********************************************************************
7. Three Rookie Head Coaches to Make Their Debuts _
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders will have new faces behind the bench when the season opens.
Former Penguins player EDDIE OLCZYK will make his coaching debut when Pittsburgh hosts the Los Angeles Kings Oct. 10. _A 16-year NHL veteran, Olczyk was named the 21st head coach in franchise history June 11. _He is the fifth head coach of the Penguins to have played for the team, joining Ken Schinkel, Lou Angotti, Gene Ubriaco and Rick Kehoe.
MIKE SULLIVAN was named the 26th head coach in Boston Bruins' history on June 23. _Previously the head coach of the team's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, Sullivan returns to his hometown where he played one NHL season (1997-98).
STEVE STIRLING, who joins the New York Islanders, was the head coach of the team's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, for two seasons, posting a record of 83-51-19-7. _He was named The Hockey News' Minor Pro Coach of the Year for 2001-2002. _He becomes the 11th head coach in franchise history.
********************************************************************
8. How Stanley Cup Champions Have Fared the Following Season _
In the NHL's modern era, only the Montreal Canadiens (1976-79) and the New York Islanders (1980-83) have won more than two consecutive Stanley Cups. _Five teams have recorded back-to-back championships: Montreal (1968 and 1969), Philadelphia (1974 and 1975) Edmonton (1984 and 1985, 1987 and 88), Pittsburgh (1990 and 1991) and the Detroit Red Wings (1996 and 1997).
Since 1990, the defending Stanley Cup champion has returned to the Final four times. _Two defending champions lost in the subsequent Stanley Cup Final. _Three teams reached the Conference Final (CF), two lost in the Conference Semifinal (CSF) and two were eliminated in the Conference Quarterfinal (CQF). The only team that failed to qualify for the playoffs the following year was the 1995-96 New Jersey Devils. _
Following is a look at how Stanley Cup Champions have fared the following season since 1990:
Team
Year Winning Stanley Cup
Record Following Season
Pts
Finished
Playoff Result
New Jersey
2003
_-----------------
Detroit
2002
48-20-10-4
110
1st, Central Div
Lost CQF
Colorado
2001
45-28-8-1
99
1st, Northwest Div.
Lost CF
New Jersey
2000
48-19-12-3
111
1st, Atlantic Div.
Lost SCF
Dallas
1999
43-23-10-6
102
1st, Pacific Div.
Lost SCF
Detroit
1998
43-32-7
93
1st, Central Div.
Lost CSF
Detroit
1997
44-23-15
103
2nd, Central Div.
Won Stanley Cup
Colorado
1996
49-24-9
107
1st, Pacific Div.
Lost CF
New Jersey
1995
37-33-12
86
6th, Atlantic Div.
Did not qualify
NY Rangers
1994
22-23-3
47
4th, Atlantic Div.
Lost CSF
Montreal
1993
41-29-14
96
3rd, Adams Div.
Lost CQF
Pittsburgh
1992
56-21-7
119
1st, Patrick Div.
Lost DF
Pittsburgh
1991
39-32-9
87
3rd, Patrick Div
Won Stanley Cup
Edmonton
1990
37-37-6
80
3rd, Smythe Div.
Lost CF
********************************************************************
9. Messier, Francis and Lemieux Near NHL Milestones; Link to NHL Milestones _
MARK MESSIER will become the second player in League history, joining GORDIE HOWE, to play 25 or more NHL seasons. _Howe appeared in 26 NHL campaigns. _With 1,844 career points, Messier also is closing in on Howe's legendary point total of 1,850 - second only to WAYNE GRETZKY.
Carolina captain RON FRANCIS, fifth on the NHL's career points list with 1,758, needs 13 to tie fourth-place Marcel Dionne (1,771). _Pittsburgh captain MARIO LEMIEUX needs eight points to become just the seventh player in NHL history to reach 1,700.
Detroit's BRETT HULL, fifth all-time with 716 career goals is on the verge of passing fourth-place PHIL ESPOSITO (717) and is within reach of third-place MARCEL DIONNE (731). _Hull is also in a battle with Tampa Bay's DAVE ANDREYCHUK for the all-time power-play goals crown. _Andreychuk is first with 260, Hull is second with 255.
