NHL/SOCCER: June 30, 2005

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Center Steve Yzerman and defensemen Chris Pronger and Rob Blake, who helped Canada win 2002 Olympic gold but who weren't available for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey because they were recuperating from injuries, are expected to be among the 36 players invited to an orientation camp for the 2006 Winter Games. Also included in the group are Edmonton Oilers' Eric Brewer and Ryan Smyth. In all, 14 men who helped Canada win the men's Olympic title for the first time in 50 years in Salt Lake City, Utah, are expected to be in Kelowna, B.C., Aug. 17-20. It also is believed that goaltender Martin Brodeur, defensemen Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski and Scott Niedermayer, and forwards Jarome Iginla, Simon Gagne, Mike Peca, Joe Sakic and Mario Lemieux are the other Olympic champions who will attend the Kelowna camp hoping to get a chance to win two straight Olympic titles. The Hockey Canada camp roster announcement is to be made today. -- Edmonton Sun

A House committee in Washington yesterday approved separate bills that would set minimum steroid-testing rules for the NHL . It calls for an athlete to be suspended half the season for the first offense, a full season for the second, and a lifetime ban for a third offense. -- Edmonton Sun

A list of 36 players invited to a training camp for Canada's men's Olympic hockey team is to be announced today and the list is packed with stars, according to a report. Veteran superstars Mario Lemieux, Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman were on the list that sources told Rogers Sportsnet will be invited to camp Aug. 17-20 in Kelowna, B.C. -- Ottawa Sun

Obviously that's not the way it's going to come down but, no matter if it takes as long as a month, it's still going to be the most frantic, intense business period in the game's history. With about two-thirds of the league's players qualifying as some form of free agent, this is one year when the Stanley Cup may very well be won in August, before even one bodycheck is thrown in anger. It isn't just guys like Leafs GM John Ferguson whose feet are going to be held to the fire."This won't be solely for managers and clubs," surmised Ferguson, who currently has eight players under contract but could start the buying season with less than that through the magic of contract buyouts. Players and agents are doing the same thing and attempting to see where they might fit and for what price and for how long. There is so much we don't know until we see the agreement. You can only plan so much without knowing the ground rules." -- London Free Press

When they get back to playing, NHL players will have more say in how their game is played. Among the issues resolved in the collective-bargaining process, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, is the formation of a competition committee that will consist of four general managers, one owner and four players. The committee will be the final word on rules changes, equipment and other game-related issues. Previously, such decisions were made collectively by the 30 general managers. It was a process that often led to stalemates and politics and very little getting done. Players have long wanted a voice in the debate. -- New York Newsday

Management and players association representatives have been working 80-hour weeks recently in hopes of reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.The agreement would end a lockout that wiped out last season and is approaching 300 days in length. Reports of having an agreement in place by Friday appear to be overly optimistic. -- Detroit News

Most years, the Red Wings could only dream about drafting a prospect such as center Sidney Crosby. The Wings are still dreaming, but at least this time around, they'll have a chance. Crosby, the most heralded prospect to enter the NHL since Mario Lemieux, is a young player with passing skills and offensive vision that amaze scouts. Because no hockey season took place to establish a draft order, the league is expected to hold some sort of lottery to determine when teams will draft.The lottery's format has not been determined, but it could be weighted or every team could have a 1-in-30 chance. -- Detroit News

The Glazer family's first visit to Old Trafford ended in ugly and violent scenes last night as police clashed with supporters who had effectively barricaded Manchester United's new owners inside the stadium. Malcolm Glazer's three sons, Joel, Avi and Bryan, were given first-hand experience of the vitriol generated by their controversial takeover as they had to be smuggled down the players' tunnel and out of the ground in two police tactical aid vans for their own safety. --The Guardian ( UK

Real Madrid have moved to end speculation on the future of Michael Owen by insisting the England striker is not for sale. The former Liverpool star has been linked to a host of Premiership clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. --The Guardian ( UK