The Salt Lake Golden Eagles, in the midst of a three-game losing streak, may have the perfect solution to their losing ways in the Kansas City Blades.
The Blades, one of three expansion teams in the International Hockey League this year, have yet to win a game. They've lost five straight, the latest a 5-4 defeat to Phoenix Saturday. They are the only winless team in the IHL this year.The Eagles, who are coming off a 5-3 loss at Muskegon Saturday, face the Blades Tuesday and Wednesday at Kemper Arena. Both games begin at 6:30 p.m. MST and will be broadcast on KMGR (AM-1230) and KLO (1430).
Over the weekend, the Eagles lost a key player in goalie Steve Guenette. He was called up by the Calgary Flames, who placed goalie Rick Wamsley on the injured list with a hand injury.
However, Eagle Coach Bobby Francis isn't overly concerned because he has two capable goaltenders in Wayne Cowley and rookie Warren Sharples. Guenette had only played in one game this year.
The Blades are captained by former Eagle Rick Barkovich, who had 43 goals for Salt Lake last year. Former Montreal Canadien goaltender Doug Soetaert is the Kansas City coach. Ken Morrow, a defenseman on the 1980 American gold medal team, is an assistant coach.
Salt Lake's returns home for games with San Diego Friday and Saturday.