Kelly Out at NHLPA

This was the best kept secret in hockey and just leaked out a few days before Kelly was let go by the NHL players association. It seemed Kelly never understood his role as head boss of the NHLPA. He always was in the paper and in the media giving his opinions on what cities the NHL should go to and what networks they should be on. He sounded more like a Commissioner then a Union boss. Gary Bettman is going to move teams and do television deals in spite of what the union head says so I never understood the point of Kelly always trying to one up Bettman. The NHLPA Union head needs to protect the players from unjust management decisions both on the team level and the league level. Many times the league will soften a penalty or dismiss it when the union gets involved that’s his job. Also he or she needs to keep the NHL players making money in these tough economic times not only through the negotiations of the CBA but also in marketing players to corporate sponsors, licensees and television people. The next Union head should be a marketing person that can make money in between the CBA years. There are plenty of lawyers around to make sure the NHL is in compliance with the current CBA.

Collective Bargaining Agreements Coming up for NFL, NBA and MLS

Commissioners of these leagues couldn’t have timed these talks any better. Union officials from these three leagues are going to have a hard time arguing the economic struggles that all sports are having right now. Ticket revenue is down, corporate sponsors are harder and harder to come by and television deals will be declining in revenue in the near future. Players from these leagues have had it pretty good for a while and now it’s time for them to suffer a bit. I think these agreements coming up will see either the status quo or rollbacks. Players, Union officials and League management understand the task ahead of them. I believe if each side gives a little; the negotiations should come out ok. Unfortunately when guys get in the room sometimes it’s not that easy.

Canadians set to Close and Glendale Keeps Playing Hockey

It’s been a crazy summer for hockey fans and the drama created out in Glendale, Arizona just tops it off. I see the team staying in Arizona and owned by the White Sox owners, the Reisendorf family. The team may not end up in Glendale for years to come only time will tell but it will surely be there for the next year or so. The Molson family needs to close soon and they will on the Montreal Canadians. Two great owners are coming into the NHL.