THE MacBETH REPORT: Things have been somewhat quiet overseas but Garth MacBeth reports today that Finnish SM-Liiga team Jokerit, based in Helsinki, has signed Glen Hanlon to a one-year contract as head coach. Hanlon, fired earlier this season as head coach of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, will take over next season, replacing current head coach Doug Shedden. Shedden, who also is the head coach of the Finnish national team, could not come to an agreement on a new contract with Jokerit. Hanlon was in Helsinki last weekend – he was on his way back to the U.S. from Minsk, Belarus. He is head coach of the Belarussian national team and will be guiding them at this year’s world championship. Hanlon told the Helsinki newspaper Helsingin Sanomat: “I love international hockey and I like the Finnish style of play. It’s definitely not a money issue to me.” . . . It’s great to see the old redhead, one of hockey’s truly wonderful people, back in the game even if I still have a problem picturing him as a hockey coach in Belarus. . . .
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With the news regarding Hanlon, who is from Brandon and played for the Wheat Kings (1974-77), now is as good a time as any to provide a list of WHL goaltenders who have won at least 40 games in a single season:
49 –
Glen Hanlon, Brandon, 1976-77
48 –
Corey Hirsch, Kamloops, 1989-90
Grant Fuhr, Victoria, 1980-81
47 –
Trevor Kruger, Swift Current, 1988-89
46 –
Milan Hnilicka, Swift Current, 1992-93
45 –
Bart Hunter, Regina, 1979-80
44 –
Kelly Guard, Kelowna, 2003-04
Tim Cheveldae, Saskatoon, 1987-88
42 –
Matt Keetley, Medicine Hat, 2006-07
Matt Keetley, Medicine Hat, 2005-06
David Lemanowicz, Spokane, 1995-96
41 –
Norm Maracle, Saskatoon, 1993-94
Travis Laycock, Prince Albert, 1991-92
40 –
Kevin Nastiuk, Medicine Hat, 2003-04
Cam Ward, Red Deer, 2002-03
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