Hockey Hearsay compiles stories from around the hockey world and runs weekdays, 12 months a year.
SENATORS’ SPEZZA SAYS BACK IS HEALTHY
The Ottawa Sun describes how Senators centre Jason Spezza has had no issues with the back problem that kept him out until the playoffs last spring. He was on the ice all last month preparing for this season.
“I have put in more time than maybe normal, especially on the ice. I started skating earlier. I wanted to make sure that I’m getting my body used to full skating again,” said Spezza.
“Missing that much time, especially that much time off the ice, I wanted to make sure I got on the ice by skating three times a week minimum now and most weeks four times. I would never really be doing that at this point.
THE TRADE: On the 25th anniversary of Wayne Gretzky’s trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the L.A. Kings, our special section takes a comprehensive look at the trade that changed a league and shook the world. Watch and read new features every day this week.
“I feel good so I want to get on the ice. I have some things I’m working on. My training is going well. I don’t want to say I’m in the best shape of my life, but I’ve certainly had a great summer to commit myself and make sure my back has had tough training to see how it responds.”
The Ottawa Citizen has some additional notes from Spezza on his back, as well numerous other topics.
“I’m doing full hill workouts, stuff I wasn’t able to do the last couple of years because of my back. I’m definitely able to focus a bit more on that stuff.
“With a back you’re never completely out of the woods, but I haven’t had to take any days off because of it.”
GORGES LOVES HABS’ BRIERE, PARROS SIGNINGS
The Montreal Gazette features a wide-ranging interview with Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges. He loves the offseason free-agent signings of Daniel Brière and George Parros.
“Brière is arguably one of the best playoff performers in recent history,” Gorges said. “His stats don’t lie. He’s been a player who, when push comes to shove and playoff time comes around, shows up and performs. Anyone I’ve talked to has only good things to say about him as a person and a character.
#Habs @jgorges26 lauds Bergevin on Brière, @GeorgeParros. Says GM signs UFAs to fill specific team needs, not just because they're available
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) August 7, 2013
“The same goes for Parros, a guy who plays his role and does it with a lot of honour. He’s not one of those guys who’s fake about what he does. He’s a true professional about his game and his responsibilities.
“He accepts his role and is a total team guy. He sacrifices himself for the betterment of the team. George is not an easy guy to play against. He’s going to help us be a better group.”
CANADIENS REVAMPING MOBILE LOOK
The Montreal Gazette notes Twist Image, a Montreal-based digital marketing agency, will help the Canadiens develop its mobile marketing strategies.
Twist Image president Mitch Joel said that fans can expect a new app among other innovations by the start of the regular season, with more to come later.
“You are going to have the things you already have and expect, but you’re also going to have a more integrated experience with the team,” said Joel.
Joel said that digital-first, mobile-focused marketing has become increasingly important to companies wanting to build or maintain their brands. Mobile devices permit companies to build stronger connections with their customers.
“More and more people are accessing this brand (the Canadiens) in the palm of their hand, whether it’s at the Bell Centre or at home,” he said.
REPORT: 76ERS OWNERSHIP INTERESTED IN BUYING DEVILS
Fire & Ice reports the owners of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers are involved in the bidding for the New Jersey Devils.
The interest by the 76ers ownership group, which is headed by investment banker Josh Harris, was first reported on Twitter by Howard Eskin of Fox 29 TV and WIP radio in Philadelphia and confirmed to The Record by two sources with knowledge of the Devils ownership process.
Harris’ group has owned the 76ers since 2011 and is believed to be interested in getting into the New Jersey/New York sports market. Multiple sources indicated that no deal with either group was imminent and the timetable for the completion of the sale remained open ended.
Regardless of which group ends up purchasing the team, the Devils would remain in New Jersey and continue to play at Prudential Center in Newark.
LAROSE ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS PLAY
Unrestricted free agent Chad LaRose spoke with The Raleigh News & Observer Wednesday.
LaRose’s agent, Mark Guy, said Tuesday that he has had discussions with multiple NHL teams over the summer. “Nothing that has resulted in a contract yet,” Guy wrote in an email, “but that is his and our goal.”
On skipping his scheduled end-of-season exit interview with the Hurricanes: “I needed a cool-off period as opposed to going right in and blowing up. Nobody was happy we didn’t make the playoffs again. I took some time, cooled off, and then I went and saw everyone, talked to Jimmy (Rutherford), paid my respects and thanked them for the opportunity with them.”
LaRose: "I always wanted to stay in Carolina. I love all the fans. The organization is top-notch. But sometimes change is good for people."
— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) August 7, 2013
On whether there were any issues with Kirk Muller or the coaching staff: “I had no issues with anybody. It was my own play. I’m accountable for myself. When the team doesn’t do well, I take it upon myself, to be honest with you. I’m accountable for everything. Not having a good season, not making playoffs — that’s on me.”
LaRose had some really kind words for Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos.
VASILY TIKHONOV DIES FROM FALL
Bay Area News Group indicates former San Sharks assistant coach Vasily Tikhonov died Wednesday outside his home in downtown Moscow. He was 56. Tikhonov, according to police investigators, fell from his fourth floor apartment as he tried to repair a protective screen.
Tikhonov is the son of the legendary Viktor Tikhonov, the former Soviet Union hockey coach. Vasily’s son, Viktor, was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2008 and played one season in the NHL. He now plays for SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.
WHAT THEY’RE TWEETING ABOUT
The girls are ready for a new season! pic.twitter.com/cYCuBrzYjU
— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) August 8, 2013
Thanks for the baby gift for Harper @GarrisonFive. I think!!!! pic.twitter.com/X388RZEHFj
— Brian Campbell (@bcampbell_51) August 7, 2013
Who's your daddy? @Ashleysims_3 pic.twitter.com/o1Cv1Hjd8H
— Colten Teubert (@tubes33) August 7, 2013
@mooredom and I heading out for the afternoon session at #AllCanadians! Lets gooooo pic.twitter.com/qj9UYatahJ
— Logan Couture (@Logancouture) August 7, 2013
Excited to start my travels today and join #aikishockey in stockholm. Going to be a great year pic.twitter.com/d6WvMiTPxS
— Derek Joslin (@Djos27) August 7, 2013
@HLundqvist30 haha. I can't show you my best moves in preseason. :)
— Erik Karlsson (@ErikKarlsson65) August 7, 2013
For those calculating "sticks used" for the @EdmontonOilers challenge, take into account @PetryJ uses 3/day. #layinglumber #heavyclapper
— Ryan Jones (@jonesry28) August 7, 2013
Also, factor in at least 2 a year for @Nail10_1993, they sometimes break when he rides them after his practice shootout goals! #sickcellys
— Ryan Jones (@jonesry28) August 7, 2013