Minnesota North Stars Hockey Team

One is the oldest coach in the NHL, the other among the youngest. One exudes enthusiasm, literally pinching himself to maintain his delight. The other agonizes over his role, a dark frown perpetually clouding his face. One says he wouldn't mind coaching another 35 years. The other won't commit beyond the end of the month. One is 60, the other 37. Figure out which one is which? Well, figure again.

Bill Goldsworthy, an original member of the NHL's Minnesota North Stars, died Friday morning from complications from AIDS. He was 51. Goldsworthy, who disclosed he had the disease last year, was hospitalized last Thursday. Goldsworthy initially learned he had the disease in November 1994. He told the St. Paul Pioneer Press in February 1995 that his health problems were caused by drinking and promiscuity. The story suggested he contracted AIDS through unprotected heterosexual sex.

Veteran forward John Tonelli headed a list of 10 Kings left unprotected Wednesday for today's NHL expansion draft. Also thrown into the pool from which either the new San Jose Sharks or the Minnesota North Stars can take one King were defensemen Tim Watters, Bob Halkidis, Peter Prajsler and Tom Laidlaw, and forwards Ilkka Sinisalo and Scott Bjugstad, along with three minor leaguers, goalie Mario Gosselin, defenseman Rick Hayward and forward Jim Thomson.

Dan Quinn, Minnesota North Star forward, was accused of raping a 19-year-old woman he met at a restaurant Monday night. Quinn was released from Hennepin County Jail Tuesday night on $30,000 bond. Arraignment is expected Thursday.

Mike Modano, the Minnesota North Stars' 22-year-old center, signed a four-year, $6.75-million contract, making him the highest-paid player in team history. Modano, who was to be paid $600,000 as part of a deal he renegotiated last year, will instead make $1.95 million this year--including a $750,000 signing bonus. The contract calls for a $1.4-million salary in 1993-94, $1.6 million in 1994-95 and $1.8 million in the final year.

Owner Bill Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks, former chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors, got used to being the league's leading decision-maker during his long tenure. If there were meetings in smoke-filled back rooms, Wirtz called the shots. Now, though, he doesn't have the keys to those rooms anymore. Which is why a meeting of the owners here Tuesday was called on relatively short notice.

The North Stars said Wednesday they will stay in Minnesota, squashing rumors the NHL team might he headed to Anaheim. "There will be no further discussions with Anaheim," said Pat Forceia, the team's senior vice president. "The talks with Anaheim never were particularly serious." Anaheim officials wanted North Star owner Norm Green to move the team to their new, $103-million, 19,200-seat arena in time for next season.

The North Stars said they will stay in Minnesota, squashing rumors the NHL team might be moving to California. Anaheim officials wanted North Star owner Norm Green to move the team to a new, $103-million, 19,200-seat arena there in time for next season.

Owner Bill Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks, former chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors, got used to being the league's leading decision-maker during his long tenure. If there were meetings in smoke-filled back rooms, Wirtz called the shots. Now, though, he doesn't have the keys to those rooms anymore. Which is why a meeting of the owners here Tuesday was called on relatively short notice.

In his first major move as general manager of the Minnesota North Stars, Bob Gainey traded left winger Brian Bellows, the team's all-time leading goal-scorer, Monday. Bellows, who turned 28 today, was sent to the Montreal Canadiens for right winger Russ Courtnall, 27. The deal ended a 10-year career in Minnesota for Bellows, who scored 342 goals but regularly sparred with coaches who wanted to make him a better rounded player.

Rick Wilson, an assistant coach with the Kings for the past three seasons, has left the organization to join the Minnesota North Stars. Wilson, 41, had one year remaining on his contract with the Kings and had been negotiating with them for the past few weeks to coach their minor-league affiliate at Phoenix. But the North Stars, looking for an assistant coach, contacted Wilson and he reached an oral agreement with them.