In 1976 the Kansas City Scouts moved to Denver, Colorado, and became the Colorado Rockies of the NHL. The Rockies played in McNichols Arena, completed in 1975 at a cost of $16 million and it seated 16,061 for hockey.
The L.A. Kings’ first game in McNichols Arena was on November 28, 1976, and the game ended in a 6-6 tie in front of only 5,697 fans. Tommy Williams and Lorne Stamler each scored two goals for the Kings who built a 6-3 lead. Denis Dupere had two of three unanswered goals for the Rockies to force the tie.
The radio-TV and press facilities at McNichols were not ideal to say the least. A makeshift pressbox was set up for writers at one end of the arena behind the goal. It was a terrible view of the play at the opposite end over 200 feet away. The television booth was located at center ice but it also had its flaws. Once we were seated the only way for my partner, Nick Nickson, to leave the booth for an interview was to crawl through an open window frame out into the crowd. He was fortunate there was no glass in the frame.
During the intermission I would go on camera to give out of town scores and comment on what went on in the period. To go on camera, either at the open of the telecast or between periods, we had to stand on folding chairs with the danger of collapsing. To prevent falling, I would hold on with one hand to a railing in front of us. It was not viewable on camera so I don’t think viewers ever knew how precarious the situation was. Of course, they would have if we suddenly fell out camera view, which fortunately never happened.
The Rockies played six seasons in Denver and made the playoffs one time, losing in the first round. The Rockies then moved to New Jersey to become the Devils, starting with the 1982-83 season. The NHL was absent in Denver from 1982 until 1995 when the Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche.
In their first season in Denver, 1995-96, the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup. Former L.A. King and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Eddie Olczyk and I broadcast a playoff game for NHL Radio between the Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings that season. When the Nordiques arrived in Denver at the start of the season very few people were familiar with the players, but by playoff time almost everyone in Denver was wearing an Avalanche jersey with a players’ name on the back. I went into the gift shop at the hotel in which I was staying, and an elderly woman working there asked me in her faltering voice, ‘Do you think the Avalanche can win the Stanley Cup?’ I answered, ‘Oh, I hope so, you’ve been waiting so long, what is it now, six months?’
During the pre-game warm-up for that playoff game all the lights went out on our side of the arena but not over the ice or the opposite stands. Olczyk and I started our broadcast on the telephone, passing it back and forth to make comments. That lasted through two periods before the lights returned on our side of the arena.
McNichols Arena was demolished on January 24, 2000, after the Avalanche moved into the new Pepsi Center in 1999. I don’t believe any broadcasters were sorry to see McNichols fade into history.
Some of you are already aware of this via text, but for those of you who arent, there is a pizza get together on wednesday December 19th at Nicks Ristorante in Costa Mesa. Address, 2300 Harbor Blvd. Cross streets are Harbor and Wilson, and its in The Home Depot shopping center. It starts at 5:30 PM, and goes to 9:30 PM.
For those of you who have attended this event before, look forward to seeing you again. For first timers, you will be having some of the best New York Sicilian Pizza you have ever had.
Cant wait to see you out there, definately wear Kings gear, and Happy Holidays.
[Reply]
vplaza Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
@puck73,
Thanks for setting this up, puck! Looking forward to it!
[Reply]
OnTheFly Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@puck73,
Always a great time had by all. Thank you Puck.
Also for 1st timers, they have a lot more than just pizza, if pizza is not your thing.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
@puck73,
Pizza and wine were excellent. Can’t say as much about the conversation. All we talked about was Kings hockey. Imagine that.
[Reply]
Why is there no story or anything honoring David Courtney?
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
@aKinginVancouver, No Rich Hammond. And nobody has replaced him.
[Reply]
Debra Turull Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@aKinginVancouver, Even if Rich is not there, someone else could do it. I wonder if he was employed by the league and because of the stike they can’t comment. Luckily us bloggers have given him honor. I hope his family reads the nice comments from us.
[Reply]
Longtime Kings fan, and I am loving your stories of these bygone arenas, Bob!
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~I went into the gift shop at the hotel in which I was staying, and an elderly woman working there asked me in her faltering voice, ‘Do you think the Avalanche can win the Stanley Cup?’ I answered, ‘Oh, I hope so, you’ve been waiting so long, what is it now, six months?’~
That cracked me up!
I really felt bad for the city of Quebec when this went down. They had to endure the Lindros fiasco only to see all the assets they accrued in that trade win the Cup in another city.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:53 pm
@KOHO, I felt the same way when the quacks won the Cup, all those O.C. kens and barbies waited “all those long years” for a cup…that still burns me
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@Goring 19, The wierd situation is what got me. Scott Niedermayer decided he wanted to play with his brother, so the career 4th line NHL hanger on would sign with NJ right? No, 1st ballot hall of famer will take less to leave as a UFA the only team he has played for that drafted him 14 years prior and 12 years 3 cups. Next season another 1st ballot hall of famer has a wife that doesn’t like cold weather and wants to leave Edmonton. At the point this all breaks precious few teams have cap space to make the trade, and Pronger only wants to go to a team that was one of the last 4 remaining in the playoffs( well 3 minus Edm) well that and the cap space thing leaves just Anahiem so again with no skill involved they get a top 5 in the NHL guy in a gun to the head of Edm trade lossing far below market assets. Even with all these gifts from one can only imagine was from a deal with the devil(not the NJ ones, the one residing in hell) the could only win 1 cup. Perhaps that is all the deal accounted for?
[Reply]
SLG1013 Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 10:14 am
@luc20rules, If I remember correctly, Rob was an RFA (or still under contract with the Ducks), so the only way he and Scott could play together was for Scott to sign in Anaheim…
thanks for the memories, BOB…:)
[Reply]
uh oh…
they’re baaaa-aaaaaack…(!)
