Former NHL player and coach Bill Dineen died Saturday at age 84.
Dineen died at his home in Lake George, New York, according to the American Hockey League.
Dineen played with and later coached hockey icon Gordie Howe during his career. He was part of two Stanley Cup championship teams with the Red Wings as a player and later coach the Philadelphia Flyers.
He coached the Houston Aeros in the World Hockey Association for six seasons and won titles in 1974 and 1975. Howe and sons Mark and Marty were members of Houston’s championship teams.
“Bill Dineen devoted his career to our sport, winning two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, shaping the lives of numerous players during decades of coaching and crafting a hockey legacy that carries on today through his sons,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “The National Hockey League sends heartfelt condolences to the Dineen family on the passing of this distinguished and greatly respected individual.”
Dineen had four sons who played hockey, including Kevin (1,188 NHL games) and Gord (529 NHL games).
Bill Dineen scored 95 career points (51 goals, 44 assists) from 1953 to 1958.
Dallas Stars defenseman Jamie Oleksiak has been suspended two games for an illegal check to the head, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Sunday.
Oleksiak made a hard hit on Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde during Saturday’s game. The incident occurred at 7:30 of the third period of the Flyers’ 4-2 win.
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Oleksiak will forfeit $10,208.34. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Senators’ Borowiecki suspended
Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki has been suspended two games for boarding, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced.
Borowiecki hit Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli during Saturday’s game. The incident occurred at 2:38 of the first period in the Kings’ 4-1 victory.
Borowiecki was assessed a major penalty for boarding. Toffoli was able to return to the game.
“I’m never looking to hurt people, but I need to play hard,” Borowiecki said after the game. “I got a little over-excited and that was the case.”
Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Borowiecki will forfeit $12,222.22. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Bruins sign Gabrielle
The Boston Bruins signed forward Jesse Gabrielle to a three-year entry-level contract.
Gabrielle, 19, is in his second season with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League. He leads the team with 19 goals and 30 points, along with 32 penalty minutes in 25 games.
In 2015-16, the 6-foot, 205-pound Gabrielle skated in 72 games with Prince George, registering 75 points (40 goals, 35 assists) and 101 penalty minutes. At the conclusion of Prince George’s season, Gabrielle joined the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement and played in three AHL games.
The Moosomin, Saskatchewan, native was selected by the Bruins in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL draft.
Caps reassign Ness
The Washington Capitals reassigned defenseman Aaron Ness to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.
Ness, 26, registered two assists in eight games with the Capitals last season. He has not appeared in a game this season. The Roseau, Minn., native made his Washington debut on Jan. 2 at Columbus and earned his first Capitals point on Jan. 5 at Boston.
Ness was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round (40th overall) of the 2008 NHL draft. He has five points (one goal, four assists) in 37 career NHL games with the Islanders and Capitals.
The 5-foot-10, 184-pound Ness owns three goals and six assists in 17 games with Hershey this season. He has 159 points (32 goals, 127 assists) in 359 career AHL games with Bridgeport and Hershey.