Some quick hits on the lockout so far.
- NHL camps were supposed to open yesterday, but failed to do so as the lockout continues. Many in the hockey wold pointed to yesterday as a point that they hoped to have a deal done by, but sadly it was not to be.
- The Alberta Labor Board is now deciding the legality of the lockout in their province. It is unclear what would happen should the board side with the players, but it may have farther reaching implications than just the lockout. The NHL deals with teams spanning two countries, and abiding by different practices depending on the area may cause issues never even considered. If the NHLPA wins this is could be a good thing or a bad thing. We may not know for a while after it happens, but if it helps move this process along, I’m all for it, let the lawyers deal with the fallout.
- Red Wings vice president Jim Devellano cost the Wings a hefty fine for his comments this week. His words reflected exactly how fans are viewing this lockout. Neither side is considering or has any respect for the fans. This is all about egos and is a giant game of chicken. Just a prime example of rich men out of touch with reality. You can read his comments below.
- The NHL and NHLPA are meeting on Monday to finalize the hockey related revenue from last season and to take care of escrow payments for the players. Unfortunately, we see where the priorities lie.
- I don’t know why, but this whole process makes me want to watch the movie “8 Men Out”. It doesn’t really apply to this situation, but it does kind of touch on the tone of love of the game vs. love of money. I know, maybe its just me.
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Here are some quotes that have resulted from the labor dispute.
“If I were to give them any advice at all, I would say, lock both sides in a room, give them bread and water and don’t come out of the room until you make the deal,” Orr said. “Everything is going so well in that league, with LA winning the (Stanley) Cup and the Rangers are going to be strong. We have so many great, young players in our game. The game is in such great shape.”
Bobby Orr to Beverly Thomson on Canada AM .
“I said it before, before I sign a contract, if the league decides to cut our salaries and cut our contracts for what they want, I don’t know how many guys will be coming back,” Ovechkin said on the call. “We signed contracts before so why do they have to cut our salaries and our contracts right now? They signed us, [now they] want to cut it. I think it’s a stupid idea and a stupid decision by the NHL, Bettman and the guys who work there.
Alex Ovechkin to The Washington Times and The Washington Post.
“It’s very complicated and way too much for the average Joe to understand, but having said that, I will tell you this,”. “The owners can basically be viewed as the Ranch, and the players, and me included, are the cattle. The owners own the Ranch and allow the players to eat there. That’s the way it’s always been and that the way it will be forever. And the owners simply aren’t going to let a union push them around. It’s not going to happen.”
Red Wings senior vice president Jim Devellano
Gary Bettman has been the boss of the NHL for almost 20 years. He was hired to bring the salary cap and that is what he also did. 2 times there has been a threat of lockout during his reign and in both cases there has also been a lockout. So this is the third! He must be the most hated person in NHL. In every NHL arena he gets booed. The fans know! He makes over $8 million in a year. Would Mr Bettman be willing to give up his salary, and give a part of to these “poor” teams? Hmm… interesting question.
Teemu Selanne on his Blog
“In each proposal that we’ve brought forward, we have moved,” Schneider said. “We’re the only ones that have been giving in this entire negotiation. Everything that they have put forward takes more from the players; on the contracting issues, on the straight share of the revenue and that’s the frustrating part for the players. Our next offer will be giving more back to the owners, they’re next offer will be taking more from the players.”
Mathieu Schneider to TSN
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Photo by Eric Kilby flickr.com