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=411086
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@variable, Bettman back talks dead and NHL pulls all offers off the table and states Make Whole will never be a part of any deal. So with Bettman back for a day it goes from contract max length & % of $ variance from yr to yr the only topics unresolved to all offers resinded, cancelation of the season, and union decertification. I am beginning to question if there will be NHL next year or even ever again the way we know it. I could see an alternate league start up.
This is how Bettman negotiates and this is why we are where we are now.
[Reply]
Cesar Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
@luc20rules, Why would you still side with the player? Fehr’s move tonight proves to me that he only cares about winning a negotiation.
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Duncanz Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
@Cesar, Excellent post. Screw the greedy capitalist Burns’s!!!
ps Ooh, have the language rules changed since the mike jocks took over?
pps Players aren’t capitalists too, are they?
Thanks Bob I hope all is well, and another great story thanks again.
[Reply]
espn thinks the same way many of us do…
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/20599/make-or-break-day-in-cba-negotiations
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Lake Forest Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@variable, I thought this at Thanksgiving. Not getting my hopes up!
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Another breakdown in CBA talks. I mean who didn’t expect this?
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Wow … surprising announcement fron Don Fehr. Says they have agreement in many areas including make whole provision, pension plan, transition payment, and 8 year agreement. And he also says there are only few areas still need to be discussed but they are very close to make an agreement. Really? Is he telling the truth???
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@goldielocks,
Then again, they never done the same math … so this could be only PA side story.
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Lake Forest Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@goldielocks, read my mind. He always says somethign like that. I’ll believe it when a CBA is done!
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goldielocks Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
@Lake Forest,
Don Feah is now returning to the podium with Crosby and others. Is he gonna say “I was just kidding!”
goldielocks Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
@Lake Forest,
He says NHL truned down the PA’s proposal by voice-mail.
JermainFranklin @TSNJFranklin
Don Fehr just said “5 years is a long time.” Then why isn’t it long enough for maximum player contracts? Interesting #nhl #TSN
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@Lake Forest, HA! good point.
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Not happening
[Reply]
No agreement, talks are over and nothing planned anytime soon………. So there you go!
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Can they also make an agreement over the voicemail?
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luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
@goldielocks, Yes, but it would likely be to agree to disagree.
[Reply]
Thank you Bob for the insights. Die Hard Kings fan since 1969 so your blogs about the old days are really fun to read. Any chance Kingsvision will replay your interview with Bernie that was streamed last night? I was not able to watch it. Kings hockey is such a huge part of my life. The lockout is so hard on the fans and the people that make a living from the games. Let’s all hope for some common sense to appear.
[Reply]
On a happier note I saw Social distortion at HOB in Anaheim……
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CB14 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@Lake Forest, I hope they played “Reach for the Sky”, because that’s a perfect fit for this lockout. “Reach for the sky cause tomorrow will never come.”
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luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
@CB14, Different group, but I think “otherside” is more approriate by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers maybe more appropriate. Translated as we may die before seeing some NHL.
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Duncanz Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
@BC14,,
Yeah I got faith
But sometimes fear it just weighs too much I don’t want to feel
Cold winds blowin’ through me like an empty touch
I’ve been a waitin’, oh waiting for some kind of a sign
I try to separate
Try to separate my body from my mind
Cold feelings in the night
You know this feeling just aint right
And tho’ I try I just can’t hide
Cold feelings in the night
Cold feelings in the night
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how many times can you sit at a table…for hours and hours…stare across to the other side…and not lose yr friggin’ mind on what it will take for a settlement…
i have this vision…of Fehr and Bettman…at some undisclosed flophouse…sitting across from each other…and passing the gun back and forth in a never-ending game of Russian roulette…a la deniro and walken…and bettman is playing deniro and has decided to add a third bullet to the barrel…and Fehr (walken) can’t pull the trigger because he begins to realize that if he fires a bullet, it in essence, kills them both…
and that’s my magic bullet theory for the day…
[Reply]
Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
@variable, haha mindblowing
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:45 pm
@variable,
Maybe they all like each other’s cologne?
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caught game three on fsn last nite……. damn i really miss hockey……………
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Bettman says the Make Whole provision is now off the table. Bring on Decertification!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
@CB14, Bettman with the Knee-Jerk reaction without the Knee. Maybe hockey next year? It came down to just 1 issue of contract length and $ variance from year to year, and this is what will cancel the season? Doesn’t it seem as thought the owners and players should have tried to work out the details or even let the players and owners vote on each proposal. Or just say 6 year max as a compromise and 7.5% variance from year to year. Wow! No wonder MLS is snapping at the NHLs heels to become the 4th major sport. Far worse product, but this type of disfunction at the top just destroys everything.
[Reply]
another quality effort by the nhl and nhlpa… think i am actually starting to side with the owners.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
@11 or 3, Really pulling everything off the table and going home with the puck. That is sure the best way to resolve this for sure with only one item left to negotiate.
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To summarize, the proposal that NHL made with $300 mil was bound to 10 year deal which means it was a total package deal. And PA’s answer was they like these parts but they don’t like those parts so they are cherry picking the deal. Some owners turned purple from PA’s response and felt there is no reason to negotiate farther so they sent Bill Daly alone to hear whether their answer is yes or no. Apparently, PA’s response wasn’t yes so he went back to the owner and voicemailed S. Fehr that PA’s cherry-picking proposal is unacceptable … yeah it was a roller coaster.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
@goldielocks, if the 5 year lentgh of a players contract is holding this up …then f.ck. the players. Only a few players would be effected….
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
@Neil, Its also the % $ variance from yr to yr in the contract. You know what many GMs used to curcumvent the Salary Cap on a players contract by adding small $ retiree years to the end of long contracts.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:17 pm
@luc20rules,
that’s a big one right there, buddy….
