Lemieux glad to sacrifice golf game

0 Comments | USA TODAY, June, 2005 | by Kevin Allen

Pittsburgh Penguins owner-player Mario Lemieux isn't as prepared as he should be for the Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational charity golf outing because he's as prepared as he wants to be for the 2005-06 NHL season.

"(Sunday) I played golf for the first time in two weeks, and I really haven't played much," Lemieux said. "I haven't found the time. I've been spending time in L.A. training."

Lemieux has planned sessions in Southern California with famed trainer T.R. Goodman in July and August in anticipation that a collective bargaining agreement between owners and players is coming this summer. He plans to resume skating Aug. 1.

Lemieux, who turns 40 in October, said he is "absolutely" committed to playing next season.

"I'm feeling great,"...