SPORTS

mclennonb@douglas.bec.ca

The Rumour Mill

Steph Smith, OP Hockey Forecaster

It’s that time again, the NHL trade deadline is looming. The hustle and bustle and nail biting that goes on this time of year is second to none. It’s the final push for cup con- tenders to build that team that will lead them to glory. It’s that time where teams weigh their options and make that decision, “Are we to sell? Or are we to buy?” It’s also that time where fans like to try and guess what is going to hap- pen. Where analysts make lists of the top trades that they would like to see and where rumours run rampant.

So, here it is: my list of who is on the move, to where, and to what effect. And also a few trades I would like to see, however unlikely they might be.

Curtis Joseph: Wayne Gretzky says that he has received many inquiries about the goaltender, but has stat- ed that he is not looking to get rid of him. Sources say that Gretzky is merely keeping a lid on it until the time comes to make a move. This would be a big trade, as Cujo is hot right now and could help take any prospective buyers deep into the playoffs.

Olli Jokinen: Jokinen looks like he will be traded. The Florida Panthers will decide within the week whether or not the captain will be made available. Already Ottawa has expressed interest, and it has been rumored that Havlat could be part of the any deal. Calgary has also expressed interest in the Finnish player, however, it is unclear as to whom they would be willing to part with in order to secure the rugged centreman.

The Ottawa Senators: Things were looking bright for the Sens early on. The team went damn-near undefeated early on and goaltender Dominik Hasek looked to be in peak form despite his age. However, if Hasek remains sidelined with a leg injury sustained at the Olympics, the Sens could deal for a goaltender. This seems unlikely to me.

Senator’s GM, John Muckler said last week that, “We know exactly what we want to do. We’re looking for a for- ward and maybe to get a depth defenseman. I have talked to numerous GMs. A lot of teams feel they are still in con- tention. I still feel there will be lots of action. Whether [other NHL teams] will feel they are still in contention by Thursday, only they know.”

Bryan McCabe: McCabe is looking for a raise. After a career season, he is seeking over $5 million per season, and the Leafs don’t have the funds to cover that salary. Having just locked Tomas Kaberle in for $4.25 million a year, they won't be able to afford McCabe. The Leafs are probably

out of the playoffs, so it looks probable that they will dump McCabe at the deadline, perhaps for two younger defensemen.

Montreal Canadiens: With Jose Theodore sidelined with a ridiculous injury, they could be looking for goaltend- ing, Cristobel Huet has been good, but with no experience in post-season play it is difficult for anyone to put much faith in his ability to lead the team. On the other side there are rumors that the Canadiens might be shopping Sheldon Souray, and that one of the interested parties is the Vancouver Canucks.

Brendan Witt: Brendan Witt is still looking to be trad- ed. Speculation is that he might still end up on Nashville, Los Angeles, or Vancouver. However, there is also some interest being shown by Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Boston. Sources are saying that the Capitals are looking to replace Witt with a younger defensemen with a smaller salary.

An article in the LA Times claimed that the LA Kings were concerned enough about goaltender Mathieu Garon’s play that GM Dave Taylor has inquired about Florida goal- tender Roberto Luongo and might also be working on a deal for Washington defenseman Brendan Witt. I feel this is highly doubtful. Luongo will go where he wants, and he’s said that he wants to play in Canada, for a team with a real shot at winning a cup.

Those are the official rumours at this time. I have some ideas too. Vancouver is in need of goaltending. I know that Alex Auld is doing a fantastic job and that Dan Cloutier will more than likely be back in time for the playoffs, but look at the past. Cloutier has not been able to carty the team forward, and Auld lacks the experience to do so. Florida is going to lose Luongo. Earlier in the year there were rumours of Bertuzzi or Jovanovski heading to Florida for Luongo. However, Auld and Bertuzzi for Luongo sounds more and more lovely to me every day.

Where to vote?

Student Reps to College Board and Education Council

Elections March 15 — 16

Campaigns are underway for two seats on the College Board and four spots on Education Council (two from each campus). All Douglas College students who are currently registered in one credit course are eligible to vote.

Voting will take place during the following hours:

Wednesday, March 15 Thursday, March 16

llam — 7pm 9am — 5pm

Students who are taking courses at more than one campus must vote at the campus where they are taking more than 50 percent of their courses. Students who are registered in courses evenly split between campuses will vote at the New Westminster campus. Each student’s polling station is determined by records as shown in the Douglas College Student Information System.

Polling Stations will be in the Concourse at the New Westminster Campus and in the Atrium at David Lam Campus. Students will need to provide a valid student card of other photo ID in order to vote.