News from August 1992

Pavel Bure, Vancouver's Red Rocket
by Nathan Phillips - - Hockey Scene
August, 1992

How did Soviet speedster Pavel Bure know when he'd made it as a National Hockey League star? Was it when he finished his rookie season with 34 goals? Was it when the Professional Hockey Wrires' Association voted him the league's best freshman performer? Was it standing at the podium of the NHL Awards dinner holding up his Calder Memorial Trophy and thanking the Canucks and his parents for making it all possible?

No!

Bure knew he'd made it when Don Cherry called him "a little flea," and then went himself one better (worse?) and labeled Bure "a little weasel."

For those who have forgotten his colorful days as the head coach of the Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies and must rely only on his recent - still very colorful - "act" as host of a syndicated hockey highlights show in Canada, Cherry is NHL's "other" major embarrassment (after fighting and lack of a TV contract).

Cherry takes xenophobia - the fear of foreigners - to a new level. He helped make the term, "chicken Swede" an almost acceptable part of hockey nomenclature back in the days when the NHL as expanding its horizons to include Scandinavians. Once the eastern Europeans (from Czechoslovakia, Germany etc.) began to join the ranks and enhance the international flavor of the game, Cherry's antiquated (and, thankfully, isolated) myopia became somewhat amusing.

Now, of course, the outspoken critic has put his backwards seal of approval on Bure - if only by publicly denigrating him. That he stopped short of slapping Pavel with a "Commie pinko" label proves only that Cherry still has a ways to go before he's totally convinced of Bure's stardom.

The Pavel Bure story (or should it be called a "saga"?) ended quite happily las June when the 21-year old Moscovite was named the NHL's rookie-of-the-year, narrowly beating out New York Rangers freshamn sensation Tony Amonte. It was the thrilling conclusion to the opening book of what should now be a long and adventurous epic. There have been times when it appeared the story would never have a chance to be told at all.

The Canucks originally selected Bure in the sixth round of the 1989 Entry Draft, the 113th pick overall. At the time he was an 18-year-old right winger for the powerful , world renown Central Red Army team for whom he had just been named Soviet rookie-of-the-year. Even this simple maneuver by the Canucks was wrought with controversy. At issue was Bure's eligibility. As an 18-year-old, his availability was considered null and void beyond the third round. The Canucks, however, claimed that he had participated at the senior level of hockey long enough to make him eligible. It took a year for all the parties involved to iron out the differences and decide the selection was valid and that Bure was, indeed, property of the Canucks.

Meanwhile, as he continued to toil in the Soviet Union, former linemates Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Federov made successful transitions to the NHL. Mogilny, of course, chose defection as a means to achieve his desired ends in North America, latching on with the Buffalo Sabres. Federov, on the other hand, took a path more steeped in diplomacy and bureaucracy, but eventually arrived in Detroit in time to make a huge impression on Red Wings hockey fans.

Understandably the Soviet hockey federation was less than enthusiastic about losing Bure, whom many experts had claimed was the best Soviet player in the world. The Soviets had a contract with Bure's name on it, and made every sign of holding fast to their agreement with him, much to his chagrin.

Then, in September 1991, a dramatic announcement came out of Manhattan Beach, California, from Agen Ron Selcer.

"The (Bure) family has left the Soviet Union with the intention of staying here," he said. "Our game plan is to have Pavel play with the Vancouver Canucks and (Pavel's younger brother) Valeri play junior hockey with Spokane of the Western League.

"Pavel has come with the intention of playing in the NHL and we will do everything in our power to make it happen."

There remained, however, the question of Bure's contract with CSKA, which had a year remaining on it at the time Pavel left the Soviet Union.

"We are expecting an answer from NHL president John Ziegler in the next 24-48 hours. We do not forsee any problems with immigration."

Among the most shocked to hear of these developments was Bure's former teammate Igor Larionov, who had come to the NHL by way of an earlier agreement allowing Soviet veterans - some of whom were clearly "over the hill" - to test their wares in the "money league."

"I'm really surprised," he said. "Nobody knew anything about this. I thought he still had one year left on his contract, but I think his army service is finished. I played just one year with him, and he was only 17 then. He was a good guy, good personality."