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:25 pm
@goldielocks,
apparently, fehr was quoted today saying “5 years is a long time”…
well, what is 7 years then….?
how ’bout 8…?
10…???
if you guys can’t even decide on how to equate HRR and are still squabbling on the length of any CBA…and it’s december 6th…all the optimism we started to feel yesterday has been quashed today…and as much as i’ve backed the players and fehr up to this point, we are way past the point of diminishing returns…
tell me, what else can they say to each other at this point…?
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
@variable,
I don’t know if this is 100% true but … from deep inside players side: “We were ready to play again. But Don came in (Wed.) and told us we could get more and to hold out”
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
@goldielocks, link?
goldielocks Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
@CB14,
See the reply @variable below.
Dear Santa,
Please make sure you have enough coal for the NHL owners and players with a really big piece reserved for the Evil Load.
Thank You,
Kings Fan
PS – Is it too late to ask for pony?
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@DesertKing,
Stop working around…….
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
@Kingsfanone,
Uhhh……thought I typed “horsing”
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@Kingsfanone,
You must be my mom because she said “no” too. Ever since I shot my eye out with my Red Ryder……….
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Donald Fehr’s so called tough negotiation stance strikes again and causes NHL CBA to be derailed. This week just proves to me that Donald Fehr only cares about winning a negotiation over the NHL. As soon as Fehr he is brought back into the negotiations stupid moves are made by him to cause the NHL to take off the make whole proposal off the table. I just do not understand why NHL players cannot see Donald Fehr for what he truly is! Kings fans should start tweeting all the Kings players with twitter accounts and ask them why they support Donald Fehr and his brother. What a terrible day for hockey today!!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@Cesar, Tragic day for hockey, but its Bettman’s inner JERK that pulls all offers from the table. Its not time to pull everything off the bargaining table when a resolution is this close. I want to know whos decision it was to let these clowns back into the process. I really feel another 2 or 3 days with them on the sidelines would have resulted in a deal. Everyone should take a breathe and put the last offer on the table, and hash out the last elements that both can live with. Contract Length & % $ Variance from year to year is not enough to scrap a season. I say put the offer from the NHL to a full NHLPA vote. If that fails then see what can be resolved on that issue.
[Reply]
Neil Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
@luc20rules, read the owners statement….(i know its their point of view but consider Fehr’s history)..seems like it was going good till Fehr got involved….
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
@Neil, This is an article the owners statements.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/21296498/nhl-lockout-owners-issue-statements-leafs-tanenbaum-disillusioned
Yes, it was Fehr(s) that ended the player/owner discussions and had Bettman & Don Fehr comeback. Yes, that is the main problem, and perhaps realistically ends the season today for all intents and purposes. It is however Bettman being Bettman to pull the offer off the table instead of trying to fix it. He has a long history of taking his toys and going home. If the NHL didn’t pull things off the table would things be so dire or still on the cusp of being resolved?
CB14 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
@Neil, “consider Fehr’s history” FEHR’s history? I like how you just gloss over Gary Bettman’s history. 3 lockouts, including a whole season lost because of a lockout. Fehr hasn’t accomplished that (yet).
CB14 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
@Neil, P.S. I’m not saying Fehr’s a saint, but you can’t just label his as the problem because of his history when the guy he’s negotiating with has an even worse history.
Back in the mid to late 70′s I used to commute to Denver from So. California.
I really enjoyed going to games at McNichols Arena or as the locals called it ‘Big Mac.’
It was located next to Mile High Stadium.
Though they didn’t have too many sellouts at ‘Big Mac’, they were throughly entertained by ‘KRAZY’ GEORGE, the team’s mascot.
What a character he was.
I also met Bob Miller and Pete Webber as well.
It was Pete’s first year as color analyzt for the Kings.
Back then I was a KINGS fan and I have never changed through thick or thin
GREAT MEMORIES and fun days and nights at ‘BIG MAC.’.
[Reply]
Forget about it… the season is lost.
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I like how Gary Bettman required the new owners who were brought in to the negotiating room to write thank you notes to him. Very 7 year oldish.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=411128
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
@CB14,
it’s the thin blue wall of the nhl…
i thought i read the same statement five times…
unbelievable…we have to remind those who are now so “forthcoming” to resolve this disaster that they were the root cause of this whole clusterpluck in the first place…?
can you say fubar, still…?
[Reply]
as the days continue without hockey, there’s plenty of blame to go around…
however…
neither fehr or bettman will ever be considered for a nobel prize…
[Reply]
Perhaps it’s for the best, @Michael.
There’s be something inauthentic about a sawn off season, anyway.
Perhaps a fresh, complete season is what will ultimaty be best for hockey, although there’s no arguing that the gloss has already been well and truly sanded off the League and our long awaited campaign for a Kingpeat.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Duncanz, It’s alive, it’s ALIVE, it’s ALIVE!!!
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
@Duncanz,
Dude……..good to see your name on here! Missed you immensely!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
@Duncanz,
I knew it!! Hi Rich!!!
[Reply]
neil Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
@Duncanz, almost as good as hockey coming back!!!! glad to see that you are back!!!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
@Duncanz,
well, well, well…
…:)…:)…:)…(!)
i know you’ve been alive…(won’t divulge my sources)…good to see yr name here…again…:)
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Wow, I should get chucked in the clink for heresy and plagiarism and uncivil disobedience and plagiarism more often!
Hi Yawl.
Greatest bunch of freakin’ fans in the world – Kings fans that is … you know that’s what I meant.
So @Dessert, wanna sit in the press box at the LAC one Sat with me??