A pair of Devils are also chasing history. _New Jersey's MARTIN BRODEUR last season became the first goaltender in NHL history to post four 40-win seasons and is one of only two netminders (PARTICK ROY is the other) with eight consecutive 30-win campaigns. _Teammate and captain SCOTT STEVENS, with 1,597 career games, is three appearances shy of becoming just the sixth player in League history to reach 1,600. _Shortly thereafter Stevens will surpass the all-time leaders among defensemen, LARRY MURPHY (1,615) and RAY BOURQUE (1,612).
NHL Milestone Awards are presented by the League to individuals who reach the following regular-season statistical marks: 400 goals, 600 assists, 1,000 points, 1000 games, 25 shutouts, 500 goaltender games and 750 games coached.
********************************************************************
10. NHL Celebrates Bygone Eras with Vintage Jersey Collection _
The National Hockey League will celebrate its rich history this season by introducing vintage jerseys that are carefully crafted to match the correct historical style, shape and size of bygone NHL eras. _Six clubs -- Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks -- will wear their unique vintage jerseys beginning Nov. 15, when the Kings host the Blues. _The Montreal Canadiens will wear vintage jerseys in all games against "Original Six" opponents, as well as at the Nov. 22 Heritage Classic outdoor game in Edmonton. _A throwback design also will be featured on the 2004 Eastern and Western Conference All-Star uniforms.
********************************************************************
11. Excerpts from Mario Lemieux Conference Call _
Following are excerpts from the Oct. 2 NHL Media Conference Call with MARIO LEMIEUX of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It was probably good for [DOMINIK HASEK] to take a year off. _I've done that a couple times in my career. _Didn't hurt my career at all. _Sometimes it's good to get away from the game for a year, rejuvenate your body and your mind and you're able to come back and play a few more years."
- On Dominik Hasek
"Our goal is always trying to make the playoffs, and we feel we have a chance to do that. _We know it's not going to be easy. _But that's always going to be our goal here in Pittsburgh."
- On the 2003-04 Pittsburgh Penguins
_"Absolutely. _He's got to baby-sit the kids, too. _That's what he did last night."
- When asked whether 2003 No. 1 overall draft pick MARC-ANDRE FLEURY will have to pay rent, if he continues to live with Lemieux_
********************************************************************
12. Upcoming Key Dates _
MONTH
DATE
EVENT
October
7
All-Star Weekend media credential application available
8
87th NHL REGULAR SEASON BEGINS
24
Deadline for submission of Heritage Classic Credential Applications
November
1
Fifth Annual Hockey Hall of Fame Game (Philadelphia at Toronto, 7 p.m. ET, CBC)
3
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Toronto (Inductees: Grant Fuhr, Pat LaFontaine, Mike Ilitch, Brian Kilrea)
7-9
IIHF Four Nations Tournament, Finland (Under 20)
7-9
IIHF Four Nations Tournament, Switzerland (Under 18)
22
Heritage Classic, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
(Montreal at Edmonton, 7 p.m. ET, CBC)
********************************************************************
13. NHL Player of the Week & Month Awards Will Honor Both an Offensive & Defensive Player _
The NHL Player of the Week and Player of the Month awards will be expanded this season to honor both an offensive and defensive player _The first weekly award winners will be announced on Monday, Oct. 13.
A brief outline of 2003-04 season NHL promotional awards follows:
WEEKLY AWARDS
Player of the Week - Each Monday throughout the regular season the NHL's Public Relations Department will announce an Offensive Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week for the previous seven-day period (Monday through Sunday).
MONTHLY AWARDS
Player of the Month - On the first workday afternoon of each month during the regular season, the NHL Public Relations Department will announce an Offensive Player of the Month and Defensive Player of the Month for the previous month of action. _
Rookie of the Month - There are many young performers who make an immediate impact in the NHL, and the League bestows Rookie of the Month honors on one such player throughout the course of the regular season. _To qualify as a rookie, a player cannot have appeared in more than 25 games in any previous season, or have appeared in six or more games in multiple preceding seasons. _He also must be under the age of 26 on September 15, 2003.
