For die-hard NHL fans, the loss of the 2004-05 season was a tough pill to swallow. As the lockout dragged on, questions emerged about the league's future and viability. Despite the ongoing turmoil, General Managers across the NHL continued working to ensure their team would be ready to play once the stalemate drew to a close.
Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford faced the daunting task of assembling a competitive team to play not only in a new market but in a temporary home. A former NHL netminder, Rutherford understood the importance of having solid goaltending if his team hoped to impress their new fans.
When the New Jersey Devils turned to a 21-year-old rookie goaltender in March 1988, they likely had no idea what to expect. As it turned out, Sean Burke—the player in question—won 10 of his 13 appearances and helped the Devils make their Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.
Rick Dudley is best known to most hockey fans in North Carolina for his time spent as a Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations with the Carolina Hurricanes. What many aren't aware of is Dudley's extensive time serving many roles in minor-league hockey in the state.
In hockey's hallowed history, few duos have been as absolutely electric as Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. For parts of six seasons, the twosome formed a dynamic offensive flair while playing for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. When Selanne was traded to the San Jose Sharks in March of 2001, it seemed that the ride was over. There was, however, another chapter yet to be written in their collective careers.