Catching Up With The Past

"Given what's happening in the league at the moment, Quebec deserves to reclaim its place. Gary Bettman is sticking his thumb in his eye by continuing to ignore strong markets in Canada. I'm talking about Quebec, but you could say the same thing about Winnipeg or even Hamilton."

- Guy Lafleur, on the prospects of the NHL coming back to Quebec City.

Here's what else is going on in the world involving former hockey players:

• A former Canadian spy has written a book claiming Vladislav Tretiak recruited Russian spies.
  
• Montreal's old owners are almost the new owners once again, but the days of the Flying Frenchmen over.
• On the ice Jean Beliveau was out of this world. Now he's reaching out into space.
• Chris Mizzoni takes a look at Wildor Larochelle, John McCreedy, and Eddie Dorohoy.
  
• Former NHLer Mike Danton is out of jail, and dreaming of getting back on the ice. There seems to be some confusion over who was his intended victim.
• Trevor Linden was honoured to hold the Olympic torch. He also said fighting in the new video game EA Sports NHL 10 is a good tool for teaching children about fighting in hockey.
• Linden, who was front and center as NHLPA president during the 2004-05 labour war, also expressed his frustration about the Paul Kelly firing.
• Another veteran d-man is gone, as Bret Hedican is retiring.
  
• Craig MacTavish has joined TSN, while Guy Carbonneau, Kevin Weekes and, ugh, Glenn Healy join Hockey Night In Canada.
  
• Henri Richard isn't impressed with Georges Laraques' new diet.
• Rick Vaive is up on impaired driving charges.
  
• Risto Pakarinen tells us that Janne Niinimaa has found a new challenge.
• Former NHLer John MacMillan has high praise for the World Oldtimers Hockey Championships.
  
• Mikhail Vasiliev replaces the ill Vladimir Kryuchkov as the new Russian U18 national team coach.
• Stan Drulia was honoured by his home town.
  
• The Ottawa 67s are changing their jerseys, but not without controversy.