ANNUAL AWARDS
POWERade Outstanding Player Award - This promotional award is presented to the player who best epitomizes power, perseverance, courage and commitment, on and off the ice. _The POWERade/NHL Outstanding Player not only has superior hockey skills, but also the bold style and winning attitude that define the spirit of the game.
MBNA/MasterCard Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award - The NHL and MBNA give this promotional award to the goaltender with the League's highest save percentage. _Save percentage is calculated by dividing the number of saves that a goalie makes by the total number of shots he faces. _Monthly updates are included in the NHL This Week electronic newsletter.
Bud Light Plus-Minus Award - This annual award is presented to the player who, having played in a minimum of 60 games, leads the League in the plus-minus category at the end of the regular season. _A player receives a "Plus-1" when he is on the ice at the time of a goal by his team. _Similarly, he receives a "Minus-1" when he is on the ice at the time of an opponent's goal. _Monthly updates are included in the NHL This Week electronic newsletter.
7th Man Award - The 7th Man Award is given to the most devoted and passionate NHL fan in North America. _The final round of candidates is comprised of one fan per club, with the NHL then choosing an ultimate winner. _This person serves as honorary commissioner for a day in the spring and will drop the puck at Game 1 2004 Stanley Cup Final.
********************************************************************
14. Around the NHL _
Since its inception for the 1917-18 season, 5,610 different players (5,059 skaters, 551 goaltenders) have competed for National Hockey League teams ...Home teams will wear dark jerseys this season. _The last time they did that was in 1969-70 ... NHL Live!, a two-hour talk show, returns to Sirius Satellite Radio and NHL.com this season and will air Monday-Friday through the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHL Live! will offer listeners the opportunity to call, e-mail, or MSN messenger guests the hosts, DON LaGRECA, JIM CERNY, JOE TOLLESON, PETER LAVIOLETTE, and KEN DANEYKO. _SIRIUS also will air up to 40 National Hockey League games each week throughout the NHL season, beginning Oct. 8 and continuing through the Stanley Cup Final. The broadcasts will be available to all SIRIUS subscribers at no additional cost. _SIRIUS is an official corporate marketing partner of the NHL ... The Minnesota Wild will unveil a third jersey on Oct. 16, when they host the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center ... NHL Commissioner GARY BETTMAN and former New Jersey Devils defenseman KEN DANEYKO will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 8 to celebrate the start of the 2003 NHL season ... Philadelphia Flyers star JOHN LeCLAIR and former Flyer and current Comcast SportsNet's post-game analyst KEITH JONES, teamed with JAMIE KENNEDY to prank captain KEITH PRIMEAU for an episode of "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment." _The show, a weekly half-hour comedy show hosted by film star and stand-up comic Jamie Kennedy, airs on the _WB Network Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m., ET ... Philadelphia Flyers' DONALD BRASHEAR, New Jersey Devils' SEAN BROWN, Tampa Bay Lightning's BEN CLYMER and New York Rangers' ALEXEI KOVALEV model the hottest Fall athletic apparel in the November issue of Men's Journal, which hits news stands Oct. 14.
********************************************************************
15. NHL Diversity Holds On-Line Charity Auction; Around the NHL Community _
Bidding began Monday, Oct. _6 for NHL Diversity's "Hockey is for Everyone" On-Line Charity Auction. _Expected to be among the most popular items in the auction this year is a script from a recent taping of the NBC prime-time comedy "WHOOPI" starring legendary entertainer Whoopi Goldberg. _The episode, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," features NHL stars ANSON CARTER and SCOTT STEVES. _Goldberg, Carter, Stevens and New York Rangers' defenseman DARIUS KASPARAITIS and Devils' forwards SCOTT GOMEZ and JAY PANDOLFO, who made cameos in the episode, signed the script for the episode. Also included in the auction is a pair of signed inline skates worn by Stevens during the taping.
Proceeds from the auction, which coincides with the start of the 2003-04 NHL season, will benefit the NHL Diversity Fund, which develops youth hockey opportunities for economically disadvantaged boys and girls across North America. _This year, the On-Line Charity Auction is powered by edeal Services Corp., and hosted on eBay. _Bidding will end at 9 p.m., ET, on Oct. 16.