In early October, the Soviet Ice Hockey Federation hired Howard Gourwitz, the lawyer of Minnesota North Star Mike Modano, in Michigan, to handle their suit aimed at holding Bure to their version of his contractual obligations. When judge Kathleen MacDonald adjourned a hearing into the contract's validity intil October 30, Salcer said she "had no guts" and obtained permission from the NHL to negotiate a conditional contract for Bure with Vancouver (which would include a potential buyout clause for the Canucks, thus avoiding a lengthy court case).

Gino Odjick: He made so many moves I got dizzy watching him."

On November 1, he arrived in Vancouver, donned his jersey number 10, and practiced with his new teammates for the first time.

Statistically, Bure got off to a less than dramatic start. Dubbed, "the red rocket", he played mostly on a fourth line with goon Gino Odjick and checker Ryan Walter. He picked up an assist on a Cliff Ronning goal - the sixth goal in a 6-0 shellacking of the Islanders - on November 10, and received a standing ovation for the effort.

Two nights later, against Los Angeles, Bure helped the Canucks trounce the Kings when he scored unassisted in the second period of a 8-2 victory. He beat Daniel Berthiaume with a slick backhanded shot after intercepting a pass from a Kings defenceman and skating in alone.

After three months of inactivity, the wonderfully skilled Bure was at a loss to match the pace of the NHL, and his numbers continued to belie his talent. Through his first dozen games, he scored four goals and five points. Through the next 11 games he managed just one goal and six points. After 28 games in the NHL, Bure was still burning on low flame, with only seven goals and 13 points.

Then he erupted.

In the next 10 games, he recorded 5 goals and 15 points. In his final 27 games, Bure exploded for 22 goals and 32 points, finishing his freshman season with 34 goals and 60 points in 65 games, breaking Trevor Linden's previous club record for most goals by a rookie (30). The record-setting goal was typical of Bure's brilliance, a one-man show with dekes and jukes galore, before finally humiliating Washington goalie Don Beaupre.

Bure's good friend and protector Gino Odjick was left to shake his head in wonderment. "He made so many moves I got dizzy watching him," said the enforcer. "You can only imagine how the goalie must have felt."

Meanwhile, Bure combined with Linden (31) and Greg Adams (30) to give the Canucks a trio of 30-goal scorers for only the second time in nine years.

By season's end, Bure had twice been named rookie-of-the-month (March and April), he led all freshman skaters in shots (268) and short-handed goals (3) and was tied with Buffalo Sabre Donald Audette for game-winning goals (6). He finished second overall in goals behind Tony Amonte (who had 35), and was tied for third in total points (with Detroit's Swedish rookie defenceman Niklas Lidstrom).

After a magnificent season in which they owned the Smythe division through nearly the entire season, and won their first division title since 1974-75, the Canucks barely survived a scary first-round series with Winnipeg. Down three games to one, the Canucks fought back to win the series in seven games. Bure scored a timely hat trick in the sixth game, sparking Vancouver to an 8-3 series-tying victory.

In a disappointing upset, however, they were unable to fend off the Edmonton Oilers in the division final. In the opening game of the series, the Canucks blew a 2-0 first period lead and then a 3-2 lead in the third period - which Bure had given them with only seven minutes to play. Before a shocked hometown crowdm the Canucks let Vince Damphousse tie the game with just over five minutes on the clock and then were stunned by Joe Murphy's overtime winner 8:36 into the extra period. Despite a strong showing in Game Two, a 4-0 shutout by goalie Kirk McLean, the Canucks got no further scoring from Bure. After two more losses, they managed a 4-3 squeaker in Game Five, but had nothing left for Game Six, won by the Oilers 3-0.

For Bure, the disappointment was softened somewhat by his upset victory in the Calder Trophy voting. Amonte had been considered a favorite - if only because of his East Coast locale and the media advantages he enjoyed. He became the second Soviet skater in three years to win the prestigious rookie honor, and the first in Vancouver history. The future is sure to be right under the fiery glow of the Red Rocket.

Bure may not be the greatest, yet, but he's accomplished so very much in so short a span of time.

And, all things considered, getting under Don Cherry's skin isn't bad, either.

