Post by swervinmervin on Oct 6, 2012 8:46:22 GMT -5
For the NHL, it might be a good time to cry “wolf”
Whether the NHL wants it or not, the NHL has a “partner” in its business – the NHLPA.
The word “partner” was used after the last lockout, as a way to describe the NHLPA’s role in sharing in “hockey related revenues”. Since then, there has been some back-tracking by the NHL, and some critiquing by hockey observers regarding the use of the word.
I realize that players don’t share in losses – only in revenues. So let’s call it a joint venture instead of a partnership, and let’s move on. But the word “partner” has a better ring to it, and it’s a word that resonates with the public.
What do you call someone who wants so much input into the divisional structure that it delays a realignment plan? What do you call someone who has the power (let’s admit it) to cancel a whole season, or delay the restart of games indefinitely? Sure, millions of fans (myself included) think this is foolish and sad, but you can’t argue about the power they have. The NHLPA is more unified than ever before, and they have a legendary “tough guy” leader in Don Fehr.
So when Fehr calls out the owners on their insistence in propping up teams in money-losing cities like Phoenix, it’s big news. Especially when he does this at a critical time in the negotiations.
I have no illusions that this statement by Fehr will result in a paradigm-shift for Gary Bettman or the owners. I doubt that Bettman will be inviting Don to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m sure that Fehr’s comments lit another fuse in Bettman’s psyche. Despite his cold exterior, I’m sure that Bettman winced inwardly, even if he kept his face straight while shaving this morning. For Fehr, pressing this button in an interview in Canada’s national newspaper was like being a kid all over again, eating cotton candy at an amusement park.
Some observers have speculated that Bettman and the NHL might use the threat of folding the Coyotes, or suspending play (as if that matters this year), as a bargaining chip with the NHLPA. It could be that Fehr made his recent comments to swat that NHL strategy away, like it was an annoying mosquito on a summer beach.
In any case, Canadian hockey fans are already embracing Fehr’s statement. Finally, someone told the emperor that he really isn’t wearing any clothes.
Now if they would only just sit down and negotiate long enough for a cup of coffee to get cold, maybe we could see some more NHL hockey before Christmas.
Note to Gary and the so-called “hawks” – you’re not fighting with a wounded dog this time. He’s a hardy wolf, and his name is “Fehr”.
Whether the NHL wants it or not, the NHL has a “partner” in its business – the NHLPA.
The word “partner” was used after the last lockout, as a way to describe the NHLPA’s role in sharing in “hockey related revenues”. Since then, there has been some back-tracking by the NHL, and some critiquing by hockey observers regarding the use of the word.
I realize that players don’t share in losses – only in revenues. So let’s call it a joint venture instead of a partnership, and let’s move on. But the word “partner” has a better ring to it, and it’s a word that resonates with the public.
What do you call someone who wants so much input into the divisional structure that it delays a realignment plan? What do you call someone who has the power (let’s admit it) to cancel a whole season, or delay the restart of games indefinitely? Sure, millions of fans (myself included) think this is foolish and sad, but you can’t argue about the power they have. The NHLPA is more unified than ever before, and they have a legendary “tough guy” leader in Don Fehr.
So when Fehr calls out the owners on their insistence in propping up teams in money-losing cities like Phoenix, it’s big news. Especially when he does this at a critical time in the negotiations.
I have no illusions that this statement by Fehr will result in a paradigm-shift for Gary Bettman or the owners. I doubt that Bettman will be inviting Don to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m sure that Fehr’s comments lit another fuse in Bettman’s psyche. Despite his cold exterior, I’m sure that Bettman winced inwardly, even if he kept his face straight while shaving this morning. For Fehr, pressing this button in an interview in Canada’s national newspaper was like being a kid all over again, eating cotton candy at an amusement park.
Some observers have speculated that Bettman and the NHL might use the threat of folding the Coyotes, or suspending play (as if that matters this year), as a bargaining chip with the NHLPA. It could be that Fehr made his recent comments to swat that NHL strategy away, like it was an annoying mosquito on a summer beach.
In any case, Canadian hockey fans are already embracing Fehr’s statement. Finally, someone told the emperor that he really isn’t wearing any clothes.
Now if they would only just sit down and negotiate long enough for a cup of coffee to get cold, maybe we could see some more NHL hockey before Christmas.
Note to Gary and the so-called “hawks” – you’re not fighting with a wounded dog this time. He’s a hardy wolf, and his name is “Fehr”.