7. Three Rookie Head Coaches to Make Their Debuts _
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders will have new faces behind the bench when the season opens.
Former Penguins player EDDIE OLCZYK will make his coaching debut when Pittsburgh hosts the Los Angeles Kings Oct. 10. _A 16-year NHL veteran, Olczyk was named the 21st head coach in franchise history June 11. _He is the fifth head coach of the Penguins to have played for the team, joining Ken Schinkel, Lou Angotti, Gene Ubriaco and Rick Kehoe.
MIKE SULLIVAN was named the 26th head coach in Boston Bruins' history on June 23. _Previously the head coach of the team's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, Sullivan returns to his hometown where he played one NHL season (1997-98).
STEVE STIRLING, who joins the New York Islanders, was the head coach of the team's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, for two seasons, posting a record of 83-51-19-7. _He was named The Hockey News' Minor Pro Coach of the Year for 2001-2002. _He becomes the 11th head coach in franchise history.
********************************************************************
8. How Stanley Cup Champions Have Fared the Following Season _
In the NHL's modern era, only the Montreal Canadiens (1976-79) and the New York Islanders (1980-83) have won more than two consecutive Stanley Cups. _Five teams have recorded back-to-back championships: Montreal (1968 and 1969), Philadelphia (1974 and 1975) Edmonton (1984 and 1985, 1987 and 88), Pittsburgh (1990 and 1991) and the Detroit Red Wings (1996 and 1997).
Since 1990, the defending Stanley Cup champion has returned to the Final four times. _Two defending champions lost in the subsequent Stanley Cup Final. _Three teams reached the Conference Final (CF), two lost in the Conference Semifinal (CSF) and two were eliminated in the Conference Quarterfinal (CQF). The only team that failed to qualify for the playoffs the following year was the 1995-96 New Jersey Devils. _
Following is a look at how Stanley Cup Champions have fared the following season since 1990:
Team
Year Winning Stanley Cup
Record Following Season
Pts
Finished
Playoff Result
New Jersey
2003
_-----------------
Detroit
2002
48-20-10-4
110
1st, Central Div
Lost CQF
Colorado
2001
45-28-8-1
99
1st, Northwest Div.
Lost CF
New Jersey
2000
48-19-12-3
111
1st, Atlantic Div.
Lost SCF
Dallas
1999
43-23-10-6
102
1st, Pacific Div.
Lost SCF
Detroit
1998
43-32-7
93
1st, Central Div.
Lost CSF
Detroit
1997
44-23-15
103
2nd, Central Div.
Won Stanley Cup
Colorado
1996
49-24-9
107
1st, Pacific Div.
Lost CF
New Jersey
1995
37-33-12
86
6th, Atlantic Div.
Did not qualify
NY Rangers
1994
22-23-3
47
4th, Atlantic Div.
Lost CSF
Montreal
1993
41-29-14
96
3rd, Adams Div.
Lost CQF
Pittsburgh
1992
56-21-7
119
1st, Patrick Div.
Lost DF
Pittsburgh
1991
39-32-9
87
3rd, Patrick Div
Won Stanley Cup
Edmonton
1990
37-37-6
80
3rd, Smythe Div.
Lost CF
********************************************************************
9. Messier, Francis and Lemieux Near NHL Milestones; Link to NHL Milestones _
MARK MESSIER will become the second player in League history, joining GORDIE HOWE, to play 25 or more NHL seasons. _Howe appeared in 26 NHL campaigns. _With 1,844 career points, Messier also is closing in on Howe's legendary point total of 1,850 - second only to WAYNE GRETZKY.
Carolina captain RON FRANCIS, fifth on the NHL's career points list with 1,758, needs 13 to tie fourth-place Marcel Dionne (1,771). _Pittsburgh captain MARIO LEMIEUX needs eight points to become just the seventh player in NHL history to reach 1,700.
Detroit's BRETT HULL, fifth all-time with 716 career goals is on the verge of passing fourth-place PHIL ESPOSITO (717) and is within reach of third-place MARCEL DIONNE (731). _Hull is also in a battle with Tampa Bay's DAVE ANDREYCHUK for the all-time power-play goals crown. _Andreychuk is first with 260, Hull is second with 255.
