ag LEA STE sete crenaeerct ee RR TR Ce ene A HD Pa ERT ee a ae D points of Jeff’s game he felt should be improved, and said he hoped to see him play even harder next season. “1 was up around 200 pounds, but slimmed to 190 or so to help improve on my quickness. I expect to play at about 195 next season.”” Speaking of the Veitch and Snepts departure, Jeff said it’s an op- portunity he’ll have to take advantage of, even though you hate to see teammates depart. He felt the’ recent acquisition of Miroslav Frycer from Toronto is a plus move by the club. The Great One The name ‘Wayne Gretzky’ came up during our conversation. The usual questions probing the Edmonson star’s existence brought out some good answers from Jeff. “Fans want to know why we can’t hit Gretzky, or why don’t we run him into the boards. . . “Like it or not, you musi have tremendous respect for the guy. He’s the best in the game and has done more for hockey than any other player. As for trying to hit him, chances favor you missing | and he'll burn you with a goal or a goal setup. “If you do nail him, then expect some retaliation, ’cause the Oilers have four or five tough guys always ready to protect their. meal ticket. It’s like Detroit has Steve Yzerman. Hit him and watch out for Bob Probert — that’s a scary sight in itself. You mostly lease the better players alone. You get ots of attention in any case” Summer School Sharples said he couldn’t expect any NHL players for the summer hockey school. ‘““We might get a couple of Wings up here for a fishing trip, but not for the school.” He points out that all the instructors are local talent with Junior ‘A’ hockey experience. ‘‘They have more than enough qualifica- tions, and besides, a lot of kids know them. “