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Bure, Cooper line of prints big winner
Pavel visits Surrey to sign autographs
by Karen Kersey - - Surrey/North Delta Leaser
August 12, 1992

Named NHL Rookie of the Year for 1991-92, Pavel Bure has captured the imagination of Vancouver hockey fans. Now, the Russian Rocket's style has been captured in watercolor by Dale Cooper, with proceeds of limited prints donated to charity.

Pavel schmoozes over fancy sandwiches, delicately picking a choice gourmet combination which he nibbles and savors, checking each morsel to identify the taste.

It's a summer Sunday in Surrey and Bure himself is the study of an artist. Framed by a twisting line of hockey fans who wait patiently against a backdrop of powerful winter hockey scenes, his style is easy and elegant.

He's dressed in a blue, long-sleeved cotton crew-necked shirt and casual trousers, no socks and deck shoes. Speaking softly, choosing his words carefully, he talks to the organizers of this print-signing event held to raise funds for Canuck Place, a children's hospice, and for CrimeStoppers. Over $70,000 has been raised to date.

Bure is obviously pleased to see the number of people responding to Frames West invitation to meet him and support the charities. But he's also worried about the rain and its effect on a fireworks display hr was counting on seeing that evening.

"too much rain, it will smother the fireworks," Gary Peters says to Bure, accompanying his statement with large arm movements. He's the president of fine arts publishing firm, Art in Motion.

The Russian Rocket considers tiny crumbs on the tips of his long fingers as he answers questions about the months he's spent in Canada.

Reaching for a napkin, he suggests that he'd like to take home some of the food prepared for the occasion by the nearby Forster's Restaurant.

"Ya, doggie bag," he repeats with a laugh when Peters guesses at Bure's comments spoken in his native tongue.

And no, he doesn't like to train on roller blades during the summer, he tells The Leader.

"Once, only once," Bure says, with a certain disdain. Probably the only time was for publicity photos. Jogging, working out on a stationary bike and weight training is his summer routine.

Artist Dale Cooper joins the group and involves Bure in talk about Cooper's new home in Armstrong, where there's little rain and lots of sunshine - up to 38 degrees Celsius.

"Too hot, too hot," Bure says. And while Cooper regales his famous subject with the fabulous properties of Vernon, Bure is not convinced. But his face lights up when asked about salmon fishing on the saltchuck. Yes, yes, he enjoys that - more than the heat. And no, he doesn't golf.

Does Russia have artists such as Cooper ... devoted to sports and athletes? No, no, Bure says, shaking his head. And what about Igor Larionov moving to Switzerland.

"Ya, I'll mis him," Bure answers.

Smoothly, he makes his way to the front of the room where piece after piece of art work is brought to him for signing. Then he settles down to his volunteer work, producing large and flowing script from lead pencil and felt pen equally - autographing everything from his portrait done by an amateur - to one of the dwindling supply of prints that have been made available for this event.

"I like children," he says simply, listening to Peters who prompts him on his spelling of names.

Fans, some sporting Canuck jerseys and caps, others in wheelchairs and still others in strollers, have waited quietly in a line extending outdoors under shelter from the rain which has been falling all day.

Have they come to meet Bure and treasure his name? Or do they want a personally autographed sports card which will grow in value over the years?

Probably some of each, his associates allow.

Cooper eyes Bure, perhaps to confirm the spirit that the artist has attempted to capture in his watercolor of Bure, Number Ten.

"I work from videos and props," Cooper explains about the creation of his work. "I've been a Canucks fan for 20 years but I moved to Vernon just in time for them to have a winning season."

Cooper also draws technical points from his own childhood in Ontario where hockey was everything to him, his three brothers and a sister.

I played from day one, we grew up on ice so I know hockey inside and out," Cooper notes. He's also competed at the A level in tennis and is a low handicap golfer. "Watch for J.J.Cooper in a few years," the proud father says about his own youngster's hockey career. Vernon, Cooper notes, has free ice time for it's hockey players.

Cooper is proud of his auction portraits of both Bure and Cliff Ronning.

"Watercolor is a spontaneous medium for a spontaneous sport," he says, adding that he is beginning to incorporate acrylics into his work.

"They're more flexible," Cooper says. He leans more to Morton Solberg as a mentor for his sports action art.

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