Season might be un-canceled Saturday
Labor negotiations have been a farce
I can only hope that both sides realize they owe to the game to allow common sense to prevail.
It wasn’t bad enough watching Gary Bettman’s sorry performance on Wednesday when he announced the cancellation of the NHL season. Now we have to be subjected to speculation that the season might actually be un-cancelled (did I just invent a word here?). It’s like being dumped by your fiancee as she’s walking up the aisle and then finding out that she wants a do-over. Whatever….
Several sources have told ESPN The Magazine’s EJ Hradek that a deal could be imminent that would un-cancel the 2004-05 season.
The Hockey News reported Friday that the NHL and the players’ association will meet Saturday in New York after the league requested the sides get together again. The Hockey News also reported the two sides had reached an agreement in principle that includes a $45 million salary cap.
So there might still be hockey played this season? Pardon me if I refrain from getting my hopes up just yet. If these reports are true, both sides should be commended for (finally) coming to their senses. I’m going to hold off on any displays of unbridled joy, because frankly there is as yet nothing to be joyful over.
I get the distinct feeling that there is a story taking place that has yet to be told. It would definitely be a good thing if both sides came to their senses and found a way to salvage the 2004-05 season. Having made my peace with the absence of NHL hockey, I’m not in any particular hurry to get my hopes up just yet. Call me cynical, but I’m tired of this whole testosterone-soaked pissing contest/greedfest. Show me something to be happy about, and I’ll take it under consideration. Until then, I’m going to work on becoming a fan of minor-league hockey. It’s not going to be easy….
Go Aeros!! Yeah, it’s going to take some work….
