Puck Podcast

CHICAGO – Frosty baseball games have long been a fixture at Wrigley Field, where a stiff wind off Lake Michigan can chill fans, players and managers alike.

The New York Islanders signed forward Jeff Tambellini to a US$1.175-million, two-year contract Wednesday.Tambellini, 24, led the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport with 38 goals and 38 assists in 57 games.

The Oilers may have had their troubles attracting free agents to Edmonton this off-season, but forward Shawn Horcoff is happy to be in the Alberta capital.

The Islanders have signed Jeff Tambellini to a two-year, $1.175 million contract. The deal will pay him $550,000 in 2008-09 and $625,000 in 2009-10.

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers re-signed forward Zack Stortini to a three-year contract on Tuesday.Stortini recorded 12 points (3-9-12) and 201 penalty minutes in 66 games played last season with Edmonton.

Movements in the world of hockey Tuesday:National Hockey LeagueANAHEIM DUCKS-Signed C Logan MacMillan to a three-year contract.CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS-Signed D Aaron Johnson, D Doug Janik and C Colin Fraser.

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche signed forwards Cody McCormick and Brian Willsie each to a one-year contract Tuesday.McCormick, 25, played in 40 games for the Avalanche last season.

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens will host the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, general manager Bob Gainey and the NHL announced Tuesday.The Draft will be held over two days (June 26 -27) at the Bell Centre and will coincide with the club’s Centennial celebration.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Carolina Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk underwent successful surgery on his left wrist, the club announced Tuesday.Dr. George Edwards, who operated on Rod Brind’Amour’s hand during the 2002-03 season, performed the procedure, repairing a fracture in Boychuk’s wrist, and estimates a recovery time at about three months.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks signed centre Colin Fraser and defencemen Aaron Johnson and Doug Janik to one-year contracts Tuesday.Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Phoenix Coyotes centre Martin Hanzal is scheduled to have back surgery on Thursday.The 21-year-old will have a herniated disc operated on by specialist Dr.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Phoenix Coyotes centre Martin Hanzal is scheduled to have back surgery on Thursday.The 21-year-old will have a herniated disc operated on by specialist Dr.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A Michigan bank is suing NHL veteran Sergei Fedorov, saying payments have stopped on more than US$2 million in loans.Citizens State Bank filed a lawsuit Monday against Fedorov, a former star with the Detroit Red Wings who now plays for the Washington Capitals.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forwards Kris Beech, Ryan Stone and Bill Thomas to one-year contracts on Tuesday.The 27-year-old Beech was claimed off waivers from Columbus in January.

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings forward Dallas Drake announced his retirement Tuesday, a month after raising the Stanley Cup for the first time in his 16-year career.

DETROIT – Dallas Drake’s last act in the NHL was hoisting the Stanley Cup. Not a bad way to cap 16 seasons as a pro.The Detroit Red Wings forward announced his retirement Tuesday, a month after he finally got to skate with hockey’s Holy Grail.

NEW YORK – The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Dan Fritsche.Fritsche, 23, had 22 points (10-12) in 69 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season.

NAPANEE, Ont. – A judge in Napanee, Ont., has dismissed a bid by former hockey coach and player agent David Frost to have sex-related charges dismissed.

Movements in the world of hockey Monday:National Hockey LeagueATLANTA THRASHERS-Signed F Jason Williams.CAROLINA HURRICANES-Agreed to terms with F Patrick Dwyer, F Joe Jensen and D Mark Flood.

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Cody McLeod to a one-year contract and reached deals with six others Monday.McLeod, 24, made his NHL debut last season and had nine points in 49 regular-season games for the Avalanche.