Former NHL owner John Spano pleaded guilty to fraud charges in Boston, ending a 14-month saga that began when he convinced banks and the NHL he had enough money to buy the New York Islanders when he’s shown only $1.4 million in assets.

Spano could be sentenced next month to between 33 and 61 months in prison in connection with his aborted purchase of the Islanders and the team’s cable rights for $165 million. Federal law mandates that Spano serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. The plea bargain includes fraud charges in New York and Texas.

Stars to retire Broten’s number

The Dallas Stars will retire Neal Broten’s jersey No. 7 before the Feb. 7 game against the Chicago Blackhawks, marking only the third player to receive the honor from the team.

Besides Broten, the Stars have retired the numbers of Bill Goldsworthy and Bill Masterton, who played for the team in Minnesota.

Ex-Kings owner charged

Former Los Angeles Kings owner Jeffrey Sudikoff pleaded innocent to federal securities fraud charges related to a communications company he co-owns.

The government claims Sudikoff and Edward Cheramy of Jackson Hole, Wyo., engaged in a conspiracy to overstate IBD Communications Group Inc.’s earnings and deceive the Culver City-based company’s accountants.

Sudikoff, who owned the Kings from October 1995 until October 1996, is free on $250,000 bail.

On the ice

Wayne Gretzky had three assists and rookie goaltender Dan Cloutier remained unbeaten in three decisions as the New York Rangers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 Monday night in New York.

At Uniondale, N.Y., the New York Islanders ended their 10-game losing streak, tying the Detroit Red Wings 1-1 behind rookie goaltender Wade Flaherty’s 30 saves.

At Tampa, Fla., Vincent Damphousse had a short-handed goal and four assists to lead the Montreal Canadiens past the Lightning 6-3.

At Edmonton, Alberta, Dan McGillis scored the go-ahead goal on a power play with 5:20 left in the third period and the Oilers extended their season-high winning streak to four games with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.