Tverdovsky Might Play in Canada

Oleg Tverdovsky, the Mighty Ducks’ top draft choice in 1994, is expected to play junior hockey in Canada--if the NHL lockout remains unresolved--once he receives medical clearance from the Ducks.

“I think it’s great, especially since he didn’t play in training camp,” said General Manager Jack Ferreira, who approved the move once agent Don Meehan said the team would not have to pay the Russian defenseman while he plays with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League.

Tverdovsky, 18, signed a three-year, $4.2-million contract after being drafted second overall. But he aggravated a groin injury during training camp and didn’t play exhibition games. Ferreira said he didn’t know when Tverdovsky would be ready to travel to Anaheim for an exam by team doctors.

Ottawa’s Alexandre Daigle and the Kings’ Jamie Storr and Matt Johnson are among the other young NHL players playing junior hockey during the lockout. The Canadian Hockey League, which comprises the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, is the major developmental ground for players younger than 21. It recently extended its deadlines to allow NHL teams to assign locked-out players.