SAN JOSE, Calif. — Claude Lemieux announced his retirement again Wednesday, wrapping up a 21-year NHL career with four Stanley Cups.
The 44-year-old forward came back from a five-year retirement in December to sign with the San Jose Sharks, where he had one assist in 18 games last season.
Lemieux won four Stanley Cups (Montreal 1986; New Jersey 1995, 2000; Colorado 1996), one of only eight players to win the prize with three different teams. He scored 379 goals in his career, which included a stop in Phoenix. He had 80 playoff goals and competed in 234 playoff games, fifth all-time.
• The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with left wing Kris Versteeg on a three-year contract. Versteeg led all rookies last season with 31 assists while ranking second with 53 points.
• The Dallas Stars filled their big need for a backup goalie, getting Alex Auld from the Ottawa Senators for a sixth-round pick in 2010.
• Saku Koivu has left the Montreal Canadiens after 13 years, signing a one-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks.
• The Minnesota Wild signed defensemen Jamie Fraser and Jaime Sifers to one-year deals.
Peirsol steals Phelps’ thunder
INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Phelps was a double winner — in the 200-meter butterfly and the 200 freestyle — at the U.S. national championships.
But, it was Aaron Peirsol who created the biggest buzz at the Indiana University Natatorium by reclaiming his world record in the 100 backstroke. The Olympic champion trailed Matt Grevers at 50 meters before pouring it on down the stretch to win in 51.94 seconds.
Mark Dylla, a graduate of Heritage High School who swims for Georgia, finished fourth in the 200 butterfly.
NASCAR wants Mayfield banned
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR asked an appeals court to ban Jeremy Mayfield from racing, alleging the participation of “a proven methamphetamine user” could lead to fatal consequences for competitors and fans.
NASCAR wants the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen‘s decision last week to lift Mayfield’s indefinite suspension following a positive drug test.
Mayfield attorney John Buric scoffed at the idea Mayfield is a potential danger and revealed the driver was tested twice Monday — once at an independent laboratory and once at his home by NASCAR.
Footnotes.
Santino Quaranta broke a scoreless tie in the 75th minute, and Brian Ching followed with a header in the 79th to give the U.S. soccer team a 2-0 Gold Cup win over Honduras in Washington.
• Former U.S. figure skating champion Nicole Bobek, 31, is out of a New Jersey jail, but faces charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She was arrested in Florida last week.
• Diana Taurasi scored the game’s first six points to fuel a 22-2 opening run, and the Phoenix Mercury routed the Chicago Sky 90-70 in WNBA action.
The Associated Press
