Reports from the World Championship
May 2001

Versus Gretzky Again

The Toronto Sun, 4/6/01

HANOVER, Germany -- About 20 adoring German fans, a handful of journalists and Alexei Yashin of the Ottawa Senators were on hand yesterday morning as Wayne Gretzky weaved some of his old magic in a game of shinny with other Team Canada officials.

"He still looks pretty good," Yashin said as he watched the Great One lead an end-to-end rush with ex-Toronto Maple Leaf Lanny McDonald skating beside him.

Gretzky complained good-naturedly about being shadowed by former defensive specialist Guy Carbonneau. Gretzky, the NHL's career scoring leader, made a couple of great moves but had trouble shaking Carbonneau.

Thanks to Leni Sommer for this item!

Faceoff Lessons

by Damian Cristodero for The St. Petersburg Times, 4/6/01

HANOVER, Germany -- When Canada finishes its off-day practices at the World Championships, Vinny Lecavalier still has about 20 minutes of work to do.

The Lightning captain stays on the ice with assistant coach Guy Carbonneau, who is helping Lecavalier learn the fine art of the faceoff.

"He was one of the best faceoff guys in the NHL," Lecavalier said from Hanover, Germany, where Canada is playing its qualifying-round games. "He's showing me the little tricks I need to improve."

Lecavalier had a rough season in the faceoff circle, winning just 44.9 percent. Fifty percent is considered good.
Through Canada's first four games, all victories, Lecavalier won 53 percent of his faceoffs (19-of-36).

"It's just the little things like how to put your stick and which angle to put it and how to get under (an opponent's) stick," Lecavalier said. "Little things like that I didn't do and didn't know."

Lecavalier had two goals and an assist and was plus-3 in Canada's 4-0 start.

"I feel great. I'm skating a lot and playing very well," said Lecavalier.

And, thanks to Carbonneau, learning.

Thanks to Jennifer Chastain for this item!