To the disappointment of hockey fans everywhere, the NHL season has unmercifully suffered yet another lockout. This marks the fourth work stoppage in the past 20 years. It is difficult to understand why a lockout had to occur now, when the league has grown in both popularity and revenue in every season under the recently expired CBA.
The NHL had finally gained popularity among the four major American sports and restored financial success after a full season lost during the last lockout. This lockout could undo years of success. Fans will not be quick to return to a league that has twice in under a decade failed in negotiations.
Much like any dispute, there are many stakeholders involved; players, owners, fans, related businesses and quite arguably the biggest beneficiary of them all; junior hockey teams.
A solution that promotes the balance of the league should be pursued as opposed to one that protects the owners from making poor financial decisions. Thus, the new CBA should instill a sense of fairness and not be used as a tool of leverage.
For the most part American hockey teams don’t have the same extensive fan bases, as ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jason Cappell
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October 18th, 2012 by Jason Cappell Leave a reply »
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