Cool: It took Saku Koivu only 7 months to get rid of an abdominal form of cancer. Supported by a mass of fans, he helped the Montreal Canadiens surpass its limits as a team and brought a whole new meaning to the word determination. Just like Mario Lemieux, he challenged the odds and won respect worldwide. He also got married this summer. After pain and tragedy, life does indeed return some favors.

Fool: NHL radio and television commentators who mentioned that Koivu's return was the only reason why fans still supported and enjoyed going to the Molson Centre despite a weak, disorganized team.

EVENT #2: CANADIAN GOLD RUSH IN SALT LAKE CITY

Cool: Canada Hockey waited for a gold medal for half a century. Nothing more is needed to be said. Although Wayne Gretzky has been scorched a few times during the Olympic adventure, captain Mario Lemieux, Jarome Iginla, Joe Sakic, and goaltender Martin Brodeur paved the way to glory. Same high for Canadian women, who faced and won over Americans in a thrilling ride from start to finish. It was Canada's National Sport Day.

Fool: The male hockey specialists who are still convinced that real hockey is just another men's club.

EVENT #3: PETER FORSBERG RETURNS AND BLASTS PLAYOFFS

Cool: The most complete player in the NHL is back. After a spleen removal in 2001 and also ankles surgeries, he jumped off the 2001-2002 boat. But while battling a strained left foot, he made an unexpected comeback and totaled 27 points in 20 games during playoffs. Feared by opponents for his striking force and scoring magic, just beware: Forsberg's career is far from over.

Fool: Some rumors have been spread on the fact that Forsberg did not sit out due to health reasons but because of terrorism, based on the fact that European players are well-known for their fear of flying.

EVENT #4: BAD REFEREES, INJURIES, AND VIOLENCE RISE UP

Cool: The fines given to coach Michel Therrien for his throat-slashing gesture towards the Boston Bruins bench after Richard Zednick's fall off Kyle McLaren; Islanders GM Mike Milbury showed a tape of bad calls during the Isles' playoff series against Toronto. Fines for both Therrien and Milbury: $30,000. Why is it Cool? Because rules are rules.

Fool: Kyle McLaren, for clotheslining the Habs' Richard Zednick; the Leafs' Gary Roberts for checking the Isles' Kenny Jonsson; and Darcy Tucker for injuring Micheal Peca. Blood, flying sticks, and fists, sorry, no space left -- it could take a few pages to put an entire list of all the violent aspects of hockey this year.

EVENT #5: COACH SCOTTY BOWMAN RETIRES

Cool: Obviously, the best coach in NHL history left the spotlight after winning his ninth Stanley Cup this year. He was a man who got respect, fame, attention, and demanded his players to give everything they had. He is a man who will never be forgotten.

Fool: The fans who believe he's going to retire COMPLETELY from the hockey business.

EVENT #6: NHL BRINGS NEW PROTECTIVE INSTALLATIONS FOR FANS

Cool: The NHL will set up new protective nets in all the arenas by the 2002-2003 season, above the glass behind each goal and the protective glass along the ice surface will be raised to a minimum of five feet above the boards.

Fool: The NHL, who only reacted to young Brittanie Cecil's death on March 18th, 2002, after she was hit by a puck during a Blue Jackets/Flames game. Columbus center Espen Knutsen, responsible for the deflective puck, still can't cope with this matter.

EVENT #7: JOSE THEODORE WINS OVER PATRICK ROY

Cool: Jose Theodore won Veniza trophy (best goalie) and Hart trophy (NHL MVP) to his surprise. He was expecting Vezina, but not really Hart. His smile said it all. The Montreal Canadiens are still under negotiations with him and should not let a French-Canadian goalie slip out of Montreal.

Fool: Canadiens No. 2 goalie Jeff Hackett, who mentioned earlier in the season that Theodore still had a finger on the rookie switch and could not be considered otherwise.

EVENT #8: HURRICANES CREATES ITS FAN CLIENTELE

Cool: With Ron Francis as a captain, this powerful team showed no mercy against the Devils and the Detroit Red Wings. It has now a strong playoff experience and fans are now fighting for tickets. All of that in a place where hockey has been considered a lost cause: basketball, football, and racing were the profitable sports until this year.

Fool: NHL specialists who assured the 'Canes were already dead before the playoffs have even started. They did not think about EErik Cole and Jaroslav Svoboda.

EVENT #9: JAROME IGINLA IS OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Cool: Although he made a successful season beginning (and joined Team Canada at the Olympics), Jarome was not considered to jump in the first rank for points. He finished with 52 goals and 96 points, earning the Lester B. Pearson Award (voted on by the players for most outstanding player) and the Maurice Richard Trophy (most goals).

Fool: Deceived Jagr, Steve Yzerman, and Sakic fans, who silently watched as Iginla made it all possible this year.

EVENT #10: A TRIBUTE TO NHL'S MARK BAVIS AND ACE BAILEY, LOST IN U.S. ATTACKS

Cool: The Los Angeles Kings always counted on Director of Pro Scouting Ace Bailey, who played 10 years in the NHL before joining former teammate Wayne Gretzky in L.A. As for Mark Bavis, he played in East and American Leagues before retiring and joined the Kings' scouting staff two years before. Bailey and Bavis were good friends, good co-workers. Cool guys.

Fool: Whoever thought that September 11th U.S. attacks only touched the country's economical pipeline? Bailey and Bavis were killed while being passengers on the second flight which hit the World Trade Center on that fateful morning. Regardless of what topic you discuss, September 11th will be a sad, sad day for this country. Forever. It is a national grief, supported by entire nations, which will always be impossible to overcome.

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