Despite being "sidelined" with a groin injury since
October 29, 1999, Sabres G Dominik Hasek has "at least
200,000 reasons" to play in the NHL All-Star Game in Toronto
February 6, according to Dick Chubey of the EDMONTON SUN.
Hasek, who was voted as the starting G for the World team,
has a provision in his contract calling for a $200,000 bonus
for playing in the All-Star Game. Hasek also has an
"arrangement with Louisville to debut a new line of
goaltending equipment -- The Dominator Series" -- at the
midseason event. Hasek: "I am thinking of the all-star
game. It would be nice to play a game first (for the
Sabres), but I would like to play in the all-star game."
But Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said, "I don't think he'll be
playing in the all-star game if he doesn't play for us
(first). It would be ludicrous" (EDMONTON SUN, 1/25). USA
TODAY's Kevin Allen reports that Hasek's agent Rich Winter
"scoffs at the suggestion" that Hasek is "trying to play" in
the All-Star Game "just to pocket bonus money." Winter: "A
guy who is retiring and kissing away $24 million isn't
likely to make any decision based on getting a $10,000
bonus." Winter added there is "nothing" in Hasek's
equipment deal [with Louisville] that "would require him" to
play in the All-Star Game (USA TODAY, 1/25).