A pair of Devils are also chasing history. _New Jersey's MARTIN BRODEUR last season became the first goaltender in NHL history to post four 40-win seasons and is one of only two netminders (PARTICK ROY is the other) with eight consecutive 30-win campaigns. _Teammate and captain SCOTT STEVENS, with 1,597 career games, is three appearances shy of becoming just the sixth player in League history to reach 1,600. _Shortly thereafter Stevens will surpass the all-time leaders among defensemen, LARRY MURPHY (1,615) and RAY BOURQUE (1,612).
NHL Milestone Awards are presented by the League to individuals who reach the following regular-season statistical marks: 400 goals, 600 assists, 1,000 points, 1000 games, 25 shutouts, 500 goaltender games and 750 games coached.
********************************************************************
10. NHL Celebrates Bygone Eras with Vintage Jersey Collection _
The National Hockey League will celebrate its rich history this season by introducing vintage jerseys that are carefully crafted to match the correct historical style, shape and size of bygone NHL eras. _Six clubs -- Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks -- will wear their unique vintage jerseys beginning Nov. 15, when the Kings host the Blues. _The Montreal Canadiens will wear vintage jerseys in all games against "Original Six" opponents, as well as at the Nov. 22 Heritage Classic outdoor game in Edmonton. _A throwback design also will be featured on the 2004 Eastern and Western Conference All-Star uniforms.
********************************************************************
11. Excerpts from Mario Lemieux Conference Call _
Following are excerpts from the Oct. 2 NHL Media Conference Call with MARIO LEMIEUX of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"It was probably good for [DOMINIK HASEK] to take a year off. _I've done that a couple times in my career. _Didn't hurt my career at all. _Sometimes it's good to get away from the game for a year, rejuvenate your body and your mind and you're able to come back and play a few more years."
- On Dominik Hasek
"Our goal is always trying to make the playoffs, and we feel we have a chance to do that. _We know it's not going to be easy. _But that's always going to be our goal here in Pittsburgh."
- On the 2003-04 Pittsburgh Penguins
_"Absolutely. _He's got to baby-sit the kids, too. _That's what he did last night."
- When asked whether 2003 No. 1 overall draft pick MARC-ANDRE FLEURY will have to pay rent, if he continues to live with Lemieux_
********************************************************************
12. Upcoming Key Dates _
MONTH
DATE
EVENT
October
7
All-Star Weekend media credential application available
8
87th NHL REGULAR SEASON BEGINS
24
Deadline for submission of Heritage Classic Credential Applications
November
1
Fifth Annual Hockey Hall of Fame Game (Philadelphia at Toronto, 7 p.m. ET, CBC)
3
Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Toronto (Inductees: Grant Fuhr, Pat LaFontaine, Mike Ilitch, Brian Kilrea)
7-9
IIHF Four Nations Tournament, Finland (Under 20)
7-9
IIHF Four Nations Tournament, Switzerland (Under 18)
22
Heritage Classic, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
(Montreal at Edmonton, 7 p.m. ET, CBC)
********************************************************************
13. NHL Player of the Week & Month Awards Will Honor Both an Offensive & Defensive Player _
The NHL Player of the Week and Player of the Month awards will be expanded this season to honor both an offensive and defensive player _The first weekly award winners will be announced on Monday, Oct. 13.
A brief outline of 2003-04 season NHL promotional awards follows:
WEEKLY AWARDS
Player of the Week - Each Monday throughout the regular season the NHL's Public Relations Department will announce an Offensive Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week for the previous seven-day period (Monday through Sunday).
MONTHLY AWARDS
Player of the Month - On the first workday afternoon of each month during the regular season, the NHL Public Relations Department will announce an Offensive Player of the Month and Defensive Player of the Month for the previous month of action. _
Rookie of the Month - There are many young performers who make an immediate impact in the NHL, and the League bestows Rookie of the Month honors on one such player throughout the course of the regular season. _To qualify as a rookie, a player cannot have appeared in more than 25 games in any previous season, or have appeared in six or more games in multiple preceding seasons. _He also must be under the age of 26 on September 15, 2003.
