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24-The Canadian Chamoion, Friday. Sepiember 17. 2004 sÀýorts sibanc@ haltonsearch.com Semi-pro locals express concern over lockout An NHL-less season could be particularly damaging for young Haydar r]@flm-1 By STEVE LeBLANC The Champion It's widely believed that a hockey player's besi years are his mid-to- late twenties. That notion certainiy wasn't iost on Darren Haydar in the wake of this week's NHL lockout, a hich officiaily took effect at midnight Wednesday but had been ail but a foregone con- clusion for months. Fast approaching his 25th burthday and fresh off a championship playcstI drive with the AHL Milwaukee Admirais -during which he led league scoring with 26 points -Milton's NHL hopeful knows this fali could well have represent- ed bis hest opportuniîy at reaching hockey's lober- most sanCtum. "Yeah, il's crossed my mind," admîtted Haydar Wednesday afternoon. -After that strong playoff mun in Milwaukee, it would bave been nice to at least have a shot at playing in the NI-L this year. But 1 guess that's reality. It hurts because my pet- sonai value is probably at uts highest right now.- And if worst-case scenarto prognosiicators are right. a good chunk of bis prime ptayîng days could be over before NHL players and owtîers resoive their ditterences. "lt definîtely hants the younger guys," Ire said. As far as motivation is concerned. Haydae said the opportunity to compete against more NHI cal- ibre players in the AHL -wîth stars like Domînîk Hasek and Jason Spezza toiling ini Binghamton, for exampie - shouid offset the fact that there'li be no chance for cali-ups to Nashville Ibis season. -see LOCKOUT on page 26 Darren Haydar Scott Bertoli Lwwwcaresgolf.o Sun Ice Typhoon Pull Over DEMO SALE Reg. Price $139.95 250/oOFF *& $9995 PING Cleveland fla., Ri Tschl Golf Shirts Ladies Clogs Wilson Golf s t.¶e' C11101,1Y OFF $ ~ v O edI $495 3% Plus FREE pair 49OUF etf5ockettes 35%OF )Ty. rm d .I* ll oma b.to it. at7é : ita SPALDING~ ~ ~ 90587-181 'i