THE NHL : Probert May Return in March

How is it that Bob Probert could be suspended from the NHL for life on March 4, 1989, after being convicted of importing cocaine, only to be told that he could play in the league again as early as March 4, 1990?

Maybe that year seems like a lifetime?

The NHL would like to clear that up. Probert never was suspended for life. He was suspended. Period. Lots of people assumed that meant forever, but NHL Commission John Ziegler did not say “for life” or “forever” when he issued the suspension.

The league sent out copies of the order signed by Ziegler dated March 4, 1989, which read: “ . . . Effective immediately and until further notice to the contrary, Mr. Robert Probert is expelled from the National Hockey League and may not be employed by any member club of the league or involved in any further activities on behalf of the league or any member clubs.”

In clearing up this little misunderstanding, the league points out that Probert’s one-year suspension is double the penalty ever imposed by the NHL for involvement with drugs. And no other professional sport imposes a year ban for a first offense.

True. But then, no other professional sport has taken such an absolute stand against drug use as hockey has taken.

A hearing was held in Detroit on Nov. 1 to decide whether Probert should be allowed to play with the Red Wings upon his release from prison. Copies of Ziegler’s written decision in the matter were sent to every player in the league.

Excerpts from that decision follow:

“I was impressed that Mr. Probert appeared genuinely contrite and sorry for the embarrassment he has caused to himself, his team and fellow players, his family and the NHL . . .

“As the experts opined, Mr. Probert’s use of cocaine was the result of his alcoholism. These same experts opine that punishment will not prevent or even assist a person afflicted with the disease of alcoholism. We do not disagree, in fact, the League’s policy on alcohol abuse is not to punish but to encourage private and professional help.

“Even so, with illegal drugs we accept no excuse. If you are involved with illegal drugs, you will be suspended. This has been the league’s policy for over 11 years. It has been endorsed by ownership and the players’ association. This policy must be applied . . .

“In reaching this decision, I am not unmindful that Mr. Probert has paid a very severe price to this date. He will have lost in excess of $200,000 in salary and will have had to expend upwards of $90,000 in legal fees. It is indeed a heavy price to indulge in illegal drugs and it should once again serve as a clear warning to all of our employees. If you are involved with illegal drugs, you will be suspended . . .

“It is hoped the hard lesson to be endured by Mr. Probert will underline to each and every NHL player-- You must stay away from illegal drugs. “

Eddie Johnston, general manager of the Hartford Whalers, thinks speed will be the key to success in the NHL in the near future. Johnston said: “Speed will be the hockey of the ‘90s. It all comes down to who can get from Point A to Point B the fastest. It comes into play in forechecking, in backchecking, in every zone of the ice. And the guys on your team, the guys on the ice, are always looking for the speed guy to make the plays. Now when you scout, you’ll be looking for the kids with speed, good hands and character. The hockey of the ‘90s will be speed and skill.”

Hockey Notes

For the All-Star game in Pittsburgh Jan. 21, fan voting has King center Wayne Gretzky leading in the Campbell Conference. Luc Robitaille of the Kings is the leader among left wings. Calgary goalie Mike Vernon, Edmonton right wing Jari Kurri and Calgary defenseman Al MacInnis are the other leaders. In the Wales Conference, Michel Goulet of Quebec is the new leader among left wings. Pittsburgh’s Mario Lemieux is still the leader among centers and leads all voters with 96,744 votes. Pittsburgh’s Paul Coffey leads defensemen; Boston’s Cam Neely leads right wings, and Montreal’s Patrick Roy leads among goalies.

While the Kings are coming back to life, the Flames are flickering. Calgary is winless in its last six games (0-4-2). That’s the Flames’ worst streak since they lost 11 straight in 1985-86. . . . Top candidates for comeback players this season are John Ogrodnick of the New York Rangers and Mike Liut of Hartford. Ogrodnick had 13 goals all of last season. He matched that in his first 21 games this season. Liut, who had a record of 13-19-1 and a goals-against average of 4.25 last season, continues to lead the NHL this season with a goals-against average of 2.28. . . . Minnesota’s home record is 10-1-0. . . . Buffalo is the only team still unbeaten at home, at 8-0-1

Former King goalie Rollie Melanson, now playing for Utica, N.Y., recorded a 4-0 shutout Sunday in an American Hockey League game that had him facing his former teammates at New Haven, Conn. Brett Hull of St. Louis credits his teammates with his fast start this season. Hull said: “The guys I play with make me good. I’m not a Wayne Gretzky who makes everyone else look good.”