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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fight Ardor Dims In Face Of Hiv

Associated Press

Around the NHL

Washington Capitals left wing Chris Simon isn’t afraid of much. He’ll readily dive into the path of a 90 mph slap shot and routinely fight the nastiest players in hockey.

Yet there is one subject that petrifies the long-haired 25-year-old: HIV. He said he’d refuse to fight anyone with the virus.

“I’d skate the other way,” Simon said. “Change up the lines, no way I’m fighting someone with HIV or AIDS.”

While the National Hockey League is the only major sport that accepts fighting as an integral part of its game, some players said the league hasn’t done enough to protect players from others that might be HIV-positive. The league said it can’t do more.

“You can’t stop someone from engaging in their employment simply because they are HIV-positive, and that includes professional athletes,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The National Basketball Association came up with its policy after Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV. While testing isn’t mandatory, the league requires players who are bleeding to leave the game until the wound is bandaged.

Oiler deal reported

Houston Rockets owner Les Alexander has reached an oral agreement to buy the National Hockey League Edmonton Oilers, a television station reported Tuesday.

Houston station KRIV cited sources it didn’t identify as saying Oilers owner Peter Pocklington has agreed to a sale.

On the ice

Patrick Roy continued to climb the career victory list as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 Tuesday night in Denver. It was his 355th career win, tying Rogie Vachon for seventh place.

Richard Matvichuk scored two goals in a 72-second span of the first period as the Dallas Stars beat the New York Rangers 3-2 in New York.

Rookie goalie Tyler Moss won his first NHL start as Calgary beat Pittsburgh 6-3 in Calgary.