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
@Duncanz,
Only if you promise to take the blog back after the CBA is signed
Duncanz Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 10:40 pm
@DessertKing,
Stranger things have happened …. but they were all in Doc Emrick’s crazed commentaries … incl no live Bob & Jimmy on 6/11/12.
Michael J. Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 8:20 am
@Duncanz,
Wow! The second coming!
I’m torn. I hate it. But they need a “season”.
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Hey @Michael J., mate.
I’m torn too, but I figure it’s my indulgent side that wants to see hockey just for the sake of seeing hockey.
Can’t help an overriding fear that the longer this goes on and the more contracted (npi) the season becomes then the less fulfilling it will be, especially as a follow up season for us.
[Reply]
The one thing I can guarantee when this lockout finally ends is us fans will be paying more for tickets, merchandise, concessions & parking. This seasons lost money will be made back by both sides with higher costs. Bet the bank on it! Us fans will get screwed twice. Once for the lockout & again with higher costs when all is said & done. I feel really sad & pissed off at the same time that these so called NHL & NHLPA basterds willingly let this happen yet again.
Rant over!
That is all……………
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 7:20 am
@King Alex, +1. The VERY best fans of any league being treated the VERY worst by any league. No better Kings fans than the ones here on the Insiders blog but the wounds the NHLPA and the NHL are inflicting on us are so deep and may never heal.
[Reply]
Thanks so much, Bob! I attended many games at “Big Mac”, even still have a Rockies jersey! Now my daughter and I attend games, me in a Kings jersey, and her in a Nordiques one. She refuses to acknowledge the move.
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The NHLPA & Fehrs must feel like a contestant on Deal or No Deal that ended up with a $2 suitcase when they could have banked out at $400,000.
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Well this is all really horrible! I would look at the 5% interest on my Season Ticket Deposit being something, but I am guessing that next year IF the NHL is back the price increase will be far greater.
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I fear the NHL fanbase has been more fractured then the resolve of the NHLPA. Next up, Decertification which really means next season is in jeopardy too as the whole affair slowly slogs itself thru the Courts.
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Why can’t grow men get along ? If the women were
at the table this whole thing would have been settled
tonight instead of over oh well
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
@Howling, Get in there, girl, you’ve got my backing.
I know you’ll do a lot better job than all those chauvinistic males at that Mad Hatter’s party.
And take your lad’s magic hockey jersey along for good measure!
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 5:38 am
@Duncanz, thank you are right it was lucky for
a cup win after fourty five years who knows
Everyone hang in there what’s a Kings fan to do
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:17 am
@Gailweb,
That wasn’t “luck.” Our team kicked everyone’s a$$, dominated every round of the playoffs, realized their full potential, and are now the best team in the NHL.
GailWeb Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 11:01 am
@Gailweb, I meant the Jersey my son wore was yes luck for sure, he started wearing it and they won seven games in a row and they even after that they were doing so much better as long as he wore the Reign jersey I bought him at auction as my son only goes to hockey because I love it he does not, I know it was the jersey and my love for hockey and trying to make him as well even like it that was sort of a magic charm, hey what ever works I say, thanks
luc20rules Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@Gailweb, I’d pay good money to see Fehrs, Daly, & Bettman pulled away by the ear while whinning in pain.
[Reply]
so funny…
life is such a volatile fluid…the ebb and flow…the zenith and the nadir…
and the twist of the minds in preparation of something perhaps ghostly positive…which probably say more about us….
as roy ayres is wont to sing…searching, searching, searching…
anyway…i thought i’d re-post how some of us were in search of optimism’s flames…and only got travels in nihilon…
enjoy the swing of the heartache…:
goldielocks says:
December 6, 2012 at 12:46 am
Make whole provision upped from $211 mil to $300 mil but that still won’t cover the existing contracts. Will players give in? Don’t think so. Bettman and Fehr will butt in again and blow whole things up.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:03 am
@goldielocks, My theory that the negotiations were stalled not because Bettman is an idiot, but because he is a jerk is beginning to show. I don’t think certain owners would let Bettman back in this negotiation room. The main thing that worries me is not the NHLPA voting 50+% on a new CBA that is worked out in these meetings, but that the owners will vote the 24+ out of 30 owners for a new CBA. I am wondering who is going to go to the gamees. Most people I have talked to are exteremely turned off and have focused on other sports or activities. Its just sad, but I think the NHL has set itself back atleast 2 years, and likely 5 years if the full season is cancelled. At least minus Bettman and Fehr they are meeting for 12+ hours a day and showing the commitment to negotiating that we hoped would take place in Sept. Despite it all I still want a NHL season. Part of it is wanting the Kings to have a chance to defend the cup, and understanding the possible damage a full season lockout would have to a sport that I love. Well thats my late night rant for today.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@luc20rules,
i was feeling very bleak about the whole process, too…
but in many ways, this whole insane, dysfunctional and endless bargaining/lockout will either heal wounds or only cause future strife and distrust in the coming years….
but after reading the owners backing down a bit more on several key player concerns, you get the feeling that certain promises MUST be kept this time around, if they are gonna go a possible full-decade (there’s an op-out option after 8 years),without revisiting the whole nightmarish, mathematical maze of confusion as to how to agree upon what real future HRR is/will be…and how it’s gonna be shared throughout the duration of many current careers…
i don’t think hockey is gonna die this year – once again, i’m putting aside my disappointment on how and why people (owners/bettman) do the things the way they do do them…hockey will survive…
sure – there’s gonna be flack and bitterness from the many…
but…
considering that nobody is bigger than the sport, you end up back to where you start – a hockey fan…
hey, i might not be willing to shell out the cash for games or even decline to get center ice for the first time since 2003….
but i’m a fan of the sport…i love my team…i love that we are the champions…and i love the people on this team and behind it because we all went through hell together – as a member of the KINGdom…
so…do ya’ feel like grabbing either fehr or bettman…or both…by the neck and watch them slowly fade-out…like in the grip of a sergeant slaughter sleeper hold…???
fine…hold yr own vigil…buy the pinatas and start…eh, um…whacking…and go watch basketball or soccer or hug yr kids more often or volunteer to donate blood or whatever you want with yr want time and money you designated for hockey prior…it’s all good…and you have every right…
life is a fluid situation…sometimes you have to drink the poison to find its cure…and by doing so, how one reflects upon the journey is what creates the memories…
well, my memories of last year will stay with me forever…and so will my love for the sport – it will never be ruined by anyone…because, remember…nobody’s bigger than the sport….
