With
National Hockey League (NHL) players still working out on their own to
stay in shape anticipating that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement
(CBA) can be worked out between the league and their union, the National
Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), many heads are being still
being scratched as to how it has progressed to 49 days.
It seems that as much as things change with the NHL, they remain the same.
As
much as the league's size, its collective team values, and interest in
the game has increased, the fundamentals of labor operation and
understanding between owners and players remains the same.
The owners call the shots.
"No sport has controlled its athletes as effortlessly and totally as hockey," wrote David Cruise and co-author Allison Griffiths in their 1991 book, '
Net Worth - Exploding the Myths of Pro Hockey'.
That was written 23 years ago and still holds true today during the NHL's third lockout of its players since 1994.
In his book,
'Power Plays: An inside look at the big business of the National Hockey League',
former NHL President Gil Stein, the last in the position of President,
before the Commissioner position was created and filled by the only
individual to do so, Gary Bettman, wrote this about league owners:
"National
Hockey League owners consist of two basic groups - the Haves and the
Have-Mores. Do not be misled by public utterances during collective
bargaining negotiations. There are no poor owners in the NHL."
That was written back in 1997 - just after the first player lockout in 1994-95.
Decide for yourself who is responsible for the current lockout - it's pretty obvious.
Empower yourself and read more about NHL labor history when you can.
National Hockey League (NHL) owners must be doing very well
financially as their current lockout of players has now extended to 49
full days and counting as of Saturday.What other reason would there be
to completely lock their doors..
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