ANNUAL AWARDS
POWERade Outstanding Player Award - This promotional award is presented to the player who best epitomizes power, perseverance, courage and commitment, on and off the ice. _The POWERade/NHL Outstanding Player not only has superior hockey skills, but also the bold style and winning attitude that define the spirit of the game.
MBNA/MasterCard Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award - The NHL and MBNA give this promotional award to the goaltender with the League's highest save percentage. _Save percentage is calculated by dividing the number of saves that a goalie makes by the total number of shots he faces. _Monthly updates are included in the NHL This Week electronic newsletter.
Bud Light Plus-Minus Award - This annual award is presented to the player who, having played in a minimum of 60 games, leads the League in the plus-minus category at the end of the regular season. _A player receives a "Plus-1" when he is on the ice at the time of a goal by his team. _Similarly, he receives a "Minus-1" when he is on the ice at the time of an opponent's goal. _Monthly updates are included in the NHL This Week electronic newsletter.
7th Man Award - The 7th Man Award is given to the most devoted and passionate NHL fan in North America. _The final round of candidates is comprised of one fan per club, with the NHL then choosing an ultimate winner. _This person serves as honorary commissioner for a day in the spring and will drop the puck at Game 1 2004 Stanley Cup Final.
********************************************************************
14. Around the NHL _
Since its inception for the 1917-18 season, 5,610 different players (5,059 skaters, 551 goaltenders) have competed for National Hockey League teams ...Home teams will wear dark jerseys this season. _The last time they did that was in 1969-70 ... NHL Live!, a two-hour talk show, returns to Sirius Satellite Radio and NHL.com this season and will air Monday-Friday through the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHL Live! will offer listeners the opportunity to call, e-mail, or MSN messenger guests the hosts, DON LaGRECA, JIM CERNY, JOE TOLLESON, PETER LAVIOLETTE, and KEN DANEYKO. _SIRIUS also will air up to 40 National Hockey League games each week throughout the NHL season, beginning Oct. 8 and continuing through the Stanley Cup Final. The broadcasts will be available to all SIRIUS subscribers at no additional cost. _SIRIUS is an official corporate marketing partner of the NHL ... The Minnesota Wild will unveil a third jersey on Oct. 16, when they host the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center ... NHL Commissioner GARY BETTMAN and former New Jersey Devils defenseman KEN DANEYKO will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 8 to celebrate the start of the 2003 NHL season ... Philadelphia Flyers star JOHN LeCLAIR and former Flyer and current Comcast SportsNet's post-game analyst KEITH JONES, teamed with JAMIE KENNEDY to prank captain KEITH PRIMEAU for an episode of "The Jamie Kennedy Experiment." _The show, a weekly half-hour comedy show hosted by film star and stand-up comic Jamie Kennedy, airs on the _WB Network Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m., ET ... Philadelphia Flyers' DONALD BRASHEAR, New Jersey Devils' SEAN BROWN, Tampa Bay Lightning's BEN CLYMER and New York Rangers' ALEXEI KOVALEV model the hottest Fall athletic apparel in the November issue of Men's Journal, which hits news stands Oct. 14.
********************************************************************
15. NHL Diversity Holds On-Line Charity Auction; Around the NHL Community _
Bidding began Monday, Oct. _6 for NHL Diversity's "Hockey is for Everyone" On-Line Charity Auction. _Expected to be among the most popular items in the auction this year is a script from a recent taping of the NBC prime-time comedy "WHOOPI" starring legendary entertainer Whoopi Goldberg. _The episode, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," features NHL stars ANSON CARTER and SCOTT STEVES. _Goldberg, Carter, Stevens and New York Rangers' defenseman DARIUS KASPARAITIS and Devils' forwards SCOTT GOMEZ and JAY PANDOLFO, who made cameos in the episode, signed the script for the episode. Also included in the auction is a pair of signed inline skates worn by Stevens during the taping.
Proceeds from the auction, which coincides with the start of the 2003-04 NHL season, will benefit the NHL Diversity Fund, which develops youth hockey opportunities for economically disadvantaged boys and girls across North America. _This year, the On-Line Charity Auction is powered by edeal Services Corp., and hosted on eBay. _Bidding will end at 9 p.m., ET, on Oct. 16.