(well….maybe gretzky was….but still…(!))
[Reply]
7MILforHickey Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 3:53 am
@variable, ^best post i have ever read on this blog.
DesertKing Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 7:19 am
@luc20rules,
So if a significant number of “new” Kings full and half season ticket holders returned their packages, can I please get my 10 pack in section 214 back with priority for all of the play offs instead of one game per round?
[Reply]
Michael J. Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:23 am
@DesertKing,
The best thing about the lockout is that the bandwagonners will be gone once the dust settles. You will get your 10 game pack, and I will once again be able to log on to stubhub at 4:30 and pay 15 bucks a piecs for tickets, or just watch from home.
If the season had started on time we’d both be out of luck.
luc20rules Reply:
December 6th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
@DesertKing, I would also push for complimentory Macho Nachos from Camacho’s. Stay thirsty my friend.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
@variable,
I really don’t know which way this drama swings but it is obvious that Don Fehr once again pissed owners off. If involving the media was his strategy, then it was a plain stupid idea by getting ahead of the agreement without any consent from NHL.
Owners actually told players if Don Fehr comes back, talk will end but players are no experts in the area so they called Don Fehr in.
This morning Mathieu Schneider denies that Don Fehr told players to hold out for more this week when deal seemed close on NHL Radio but the source that Don Fehr’s intervention stands tall on his words.
[Reply]
open up training camp…invite the players and lets start playing….either you are in or you are out…..
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:21 am
@Neil,
Better yet, put Bettman and Fehr in a burlap sack together. Throw them off a bridge into a river. Whoever comes to the surface first and alive is the winner. Or, place each one in goal with no protective equipment. The one who stops the most Zedeno Charro shots wins.
[Reply]
You gotta love the rich irony of the owners’ position, After falling all over themselves to give absurdly long contracts to hot commodity players – including several given just before the cba expired – they declare that a 5 year maximum contract is a hill they will die on. For years they willingly fed player appetites for long term contracts, and now make any deal contingent on prohibiting that which they created themselves!!! I am at the point where I no longer care who is at fault here, but this position by the owners has STUPID written all over it.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
@rick,
I’m going to try to post this one more time. If the original ever shows up, I apologize in advance for the double post.
I think the Owner’s “Hill of Death” is indeed, as you say, STUPID. However, it might be, in the long run, ILLEGAL as well. It hinges on when the Owners decided which hill they were going to die on. The “make whole” argument is linked to this as well.
EXAMPLE: Lombardi, Leiweke and Anschutz offer Mike Richards a contract with a 12 year term. Richards accepts that contract at the Agreed upon terms. Both sides negotiated in Good Faith. Now, we hear that NHL Owners will die on the hill of a 5 year contract length limit. Richards did not sign his contract under some uncertain future CBA, he signed it under the last, and in force at the time, CBA. Unless there is some clause stating otherwise in Richards’ contract, and for all I know there could be, the terms of the contract are what is on paper, signed by all Parties and dated. The CBA going into the future might change, but for Richards, the specifics were outlined and agreed to prior to any change, under the rules outlined at the time of signing.
Why then is there even any discussion about “make whole”? The Kings, by offering and signing the contract, were prepared to meet their obligations under that contract. That should change because of a NEW set of rules (future CBA)? Could you not make a case that contracts signed prior to the expiration of the old CBA remain legal and binding for the term of the contract? And since that contract is between Richards and the LA Kings, on what grounds can the NHLPA and NHL impose changes post facto to that Agreement?
Daly’s “die on that hill” comment could well open the door to a flurry of legal battles that could tear the NHL apart. Richards, Quick, Carter, Doughty, Kopitar and Brown might well have the legal grounds to walk away from the Kings, claiming that the Kings were not negotiating in Good Faith when they signed their contracts. I am in no way saying that the Kings were anything but honest and straight forward when they offered and inked the deals for the mentioned players.
However, I may have some serious questions as to, say, the Minnesota Wild’s 13 year contracts with Parise and Suter, signed mere days before the lockout. It seems to me to be common sense that you either stand by the terms of the contracts you sign, or you don’t. The “make whole” discussion is for the Owners to work out amongst themselves. The NHLPA has no business even discussing that. Take it off the table. Let Bettman figure it out with his band of Merry Owners. They dug that hole themselves. They can build their own ladders to get out.
Make it simple and get it done:
1. Split related income 50/50 right now.
2. CBA good for 10 years, with a 60 day “adjustment negotiation period” starting on July 1 of the 7th year.
3. First Contract, RFA and UFA rules remain the same.
4. Maximum contract Length to be 6 years.
5. Each team may name one “Franchise Player” with a contract term of 10 years.
6. Performance Bonuses allowed, but counted against the next season’s Cap Hit.
7. A Player’s Annual Cap Hit = total Contract Salary divided by Contract Length.
8. A League Parity Tax, or 60/40 gate split (ala NFL) to assure all teams are equal in monies available for player salaries (equal Cap Hit).
There.
Done.
Drop the Puck.
