“The real problem is not that we are different, nor that we disagree and have conflict. It's that most of us automatically view conflict as something negative rather than as a tool God can use to help us better understand ourselves and one another.

--Robert Ricciardelli”

Sunday, January 27, 2008

01/27 Hockey Notes

Well, the NHL decided to extend the broadcast contract with Versus. One of the better analyses of the NHL/Versus broadcast deal came out the other day at Sports Business News. Living in one of those areas where I can’t get Versus, as an old time hockey fan, is really bad. What would be nice is to believe the league will come to it’s senses and get a new deal—even if it’s crawling to ESPN.

(…I suspect that is something along the lines of pigs growing wings, though…)


The NHL also announced next season would open with two games in Europe. But, as usual, the Lords of the Rink didn’t involve everyone in the discussions. The NHLPA is pretty hot about being left out.

Paul Kelly, the NHLPA’s executive director, said he was aware of the European games but warned the league not to make a firm announcement until the two sides worked out all details.

“If they want the Players’ Association to be a true business partner, then they have to include us in discussions about these matters at the earliest stages,” Kelly said. “We shouldn’t read about it in the press and we shouldn’t find about it after the fact.”
Bettman, it seems, still deserves his place on Forbes list of worst managers.


Cheers! The League seems to have awakened from their slumber last year—scheduling the All Star game for a week night. Jeers! This year’s game will be televised on Versus, instead of a network.

(…but, I digress, and repeat myself…)


The Rangers will retired Brian Leetch’s No. 2 before Thursday’s game. He played a long career, quietly, and deserves the honor.
"I always say, if anybody remembers me as years go by, if they say, 'Didn't you play for the Rangers?' That's good enough for me. If I played long enough and had enough of an impact that someone can at least remember that I wore the uniform that I played in for all those years."
(…a great statement on what sportsmanship and teamwork should be…)