORAL CENTRE BENMILLER, 524-5724 CHRISTENINGS cil1 nemak • OShap..,r Make Your Own Beer, Wine, Coolers and Fruit Wine (C53rero here or at hemel) 84 on St, GODERICH • THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Aug. 3. 2005 - 11 NAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY Kayleigh '' M."Donald August 6, 2005 Love Dad, Mom, Derek, Cate & Brody ,k• XOXOXO a'1 Don & Irene Kelly of St. Columban are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, st,r zellry to 9e'rald 90444c, son of Helen Foran, Lucan. The wedding will take place on Saturday August 6, 2005 at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Dub Peggo t 's Bell and reakfast Tea ootn 1431 :lkiitt & .AMwth, Sigirdt 519-527-1072 I 1'4x rdys.(Yr Wednesday ct Thursday's boast Pecf Special tt�ith °bcssert Sin '9.95 kgs /1.95 4'14.95 11:30 - 3:30 p.m. Sc i iors "toast $camf sp 'ial until Dessert Pius Tea/Cc fcc '9.95 guluatoi/tJ (Xe tdetdo»t) Congratulations Lisa .on receiving your Masters in Social Work degree on June 3, 2005 at convocation at Wilfrid Laurier University. We are very proud of all your accomplishments and hard work. Love Dave, $tau, outowt,Ituvued. Fri, Sat, Sun & Tee August 05 07 & 09 Showtime • • • x. 9:00 [ONC; DiSJANCF? CAN 1-800-265-3438 FOR TOt[ FREF MOVIE INFO You can get all of Seaforth and Area's latest news. sports & more in two different formats! Love Linda, Sherri & Allan, Kevin, Lori, Levi & Amber Trinity Anglican Church Bayfield Proudly presents the Twentieth Annual BAYFIELD ANTIQUES SHOW Bayfield Arena - Bayfield, Ontario Friday, August 5th, 2005 - Gala Opening 7-9 pm Saturday, August 6th, 2005 -10 am until 6 pnt Sunday, August 7th, 2005 -11 am until 5 pm ADMISSION - FRIDAY PLUS SATURDAY or SUNDAY - $7.00 - SATURDAY or SUNDAY - $4.00 Thirty Five Prestigious Dealers Tea Room Open Saturday and Sunday For information Call (519) 565-25% (519)482-7455 During your stay in Bayfield be sure to visit our Historic Main Street which is designated under the Ontara Heritage Act Proceeds for church needs and Ouirrach You can still subscribe the usual way and have it entailed to you each week or you can get a new electronic subscription and get the whole paper in Adobe pdf format right to your computer! 52 issues for only 535.85 Order your subscription by phone or download a free sample at www.seaforthhuronexposltor.com P .. OPEN MONDAY -FRIDAY P.m.6pm • 11 Main St.. Seeforlh 827.0240