[Reply]
I’m sick of hearing about the CBA talks going nowhere. I just want my Limited Edition Stanley Cup Kings book w/DVD, leather cover and game 6 glass already. I’ve been waiting since 9/14/12 for this thing and I’m going nuts on not having it yet.
[Reply]
GailWeb Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@DaveinSD, Sorry but they are making you wait for the leather book? The regular book and dvd came out and was deliver a long time ago to us Kings fans? But a glass sorry never heard of a glass out?
Thanks
[Reply]
DaveinSD Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@GailWeb, there 2 versions of the commemorative book w/DVD. the $60 one and the $450 one. I ordered the expensive one. Do some more research and you will find what I am talking about…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
@DaveinSD,
I bet the NHL won’t let them cut up the glass portions yet until they figure out their cut from the Kings and Staples Center. You paid top dollar, supported your team financially and spiritually, and the NHL will still screw you. Good luck and congrats on getting the Game 6 glass (when it gets there!).
If the Kings hadn’t won the Cup this year, I don’t know if I would have returned as a hockey fan after this horrible off-season.
DaveinSD Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
@DaveinSD, You know I thought the same thing on the NHL holding my order because of the Lockout. But AEG TeamLAStore told me they are waiting on the manufacturer and the lockout is not holding up my order. So I wait…
GailWeb Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@DaveinSD, I know about the two different books for sure no research is needed, but there was no mention of glass
DaveinSD Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
@GailWeb, Read here GailWeb: Special Limited Edition – $450
Includes the DVD with the Fox/Miller call, a piece of authentic board glass from game 6 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, leather binding, and a presenting container!
Only 450 of this edition will be printed.
[Reply]
I think players should vote for whether they should accept the latest offer from owners. But I doubt it’s going to happen because Don Fehr once said he is no fan of democracy. He wants to carry this on with only handful of people and he has no guts to take votes from playe4rs because he already knows the outcome.
[Reply]
Fehr is telling the players wait till january to get a better deal…..this was heard on the nhl radio station…
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GailWeb Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@neil, one word WoW
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Gmo Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
@neil,
Fehr is a tool
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With all of the charitable programs that the NHL teams participate in, and all of the money they raise, you have to wonder what kind of financial hit these charities are taking due to the lockout? Bah Humbug to you Ebeneezer Bettman.
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I am getting more and more furious, if that was even possible. People who HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING off Hockey being played (no I don’t mean the players and owners, I mean vendors, ticket agents, parking attendants, etc. ) get their hours cut BECAUSE A SMALL MINORITY OF IDIOTS CAN’T STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN.
Fehr, PUT THE LATEST OFFER UP TO A VOTE. YOU REPRESENT THE PLAYERS, ACT LIKE IT!!!!!! If they approve it and we play Hockey YOU HAVE DONE YOUR JOB.
Owners, STOP THINKING YOU CAN FORCE THE PLAYERS UNION TO DO FOR YOU WHAT ****YOU**** NEED TO DO FOR YOURSELF!!!!!!! If you don’t want players to have 10 year contracts, the solution is simple. DON’T OFFER THEM. NOBODY IS FORCING YOU TO. If you aren’t making the money you want, run your business better. That’s YOUR job. The players are being paid to PLAY HOCKEY not to promote and build your team. Solve your OWN problems.
And Bettman, since I feel charitable today I will simply call you a clueless moron that gets paid 8 million a year to destroy the sport and fail to provide ANY leadership WHATSOEVER. You do not walk up to a guy in a bar, shove him, and when he shoves you back whine “he started it” when the Cops come. YOU ended negotiation and YOU took the offer off the table. YOU DID. I repeat, YOU DID. Did you hear me you stupid moron? YOU DID. Get back in that room, listen to what the union will and will not compromise on, tell them what you will and won’t, and make another offer. THAT is what is called negotiation. Acting like a 2 tear old and taking concessions off the table because you didn’t get what you wanted is childish and not helpful. YOU ARE BEING PAID TO LEAD. ACT LIKE IT.
Sorry about the screaming but I am at wits end.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Nice rant! I’ve gotta agree with you!
Good for you!
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@HockeyNerd, +1
To answer your question about Fehr not putting the owners proposal to a vote, apparently they couldn’t put it to a vote because it wasn’t a full formal offer. That’s what a player said to ESPN.com in an article from Pierre LeBrun.
Here’s the link http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/20628/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 11:47 pm
@HockeyPhone,
If that’s charity I’d hate to see you when you decide to let loose.
You sound like an angry congressman.
Your spelling’s a lot better these days, your temperament hasn’t altered much.
#supportourunclegaries
[Reply]
done!
[Reply]
I’m watching the Calgary Hitman vs the Edmonton Oil Kings , and ALEX ROACH ( KINGS prospect ) is freaking amazing. He seems to be very agile, fast for his size. Big boy too
Go KINGS Go
[Reply]
You can’t tell me that GMs around the league haven’t honored for the most part the gentlemens agreement not to go after RFAs. No is when someone comes in and says there is no agreement? But seriously if the same thing was done with contract length for other teams UFAs I would think it would be respected.
[Reply]
Rob Scuderi on What outcome would b if players voted w/ Make whole now $300 MIL, “I think guys would be open to the 300 million make whole.’
[Reply]
Gmo Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@goldielocks,
I think that if it was put to a vote , most players would go for it. Fehr and a small % of players are dictating what is going on. Sad
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
@goldielocks, Perhaps if a large # of players contact Fehr or their team union rep(the Kings is Westgarth) and tell them this maybe a player if not one of the Fehrs can ask the NHL to submit their last proposal as a complete CBA, then the players could vote on it. What the NHL did was ask the NHLPA to say Yes or No to specific issues and said the rest could be worked out if all 3 answers were Yes.
