SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Hockey
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
COLUMNS
NHL
The Teams
Full Schedule
Monthly Schedule
Standings
Statistics
Rosters
Injury list
Movement
Trades
Hits Gallery
INTERACTIVE
JUNIOR
MORE HOCKEY
ALSO ON SLAM!
Thursday, November 4, 1999
Taking chances on ice
Hurricanes' Roberts blasts awful conditions
RALEIGH -- If the National Hockey League and its players' association are thinking of a joint millennium venture, Gary Roberts suggests they work on better ice conditions.
Roberts has missed the past three Carolina Hurricanes games because of a pulled groin suffered Oct. 20 at the Air Canada Centre.
"People complain that players don't have respect for each other anymore and it has caused injuries," the veteran winger said. "But I think this (ice) situation is just as serious. It's something more players need to be aware of. We're the ones out there."
Roberts half-joked that the players might even consider a pay cut if owners used the surplus to improve the ice.
"They're paying a lot of money to us now, but what good is it if we're hurt and unable to play 82 games? I laugh when I hear people say there are more (abdominal) injuries because players are in too good a shape these days. It's the ice."
Roberts said chippy ice at the Air Canada Centre was the culprit when his leg was caught during a rush. The rink has been getting mixed reviews from Leafs and opponents and it's known that general manager/coach Pat Quinn is not yet satisfied with the surface.
But Roberts wasn't singling out Toronto, saying the issue is a league-wide problem. Roberts had a chance to voice his concerns yesterday to Dan Craig, the NHL's ice technician, who dropped by to check on the new $154-million US Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena.
Roberts said little things such as the use of mechanized ladders to fix the scoreclock could damage the ice. A couple of years ago, the league scrapped warmups before the second and third periods to save wear and tear on the ice.
Tonight, the Hurricanes are scheduled to meet with NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow.
"If I get my chance to speak, (ice) is what I'll talk about," Roberts said. "You come off the ice in a place such as Edmonton (regarded as having the NHL's best ice) and it's an absolute pleasure; no four bags of ice on your groin or hip flexors."
Carolina netminder Arturs Irbe added his own concerns.
"They have to find a way to make the ice cooling systems adapt better to the climate," Irbe said. "(Poor ice) doesn't affect a goalie as much, but still makes it harder on your groin to plant yourself, slide side to side and go up and down on your knees."
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |