World 9		North America 4
50th NHL ALL-STAR GAME

Satan's dream comes true in Toronto

By BUCKY GLEASON
News Sports Reporter
2/6/00

TORONTO - Miroslav Satan didn't know how much he would play this afternoon in his first NHL All-Star Game. He didn't know his linemates, either. He also didn't care.

The Buffalo Sabres winger drew little attention and slipped into practice virtually unnoticed Saturday as he prepared for his first game with the World Team. He did more watching than talking during the prepractice interview session with the international media.

""It's a new experience for me,"" Satan said. ""There are so many things going on, and there's so much attention everywhere. For a guy who's here for the first time, you look around and suck up the atmosphere.""

Satan leads the Sabres in scoring with 26 goals and 45 points in 52 games this season. He is the eighth-leading goal scorer in the league. He had 40 goals last season.

""It's a dream of every player in the NHL to be honored by playing in an All-Star game,"" Satan said. ""The dream is coming true for me.""

Satan is one of 15 players for the World Team selected for the first time, and he is the sole representative from Buffalo. Dominik Hasek backed out with groin problems last week. Satan was astonished over how many fans showed up for the all-stars' 45-minute workout in the Air Canada Centre.

""I've never seen anything like this,"" he said. ""There were 18,000 people at a practice. It was amazing.""