I’m hoping nothing is actually off the table and if the NHL is given the items or very close to them they will draft an full CBA that the players can vote on.
I will not be holding by breath though. This is starting to remind me of friends going thru a divorse and all the sudden the wife going after the husband’s childhood baseball card collection. The husband response is to go after her great grandmother’s pasted down quilt.
Just sad.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 12:21 am
@luc20rules,
I think they are still on the table. It’s that posturing thing again. Owners are pissed off right now because they felt like Don Fehr > 6 owners to players. But they must understand that players are not experts in certain area. It’s not disrespect towards the owners. They both have had cooling down by now, and when they calm down a little bit, hopefully the negotiation will start again.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 7th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
@goldielocks, I am being to wonder as a fan where is my make whole provision?
[Reply]
all part of fehr’a strategy…????
well…
mike wilbon of espn’s pti fame predicted that if a deal was to be done this season, it would have to be the 1st or 2nd week of december…i’ve agreed with him throughout this stupidity….
but as morrissey would reflect…”..but now i’m not so sure…?”
the idea of the player’s missing a fourth paycheck would be human league ( do or die…sorry for the constant musical ref’s the last few days…but…i can’t help myself…ooops…i did it again…
75/25 we have no season…
anyone else want to post heir odds…?
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 12:05 am
@variable,
I have this feeling things are going to change again this weekend.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 9:27 am
@variable, Whole thing looked like a set up by Bettman and some of the owners to get the players, fans and media at odds with Fehr. Give everyone the feeling we are about to close and as soon as Fehr walks into the room we leave acting like Fehr is the obstruction.
Owners would just love to deal with only the players and not a professional. It would also serve notice for future Fehr types to perhaps avoid the NHL because of how weak the player union really is.
OTOH it is hard to imagine the players turning their noses up to the kind of money that is out there. It is common to think the NHL players are paid less than all the other sports, but ironically their average pay is higher than the NFL. 4.5 million average is not chicken feed.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
@KC23,
I think the Owner’s “Hill of Death” is indeed, as you say, STUPID. However, it might be, in the long run, ILLEGAL as well. It hinges on when the Owners decided which hill they were going to die on. The “make whole” argument is linked to this as well.
EXAMPLE: Lombardi, Leiweke and Anschutz offer Mike Richards a contract with a 12 year term. Richards accepts that contract at the Agreed upon terms. Both sides negotiated in Good Faith. Now, we hear that NHL Owners will die on the hill of a 5 year contract length limit. Richards did not sign his contract under some uncertain future CBA, he signed it under the last, and in force at the time, CBA. Unless there is some clause stating otherwise in Richards’ contract, and for all I know there could be, the terms of the contract are what is on paper, signed by all Parties and dated. The CBA going into the future might change, but for Richards, the specifics were outlined and agreed to prior to any change, under the rules outlined at the time of signing.
Why then is there even any discussion about “make whole”? The Kings, by offering and signing the contract, were prepared to meet their obligations under that contract. That should change because of a NEW set of rules (future CBA)? Could you not make a case that contracts signed prior to the expiration of the old CBA remain legal and binding for the term of the contract? And since that contract is between Richards and the LA Kings, on what grounds can the NHLPA and NHL impose changes post facto to that Agreement?
Daly’s “die on that hill” comment could well open the door to a flurry of legal battles that could tear the NHL apart. Richards, Quick, Carter, Doughty, Kopitar and Brown might well have the legal grounds to walk away from the Kings, claiming that the Kings were not negotiating in Good Faith when they signed their contracts. I am in no way saying that the Kings were anything but honest and straight forward when they offered and inked the deals for the mentioned players.
However, I may have some serious questions as to, say, the Minnesota Wild’s 13 year contracts with Parise and Suter, signed mere days before the lockout. It seems to me to be common sense that you either stand by the terms of the contracts you sign, or you don’t. The “make whole” discussion is for the Owners to work out amongst themselves. The NHLPA has no business even discussing that. Take it off the table. Let Bettman figure it out with his band of Merry Owners. They dug that hole themselves. They can build their own ladders to get out.
Make it simple and get it done:
1. Split related income 50/50 right now.
2. CBA good for 10 years, with a 60 day “adjustment negotiation period” starting on July 1 of the 7th year.
3. First Contract, RFA and UFA rules remain the same.
4. Maximum contract Length to be 6 years.
5. Each team may name one “Franchise Player” with a contract term of 10 years.
6. Performance Bonuses allowed, but counted against the next season’s Cap Hit.
7. A Player’s Annual Cap Hit = total Contract Salary divided by Contract Length.
8. A League Parity Tax, or 60/40 gate split (ala NFL) to assure all teams are equal in monies available for player salaries (equal Cap Hit).
There.
Done.
Drop the Puck.
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@IceGuy, I think you are forgetting that there was an escrow account in the last CBA so players NEVER got every penny that their contracts were written for because their collective salaries could never exceed 57% of established HRR.
luc20rules Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
@IceGuy, In the real world it is many things in sports are illegal, but that is why all sports leagues have CBAs to institute rules and pay schedules/caps that would be illegal otherwise. The very use of a Salary Cap violates anti-trust monopoly type laws. This is why one possible moves is to de-certify the union and take the owners to court.
luc20rules Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
@KC23, 2.5 mil/yr is average for NHL players as of last year.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
@luc20rules, But your right that is not chicken feed either.
Michael J. Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@variable,
99/1 – no season.
“Donald Fehr, he’s the reason for no season”
[Reply]
Happy birthday to drew doughty!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
@anayalation1377,
Heading to the Reign game and wearing DD’s jersey in honor of his birthday. Haven’t worn it since the victory parade and rally.
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@DesertKing, have a good time
Happy Birthday Drew!
