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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1988-08-23, Page 221 -4 Pagea. The *Ingham Advance! ria „ By Randy Woods Terry Crisp„ eoach of the. National Hockey League's Calgary Flames was in Listowel recently to take part in the 30th anniversaryot the Vines family's involvement in the turkey industry. Also present was Al Coates, a former Listowel resident who now holds the position of assistant to the president of the Flames. Last year was Crisp's first year as a coach in the NHL and, excluding the playoffs, one which proved remarkably successful. The Flames finished the season with the best record of any team in the leUrie and looked to be strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. That the team went on to be de- feated in the playoffs by its arch- rival, the Edmonton Oilers in four games straight is the sole blemish (albeit a painful one) on an other- wise spdtless debut. Even now the memory stings, "It's not fun to remember; some of our fans still haven't forgiven us," Crisp says. Inspite of last year's disappoint- ment in the finals, Crisp is looking forward to a successful 1988-89 season, "We're like everybody else, we feel we're strong," he says. "I hope I learned a bit last year. "As far as the cup goes, I think we've got a legitimate shot at it." Coach Crisp's appearance at the VineS Turkey products summer bar- e eu rough his friendshiP with Al Coates. Coe* is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coates of RR 1, Listowel and is the brother of Mrs. Eldon Vines of Wallace Township. Through is friendship with Al Coates, Crisp met the Vines and "started dropping in to see them any time I came through Listowel." ,* • I 4i,p: • -t • When he learned of Me annual celebration !geld by the Vines, he readily agreed to be part of it, Al Coates played Jr. C hockey:10 Listowel as a youth and after ma- joring in business administration at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, went on to play hockey in Europe. Through a contact he made while playing on the Canadian junior lacrosse team, he joined the Detroit Red Wings organization as a trainer and has been a part of professional hockey ever since. Residing in Calgary, he travels with the Flames on road trips and is responsible for "making sure every- thing goes right." He also plays a direct role in the development of players in the organization's farm team, located in Salt Lake City. GRETZKY TRADE Not surprisingly, both Terry Crisp and Al Coates had comments on the biggest trade in hockey history. Though they disagreed on some of the details, both felt that over all the trade would be beneficial to orofes- sional hockey. "It can't help but help hockey in the States," says Coates. Crisp agreed, saying "It's good for hockey all round." They also agreed on the purpose behind Edmcinton making the trade. "I kind of feel that Edmonton sold their'greatest asset in an attempt to ensure their future. They've put their team into shape for the next 10 years," says Coates, referring especially to the first round draft . picks which Edmonton received. Crisp seemed to agree, "Anytime you can strenghthen yourself t hrough youth, you're going to be a better team for a longer time. That's what Edmonton has done." 1 E • 17 Full Colour Professional Quality Portraits ON DELIVERY $2.00 SITTING FEE PER PERSON PACKAGE OFFER 3 - 5x7* 2 - 31/2x5* 12 - WALLET SIZE* 'APPROX. MEASUREMENTS $6.95 Poses Our Selection. Additional — portraits at reasonable prices with complete package. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money cheerfully refunded. FAMILIES WELCOME ONE OFFER PER FAMILY Friday, Aug. 26 - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, Call for an Saturday, Aug. 27 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. appointment 357-1116 Stedmans 206 Josephine Street, Wingham It might be expected Coach Crisp y r would he ecstatic that the FlameS rival team had traded away the most dominant player in hocke today, but his attitude was,trathe subdued, ' "It's strenghthened our dlitiSION' he explains. "It's made L.A. stronger and,., even. with Gretzky gone, Edmonton has sue a strong support team it really hasn't becoine less • The Ye* httiiS are in t same djvison-06 both theL.K =tithe Edmonton MOS: But was it tgooddeall • Crisp thought so. -"When parthlidt not with your.heartt but Avitir/Our business head it is (a good deal)," he said. The trade does seem to benefit both hockey.- team ' owners' 'finan- cially. ,Ednuniton owner, Peter Pocklington received an undisclosed amount of money (estimated by various,sources at up to $20 million) for the trade, while season ticket sales for the Kings have already topped the 2000 mark. Coates also felt the trade was a fair one, but had some reservations. "I don't think -anyone can put a value on the intangibles of a Wayne Gretzky, "Playing with Gretzky makes everybody better. Your goalie be- comes a better goalie when he prac- tices against Gretzky. Your defense learns to defend against him and your offence learns to react to his going• different places than other players." In support of the deal, Coates pointed out that Bruce McNall bought the L.A. Kings for $20 million then payed another $10 million for Gretzky (his estimate). At $30 million, he still payed, len thati the price recently paid for the Hartford Whalers and nabbed hockey's biggest x Officedrawill,the deal. In respoflse to the whiok. has taken Place s trade, was announced, Coates said, "If what I've read is triter I'm Sure Peter Pocklington wishes he could have done this over. I'm sure he would much rather have been open with the fans and said, 'We're Plan, nine the future.' That would have gone over better." Crisp says "f don't think the whole St9rY-haA,e0ineout yet; ft kink we'll 1100*.ta Wait g year or so to find'Obt the wholetrath." He- believes "there has to be a mutual agreement somewhere. If Gretzky didn't want to go, there was nomayheAlias going." , Beth men had nothing but praise for Gretzky himself. Coates says "He's been the greatest ambassador of -the game in the last 10 years, maybe more. He's personified everything the league would want to project." Coach Crisp called him the latest in a history of great players and compared him to Hull and Rocket Richard in terms of his effect on the game. UPCOMING SEASON Terry Crisp, who played with various teams in the NHL for 18 years, has high hopes for his team in the upcoming season. His immediate plans include strenghthenm&the _team's_ goal and *Orldng to develop some of the young players. According to Crisp, bright pro- spects for the team include Theoren Fleury, a young centerman famous for his part in the brawl which the Canadian Jr. team engaged in while playing the Soviet Union several years ago. Players he feels have the greatest potential -for, improv seasoir exam left, Winger Garry rto) YOUngS9al*D4 Welt ,big:004 last year's defeat* Smelt andhiste wereourown Worst etiimy:.` ourselves the first two OM you can't do that When yoU Ing the. pthnoton one they're quite capable of without your help." ' More 'specificallv; he'. clidn't play our style of. played Edmonton's, We from ours -and Edmiontoil vantage of it." He said the Flames" power play, which had been strong all year, was a disappointment in the playoffsaad •indicated their goal tending did not . - reflect the calibre it had during the regular season. GREAT SPIRIT Area residents will be interested to know Al Coates was married five weeks ago to Jane Kennelly. They reside 'in Calgary, a city which Coates says has "great spirit". "For a city of only a little over 600,000, it's got a lot going for it." Both men appeared , pleased for the chance to attend the Vines anni- versary party. "L--jumped-at the chance," said Crisp. Coates agreed. "I come home every chance I get. It's this kind of event that I like about this area. That people can just come out and have down-to-earth fun, that's special." Iftuidreds attended the anniver- s* event whtch featured country music, and a diSplay of antique cars and machinery. Calgary Flames coach Terry Crisp (left) and Al Coaws.