Jul 24, 2002

Alexandre Daigle planning hockey comeback

By JOHN NADEL
AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Alexandre Daigle, the first overall pick in the
1993 NHL draft who retired two years ago at age 25, is preparing to
make a comeback, his agent said Wednesday.
"Several teams have called to express an interest in Alex," Pat
Brisson of IMG said from his Santa Monica office. "He's definitely
planning on coming back." Brisson wouldn't identify the interested
teams, but said a decision will be made around Aug. 10.

"He's done well outside of hockey the last two years, but being
outside the game made him realize just how much he misses it,"
Brisson said. "He's been doing very well during his workouts."
Brisson said Daigle, who last played for the New York Rangers in the
1999-00 season, had been training with TR Goodman at Pro Camp in
suburban Venice for the past couple of weeks with such NHL players as
Chris Chelios, Anson Carter, Rob Blake and Keith Primeau.

Pro Camp is considered one of the top off-ice training programs for
hockey players.

Daigle, who was unavailable for comment, was drafted by the Ottawa
Senators, and led the team in scoring as a rookie in 1993-94 with 51
points on 20 goals and 31 assists.

He also has played for Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and the Rangers. In
459 career games, he has 100 goals and 141 assists.

The 27-year-old Daigle formed a production company and produced a
show featuring singer Sheryl Crow at the Formula One Grand Prix in
Montreal last month.

Brisson said Daigle has been skating a couple times a week since his
retirement, playing in an adult league in the Los Angeles area, where
he makes his home.

"There has never been a question about Alex's talent and the training
he is doing now is proof that he has the desire," Brisson said. "Alex
will continue his training and we will continue to monitor the
situation."