Comments for December 10, 2012 at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Sun, 19 May 2013 03:31:13 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23497 The owners have to stand pat or face the possibility that during the next lockout (and we all know it is coming) their "new" position will be written on a chalkboard and thus worthless. The owners have to protect the costs from themselves after all it is the teams that offer up the contracts. The players and agents certainly ask for more but its the teams that pay for it. So this is essentially owner versus owners with cost certainty as the main issue. The players simply are a cog in the bigger wheels of the industry. They will pass through the system while the corporations, stadiums and board meetings extend out to infinity. I don't blame the players for holding out for more, most likely a majority of people reading this site would do the exact same thing. They will get it eventually too, they always do as the fans pay for talent in the uniform not the brand on it. If the talent is lacking the fans in the USA don't attend the games. Contracts will be subject to end runs by creative executives looking to sign players that will bring championships that boost overall team value. There are a lot of creative people out there negotiating contracts that will find a way around the system. They always do. Look no farther than the owners who will try and break their own rules to get ahead. They have to protect themselves against ... themselves. The sad part from where I sit is that the league has done immeasurable harm to the NHL brand. Losing a national TV deal and going with versus is no way to build brand value. Can you imagine the next time the NHL sits down with a major tv company ? yes thats right they are an unreliable 4th rate sport in the USA behind motor racing. They are harming their own long term value by holding out for short term cost certainty and then locking out the players again. Say by 2018 ? Sorry to be so harsh but the safest thing for the average fan was to simply write off the entire season and hope to be surprised before Springtime. I for one do not miss the NHL as I very much enjoy sim hockey. While it ain't the NHL its a pretty damn good substitute. I feel for guys like Dobber and the other media folk who have to cover this circus. A nice benefit is that when I have wanted to watch hockey this "gringo" can tune in and see the OHL or WHL and its great hockey. I never watched REAL Canadian hockey before and I love it. flame away boys - donpaulo Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:58:09 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23490 Here's the pledge..and it's fairly kind. If the league gets going for a second half, they can go f' themselves. If the second half (entire season) gets junked but the first half of next season is go...so what, wait til the second half. Basically, I think it's reasonable to give up one half of a season whenever it gets going. I'll still do my pool (free), still come to Dobber's site (the best one I've found yet) and get my fantasy guides etc. No tv, just stream etc..no merchandize etc.. "No soup for you, come back, one year"..... - shingy Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:17:28 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23489 Probably one of the better articles on the owners vs. NHLPA that I've read. The whole "monopoly" of hockey in North America has always made this fight advantage-owners. It doesn't help that the upper 25% of players can just jump overseas for a little Euro-vacation and still make a good buck. I feel terrible for the lower-tier NHLers that are losing a $600k or $1m or $2m salary and have no place to play this year. Brutal... another day... ho hum... - Pengwin7 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:32:35 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23486 Dobber - fair enough. I enjoy being a social media recluse...excepting a hockey forum, or so. Heh. Did get the wife to "like" it for me, and passing it on to the buds and poolies. Thx, I've been hoping someone a little more net-savvy would organize a fan/sponsor protest. If the media takes note, it might get some traction. - 2Evils Mon, 10 Dec 2012 05:19:35 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23484 Allen - absolutely right 2Evils - far be it for me to be the reason for your Facebook! If you held out this long, there must be another way! - Dobber Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:30:33 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23483 Donald Fehr is a more fehrsome opponent for the NHL because he works at creating unity .His key is communication.He has traveled the world to meet with players in an effort to keep them in the loop and of course keep them onside.It is no accident that Fehr has more loyalty than Goodenow ,he has earned it. - allen5938 Mon, 10 Dec 2012 04:28:25 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/home-mainmenu-1/24-rambling/5107-december-10-2012#comment-23481 Does this mean I finally have to open a facebook account ? Brrr. Please tell me there is some alternative ! - 2Evils Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:19:43 +0100