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Lindros named ombudsman for NHL Players Association
TORONTO: Former MVP Eric Lindros has been named the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) ombudsman, the organization said on Sunday.
Lindros, who retired from the NHL on Thursday, will serve as a non-voting member of the NHLPA Executive Board, supervising the divisional player representative program in the newly created position.
"To be chosen as the players' ombudsman is quite an honor, and I look forward to working hard for the membership as we enter what promises to be an exciting era for the NHLPA," the 34-year-old Lindros said in a statement.
Lindros played for 13 years in the NHL despite suffering eight concussions. He helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Palladino named to Italy squad; no Del Piero or Inzaghi
MILAN: Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino received a surprise first call-up to the Italy squad on Sunday for the Euro 2008 Group B qualifying matches in Scotland on Saturday and at home to Faroe Islands on November 21.
His Juve teammate Alessandro Del Piero, 33, and AC Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi, 34, were again ignored by coach Roberto Donadoni after he left them out of his last squad for a qualifier, citing their age.
The world champion is third in Group B, one point behind Scotland and two behind leader France.
A loss in Glasgow would make life difficult for the Italians, who would then have to win against the Faroes and hope Ukraine beat France at home the same night in order to go through.
Palladino, 23, has operated as winger of late for Juventus and his flexibility has appealed to Donadoni, who will face calls to resign if Italy does not make it to the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year.
Beckham sets up goal as Galaxy beat Thunder
MINNEAPOLIS: Thousands of fans went to the Metrodome to see David Beckham do something exciting. He gave them what they wanted.
In the seventh minute, Beckham lofted a pass to Edson Buddle from 30 meters out, hitting Buddle in the chest and setting him up for an easy goal.
It was the Galaxy's only regulation goal in a 1-1 draw on Sunday. The Galaxy went on to beat the United Soccer League's Minnesota Thunder in a penalty shootout.
"Obviously if I can see those balls and play those balls, I know we have the players up front that can score goals," Beckham said.
Beckham handled the Galaxy's free, penalty and goal kicking duties in his 73 minutes on the field, before exiting to a thundering ovation.
Despite the fawning over the England star, Galaxy players don't mind being pushed out of the spotlight.
(China Daily 11/13/2007 page23)
