Evening star., 1941-10-31
UIines Unimpressive
In 10 Loss in Pro
Hockey Debut
Attack Slow, Defensive
Ploy Mild as CopitoIs
Take Tome TussIe
By BURTON HAWKINS.

If there is any great distinction
between professional and amateur
ice hockey the Washington Ulines
still are bearing the burden of prov
ing 1t to the satisfaction Of local
fans. In dropping their American
League opener last night the Ulines
were as unpublished as a ditch
digger's shoes.
There isn't much doubt the Ulines
will improve on that 10 defeat
handed them by the indianapolis
Capitols before a disappointing
crowd of 5000 in their debut at
Uline Arena. There isn't much
doubt either that the Ulines must
improve or face the prospect OF
playing before acres of empty seats.
Against what was the leagues
worst team last year the Ulines were
conducting themselves timidly.
Those who profess to know hockey
claim Defenseman Frank Gresnick
is sour specimen as a pro, but it
remained for that bald-headed char
acter to provide the Ulines' only
spark and it created no confiagra-
ton.
ID. C. Fans Want Open Game.
1t may be the American League
this season will place the accent on
defense and if so it may be too bad
for Mike Uline, who is supplying the
sugar for the local pros. The Waxh.
ington Eagles of the Easte-,
Amateur League made money here
last season with a high scoring team
that displayed some zest for the
game.
The Ulines' lack of enthusiasm
last night brought booing from the
crowd, when appai emily prefers
scoring to skating. There wasn't
much to get excited about, for only
one penalty was called and, in gen.
eral. 1t was tame affair.
Already Mr.. Uline is having his
headaches. Salary squabbling with
his players ended only shortly be-
fore game time. uniforms arrived at
the last minute and there were
complaints concerning the smoky
atmosphere Of the spacious arena.
Then, too, the size OF the crowd
wasn't encouraging.
Schedule Favors Ulines.
The Ulines are breaking into the
American League in what should
represent heartening surroundings.
In their first four games. the Ulines
pay Indianapolis and Philadelphia,
the most inept teams of the Western
and Eastern divisions last season.
Against that sort Of opposition the
local entry should give some indi-
cation of the kind of team it will be.
Rusty and ragged was the Ulines'
highly publicized veteran line of
Center Paul Drouin and Wings
George Mantha and Lou Trudel.
Against the Capitols' sturdy defense
that trio fioundered, presenting
Goalie Turner OF Indianapolis little
opportunity to display his agility.
Goalie Paul Bibeault of the Ulines
likewise was offered few dificult
chances. but yielded what developed
to be the winning goal midway in
the second period when Adam
Brown took a pass from Ken K;lrea
and whipped the puck into the over
grown snood.
Slow, Shoddy At Start.
Slow and shoddy in the first two
periods, the Ulines perked up q DIT
in the final period, but the Capitols
were playing a neat defensive game
and deftly spoiled Washington's
numerous scoring attempts
The Ulines will invade Philadel-
phia tomorrow night and meet the
same Rockets here on Sunday night.
BY that time Coach Ching johnson
may convince his club that local
fans aren't likely to swoon at the
mere sight of their green and gold
uniforms. They'll be wanting more
action than they got last night.
Pos. Washinston Indianapolis.
G. Bibeault Turner
D.---- 0UlSluk AhlllnE