[Reply]
anayalation1377 Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
@DesertKing, that’s awesome! I’ve been wanting to go to A reign game. I miss hockey so much. I gotta support Cliffy.
[Reply]
went last weekend to see the reign… cliffy had one bobby orr like goal. he was ridiculous… not sure if anyone else saw that… oh and got to get the paws on our cup finally…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 8th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@11 or 3,
Clifford not playing tonight.
[Reply]
@IceGuy,
x
[Reply]
With the NHL & NHLPA not talking no news is bad news. There are precious few days left to get things done new as well.
[Reply]
NHL + NHLPA have had actual conversations (not just email) this weekend and likely will talk again today, but no meetings are scheduled yet.
[Reply]
Gailweb Reply:
December 9th, 2012 at 9:29 am
@goldielocks, now they need to play nice with
the other children
[Reply]
Bettman and Fehr need to watch “Miracle.” Again.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
December 9th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
@DesertKing, What makes you think they ever have?
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 9th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Good point. Again!
[Reply]
Yeah, just drop it already …
http://vimeo.com/55149830
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
December 9th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@goldielocks, The problem with this kind of thing is that if all of you who are signing your name think in any way, shape or form it is going to either 1) make negotiations go quicker, 2) “send a message” to the owners (or players, Fehr, Bettman, take your pick) or 3) that they will in any way, shape or form care about this, you are VERY sadly mistaken.
It’s a free country and sign or boycott what you wish. But know this: the only people you will be hurting in the end are the parking attendants, vendors, and team employees who DON’T make hundreds of thousands a year. Nobody else will care.
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@HockeyNerd, I would not be so quick to judge. Nerd. If enough of us do band together we can in a small way make a diffrence. But it would need to take a large number of us to do it. Just drop the puck. Here in utah NOBODY cares. Hockey is going to get hurt if it cancels the season. Thing is last time we all came back. Like a black labordor who keeps taking an asswhippin and licks your face. I’m taking the pledge.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, Nobody is judging you. Do what you feel is right. You are not the one who is acting like a little child, throwing temper tantrums and canceling negotiations because the players union “cherry picked” your offer. Just like the people who cannot go to work right now, you are the victim of all this, not able to watch a sport you love. And you are sick and tired of being a victim and I fully understand.
But all protest efforts have to have a goal and again I ask: what is the goal here? What do you think will happen? Are you really naive enough to believe this is going to cause negotiations to be scheduled? For Bettman and Fehr and a small group of owners to act reasonable? For this very thing NOT to happen in 5, 7, or 10 years. For Bettman and Fehr to EVEN BE AWARE you are doing this?
As Dr. Phil says “get Real”. And “How’s that working for you up to now?”.
As for me I will be there whether its next year, next month, tommorow, whenever.
Because the sport of Hockey is bigger than a handful of clueless idiots who think they are in charge of it.
Buehler? Buehler? er, I mean Bettman? Bettman?
[Reply]
Hello Everyone!!! Yes it is I your friend from the Salt Lake City Utah. Over on the CBC Hockey web page they are having a survey about the lockout. I would advise any and all lovers of the game of hockey to take the survey and answer the questions with virtue and tact. We all are a bit put off by this. They have taken the game we love and have made it into a money lovin, get rich, forget the little guy business. I have NOT watch any type of hockey in over 6 months. The last hockey I watches was when our Kings lifted the CUP. The day will come when the banner will be lifted and million dollar rings be handed out. But until that day… I read updates from CBC News, and hope we don’t knock out the season the way Pac_Man got knocked out in Vegas over the weekend.
[Reply]
Was up north this past week and it’s so much better dealing with a few of my Shark fan coworkers
“What’s that Kings are the Stanley Cup Champions? Well at least you guys have won the Stanley Cup….oh wait that’s right you haven’t…well take comfort that winning the Western Conference Finals means a lot…oh that’s right the Sharks havent done that!”
It’s amazing how quiet they get. As a Holiday gift I got an iPad mini. The thing will be awesome once the season starts and this blogs gets back up and running (praying for it anyway).
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@Lake Forest, Anyone who blasts Sharks fan is always a friend. Keep kicking them while their down, I do ! And when you see a Sharks fan, ask him or her to start chanting BEAT LA as you wave your Stanley cup champion Kings hat in their face!
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 10:43 am
@puck73,
And don’t forget the Casuck’s fans.
[Reply]
The Weasel Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 11:38 am
@DesertKing,
Really? I always that the Cusacks were pretty cool. Both John and Joan seem like really nice folks.
DesertKing Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@The Weasel,
Are John and Joan the weirdos in the body suits?
So the league is going to announce game cancellations through December 30th today? And that will accomplish what? Oh yea, we the fans are supposed to get angry at the players and force them to capitulate? Well, this just shows the ignorance of Evil Load and the owners. As of right now, I am so angry that I would prefer that they just cancel the whole season and start new in September. My son will be off to college and I won’t need my season tickets anymore and can just cash them in and buy tickets on stubhub for individual games. Go ahead Bettman, make my day!
[Reply]
The Weasel Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 11:41 am
@DesertKing,
Considering this is a LOCKOUT and not a strike, the majority of the blame goes to the NHL. Considering they already locked us out of an entire season and still couldn’t make the finances work and had to resort to the same tactic to try a second time only makes it worse.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
@DesertKing, who’s to say they will even strike a deal by September 2012? the way these idiots negotiate we probably wont see NHL hockey for even longer.
The NHL is a complete embarrassment.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@Sebastian, at least we’ll still be Champs till then…just sayin
[Reply]
Stuart Reply:
December 10th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@DesertKing, the most interesting part is that the PENS are scheduled to play the CAPS on 12/31…interesting that GB wasnt ready to cancel that marquee matchup just yet…
[Reply]