Stan Mikita doesn`t expect an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor behind comedians Dana Carvey and Mike Myers. In fact, he isn`t sure whether to expect anything at all in his film debut.
Mikita played a role as himself-a former Blackhawks star-in ”Wayne`s World,” a comedy set for release this weekend in Chicago area theaters. His character is the owner of a doughnut shop in Aurora. For reasons why he sells doughnuts, you have to see the film.
But Mikita also knows Hollywood. Until he hears later this week from the producer or sees the film, he won`t be sure his scene didn`t end up on the cutting-room floor. Blackhawks jerseys will be prominently displayed on the stars of the film, regardless of whether Mikita makes it.
Friend in need: Mike Keenan has had a stormy relationship with Detroit coach Bryan Murray. But Keenan is defending Murray, saying the National Hockey League`s five-game suspension of him is ”ridiculous.”
Murray received the punishment Monday for not controlling the Wings` Yves Racine, who left the penalty box to prolong an altercation during a 5-5 tie Sunday with the New York Rangers. ”Bryan`s 85 feet away from the player;
what`s he supposed to do?” Keenan said. ”He couldn`t even communicate with him verbally at that distance in a loud rink. How you hold a coach responsible for that is beyond me.”
Murray`s first game back from the suspension, which began Tuesday night against Toronto, will be against the Hawks Feb. 22.
Going to school: Don`t be fooled. New Hawk Rob Brown isn`t just practicing hockey in between games. Keenan says he is being re-educated in how to live the life of a pro hockey player. ”He has to learn about diet, fitness, tempo and skill development,” he said.
That should keep him busy between windsprints.
Heading back: Defenseman Keith Brown said he will try skating later this week as he comes back from a sprained ankle suffered Jan. 16 in Calgary. He reports the ankle remains sore, but he could play next week.