Game On – Are U???

So after a long drawn out delay by both sides in the NHL dispute, many seem to think we should simply forget about it.

What happened to showing professionalism and having a trust for the fans and those who support them and give them a job.

Bobby Hull was one of those who played for the fans, unlike some today who play for the millions of dollars they make and at times, not performing for it.

The ones I personally feel sorry for are those who lost revenue during this lockout.

Those who park the cars (albeit far too much), those who sell coffee at the rink and those who at the pubs and restaurants in the surrounding area.

So now the NHL is back (so to speak) we will have players leave the AHL or the KHL to return thinking nothing was wrong. When this was on, why did they take jobs from other players?

How will this take it’s toll on the other leagues in various areas. Only time will tell?

While this was on we had and saw lots of great Minor, CIAU and Junior hockey in various areas. Great to have them play for the love of the sport.
So they have (maybe) signed a 10 year deal, which each side is able to opt out of after eight years.

Free-agent contracts are limited to a maximum length of seven year, but clubs can go to eight years to re-sign their own players.

The players share of hockey-related income drops from 7 % to a 50-50 split.

The salary cap for the upcoming season is $70.2 million and it will go down to $64.3 million in the 2013-14 season.

The salary in individual player contracts can not vary more than 35% year to year. In the final year it can not be more than 50% of the highest year.

While interesting to know and understand this, let’s not jump ship and forget about it completely.

Again in 20 years the NHL has had 4 lock-outs.

The lockout in 1994-95 was finally resolved in time for the NHL to stage and start a 48 game season after they finalized things in January.

The 2004-05 season was cancelled completely due to a lockout marking the first time in the history of the NHL that a Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919.

What and how will the Canucks change and what about player movement, such as Luongo? Will a short season help the Canucks?

Are the players ready to go, or will training camp be a work camp or relaxed camp.

Did anyone ever think about the officials that are not working during this camp? No they just kept going to the gym working out – wondering what if?

To think – it’s all about sport – or is it??