Putting the Ducks Together

TEAM PRESIDENT

Tony Tavares: Though Disney has not made an official announcement, Tavares, a 43-year-old arena management specialist, has reportedly accepted the position. Tavares has been working as a consultant to Disney throughout its negotiations with Ogden and the city of Anaheim on an arena lease. Tavares is the former president of the Spectacor Management Group, a Philadelphia-based company that manages more than 40 sports facilities around the world. He left Spectacor last year and has been working as an independent consultant in arena management. Among his duties this year has been the organization and promotion of the NHL’s neutral-site games. He has also served as a consultant to the Kings.

GENERAL MANAGER CANDIDATES

Jack Ferreira: He was the general manager of the expansion San Jose Sharks in 1991-92 but was squeezed out in a front-office power play after last season. Ferreira, 49, is scouting for the Montreal Canadiens but has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for a GM job. Widely respected for his ability to judge talent and his administrative skills, Ferreira was the GM of the Minnesota North Stars for two years and director of player development for the New York Rangers for two years.

Mike Keenan: His stock remains high despite losing a power struggle and his general manager’s job in Chicago this season. As a coach, Keenan, 43, took the Blackhawks (once) and the Philadelphia Flyers (twice) to the Stanley Cup finals. He became the first coach in NHL history to win 40 or more games in each of his first three season. Many believe he should have been considered the “Iron Mike” of Chicago. His philosophy includes icing a team that is strong, physically and psychologically. His critical comments have caused some of his players to swear at him. Others swear by him. Upon hearing the news of Keenan’s firing, All-Star defenseman Chris Chelios called his old general manager, coach and friend to offer him a job--shoveling the snow in the defenseman’s driveway. Chelios laughed and assured everyone that Keenan would not be out of hockey for long.

Bob McCammon: A former coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks, McCammon, 51, is the president, general manager and coach of the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City (Wash.) Americans. He is viewed as an astute judge of talent and considers his strengths “evaluating players and putting teams together--I’ve done that for 20 years.” In Philadelphia, McCammon was largely responsible for the 1983 entry draft as the team’s GM, a draft that yielded center Peter Zezel (41st pick), left wing Derrick Smith (44th) and right wing Rick Tocchet (121st).

Sherry Bassin: A part-owner and operations director of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League since 1989, Bassin, 52, has a reputation for building competitive teams from virtually scratch. The Greyhounds finished last in the league the year before Bassin arrived but he has guided them to two consecutive Memorial Cup finals. Bassin took over the last-place Oshawa Generals in 1976-77 and also led them to the Memorial Cup finals. He also was an assistant for the Canadian junior national team in 1987.

THE FIRST STAR?

Anaheim will have one of the top five picks in the June amateur draft, which experts are calling the deepest and most talented in years. Following are the top 10 amateur players in the world, as rated by the Central Scouting Bureau and The Hockey News:

1. Alexandre Daigle (6-0, 170 center) Victoriaville, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League: Quick finesse player and a dynamite goal-scorer. Has some problems controlling his temper but is not considered a fighter.

2. Chris Pronger (6-6, 190 defense) Peterborough, Ontario Hockey League: Excellent two-way player and a fabulous skater for a player his size.

3. Chris Gratton (6-3, 202 center) Kingston, Ontario Hockey League: Power forward, good hands, decent scorer and a very physical presence without being a fighter.

4. Viktor Kozlov (6-5, 210 left wing) Moscow Dynamo, Russian Elite League: An explosive goal scorer, he could rise to the No. 1 pick.

5. Rob Niedermayer (6-2, 200 center) Medicine Hat, Western Hockey League: Very good skater, good hands and an excellent playmaker.

6. Jason Arnott (6-3, 193 center) Oshawa, Ontario Hockey League: Has loads of skill, but some question his desire. When he comes to play, he can dominate a game.

7. Paul Kariya (5-10, 160 left wing) Maine, Hockey East: Fabulous skater, great speed and hands, a magician controlling the puck. He’s only a freshman but is a leading candidate for the prestigious Hobie Baker Award, given to the NCAA’s best player.

8. Denis Pederson (6-2, 189 center) Prince Albert, Western Hockey League: Grinding type of forward, decent scorer, not flashy, more of a physical player.

9. Nick Stajduhar (6-2, 192 defense) London, Ontario Hockey League: Real defensive-minded defenseman, not overly physical or flashy but is consistent.

10. Eric Lecompte (6-4, 190 left wing) Hull, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League: Not a dominant goal scorer but has the size and tenacity to be a factor in the NHL.

THE GOALIE (PLAYERS LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE IN EXPANSION DRAFT)

Mike Richter (New York Rangers): Rangers have the best 1-2 tandem in the league and, barring a trade, will probably protect John Vanbiesbrouck.

Kay Whitmore (Vancouver Canucks): He used to be No. 1 at Hartford before his trade to Vancouver, where Kirk McLean is entrenched.

Jon Casey (Minnesota North Stars): Star of North Stars’ 1991 Stanley Cup run, he has fallen out of favor (20-16-4 record in net) while younger Darcy Wakaluk (10-7-4) is moving up.

Jimmy Waite (Chicago Blackhawks): One of the top young goalies in the league, now a backup to all-star Ed Belfour.

Geoff Reese (Calgary Flames): A veteran who is 10-2-1 in support of all-star Mike Vernon.

Chris Terreri (New Jersey Devils): Another veteran, he is 12-15-2 behind all-star Craig Billington (17-10-3).

Vincent Riendeau (Detroit Red Wings): Has played in only 16 games but is 10-2-2 with a 3.06 goals-against average behind veteran Tim Cheveldae.

Andy Moog (Boston Bruins): He has been No. 1 in Boston for four years but has fallen out of favor with Bruin management and slipped to No. 2 in the last month.

Frank Pietrangelo (Hartford Whalers): Is 4-15-1 this season but is playing for an awful team. He was the backup in Pittsburgh two years ago when the Penguins won the Stanley Cup.