Not long ago that grin was a grimace. In 1996-97 Smith's chronically ailing back so pained him that he appeared in just 21 games for Chicago before retiring to take the coaching job with the Flames. Smith began extensive back therapy last June and found that he hadn't felt better in years. During the season he has maintained his health by eschewing practices and working daily with a medicine ball. Lowe made a seamless transition from player to coach when he closed out his 19-year career last spring to become an Oilers assistant.
Hockey is a joy.
This was the first time the prospects game was played outside Toronto, and though it drew 14,114 fans, the game should be returned to its roots next year. The league has resisted that recommendation because it fears that organizing and selling an added event would be difficult. Next year, though, All-Star Weekend will be in Toronto, where nearly 12,000 fans turned out for the prospects game at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1997. Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. A Time Warner Company.