International Hockey League

The Gulls, who finished their inaugural season in reverse, started the 1991-92 International Hockey League campaign in a different gear. Drive. The Gulls, who lost 18 of their last 20 games and nine in a row at home last season, posted a 4-2 victory Thursday over the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in front of 4,301 at the San Diego Sports Arena.

KALAMAZOO WINGS NHL Affiliations: Minnesota North Stars Coach: Bob Hoffmeyer 1990-91 Record: 52-29-1 Regular-Season Finish: First Impact Players: Former Winnipeg defenseman Brad Berry. Minnesota rookie center Cal McGowan (139 points at WHL Kamloops in '90) and rookie right wing Doug Barrault (88 points at WHL Seattle). Top Returning Players: Steve Gotaas, Mitch Messier, top two scorers.

The Gulls reached an oral agreement to sign Dave Korol, the team's top defenseman last year in its initial season in the International Hockey League, Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell said Monday. Korol played in 58 games last season, scoring one goal and assisting on seven others. "We've agreed on salary, but not on bonuses," Waddell said.

'Ockey returned to San Diego after almost a 12-year absence Friday night. That's right, 'ockey. That is how they pronounce it in places where 'ockey can be played in the back yard or in the schoolyard or in the barnyard and even in the summertime. We're talking places that make North Dakota seem like a Club Med destination. 'Ockey is associated with places named Moose Jaw and Elk Ridge and Beaver Creek. It's something toddlers do before they walk.

Former King Charlie Simmer, who led the National Hockey League in scoring in 1979-80, signed as a player and assistant coach with the new International Hockey League franchise in San Diego.

A professional hockey franchise will play in the San Diego Sports Arena this fall, it was announced Thursday, and the owner of the Sockers said the move may endanger the future of his championship soccer team. Harry Cooper, leaseholder of the Sports Arena, and representatives of the International Hockey League announced that San Diego has been awarded an expansion franchise that will schedule 41 dates at the arena for the next season beginning in October.

San Diego was awarded an International Hockey League franchise today and will begin play in the expanded 11-team league in the fall. IHL officials in Vancouver for the NHL's annual congress and draft said the vote was unanimous to bring professional hockey back to San Diego. "We are delighted to be able to bring hockey back to San Diego's fans after more than a decade," said Vin Ciruzzi, president of the San Diego Sports Arena where the team will play its home games.