Just think, by the time the next round of guys are playing at the AHL level like the Marlies here, some of them will have already had a chance to experience an inclusive You Can Play Project work environment as NHL prospects.

The NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play Project shared fantastic news today of their “historic partnership” that will bring the You Can Play Project’s message and resources to all 30 teams across the league.

In establishing an inclusive work environment by partnering with You Can Play Project, the NHL and the NHLPA now stands as the first of the major sports leagues in North America to embrace the message of judging players based on “talent, heart, desire and work ethic — and not on the basis of sexual orientation or other discriminatory factors.” (youcanplay.com)

» Continue reading “NHL, NHLPA & You Can Play Project Announce Historic Partnership”

Bringing this back.

The NHLPA has released a statement:

The members of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) have voted to ratify the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHLPA and the National Hockey League (NHL).

So, game on, right? Let’s get the season sta– oh, wait a minute.

While the players’ vote ratifies the new CBA with the NHL owners, a written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) consistent with what the players voted on, must be completed before the Agreement becomes final. The NHLPA and the NHL continue their work to finalize the MOU.

Don’t start buying tickets and setting your schedules yet, everybody. This still isn’t (officially) done. Look for the MOU to be signed sometime tonight. According to Bob McKenzie, trades and signings will start two hours after this happens. Cannot. Wait.

From disappoinment and discontent to decision. The NHL and NHLPA have finally reached a tentative agreement as to the framework of the new CBA.

After a four-month standoff between the National Hockey League and its Players’ Association, the two sides have finally, FINALLY reached a compromise.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and PA director Donald Fehr went to the media today to announce that the framework of the CBA has been decided upon, after a 16-hour stretch of negotiations in New York. The Players’ Association also issued a statement with similar video, plus interviews with Shane Doan and Ron Hainsey, two of the players involved in the marathon.

» Continue reading “FINALLY! NHL, NHLPA Reach “Tentative” Agreement”

I rarely even wear these. Guess I suck at being female. Oops. (Photo: Markusram/flickr)

If any of you were around the Internets recently, you may have noticed a nice little set of blog posts on the site Anaheim Calling, written by a few well-intentioned women.

It’s called Too Many Men on the Ice, and it basically serves — satirically, of course — to outline the reasons why the NHL and NHLPA NEED a woman to head negotiations.

» Continue reading “Too Many Men on the Ice: Satire? You Missed the Mark”

Players get their hustle back in Wednesday night’s RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge. (Photo: Erin Pryde)

The RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge did more than boost the spirits of hockey fans and give 39 players a chance to get back on the ice, it raised over $100,000 for the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund and the RBC Play Hockey initiative.

Before the players even had a chance to walk into the dressing rooms at Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens, fans had lined up to see them and no matter the age, the smiles stretched from ear to ear.

» Continue reading “RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge Sweetens Some Dreams”

Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre Rink, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens (Photo: Kwong Yee Cheng)

Didn’t manage to get your tickets to the RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge? Fret not — you can watch it right here, starting at 7:00pm EST/6:00pm CST! The stream can be found after the jump.

» Continue reading “RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge Live Stream”

Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre Rink, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens (Photo: Kwong Yee Cheng)

Team Steven Stamkos and Team P.K. Subban face off tonight at 7pm for the RBC Play Hockey Charity Challenge to raise funds for the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund and the RBC Play Hockey program.

The game will take place at the very top of Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre, known to most as the former nosebleed section of the well-loved one-time home to the Blue and White, Maple Leaf Gardens.

For those who didn’t get one of the coveted 2,600 tickets to watch the game in-person, the game will be livestreamed so hockey fans can tune in to watch their favourites lace up their skates for charity. Watch the livestream here.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 39 players had signed up to take part. Curious to see who’ll hit the ice for Team Subban, or make a mad dash for Team Stamkos? Check out the rosters and get ready to see how many of the players have maintained their training and how many have fallen off the wagon and onto the Christmas cookie teeter-totter.

The NHL & NHLPA met again today with a federal mediator to continue labor negotiations. Talks will most likely take place Friday, but the two sides seem to be no closer to reaching an agreement that will save the season. What they may not have counted on was garnering the attention of the President of the United States.

Barack Obama urged the two sides to work it out while on the campaign trail in October. Fast forward to an interview WCCO-TV in Minneapolis today, and he touched on the subject again.

“My message to owners and to players is, `You guys make a lot of money and you make a lot of money on the backs of fans, so do right by your fans. You can figure out how to spread out a bunch of revenue that you’re bringing in, but do right by the people who support you,’” Obama said.

And I shouldn’t have to be involved in a dispute between really wealthy players and even wealthier owners. They should be able to settle this themselves. And remember who it is that’s putting all that money in their pockets.” (Quote Source: Fox Sports)

Damn right. If they won’t listen to the fans or sponsors, maybe they’ll listen to Barry.

The most accurate picture for my feelings right now.

According to Darren Dreger, the NHL is cancelling all games through December 30. The best-case scenario now is a repeat of the 1994-95 season (or should I say 1995-95 season?) — a 48-game sprint starting on or around January 20.

Look, what else do you want me to say about this? We all knew this was coming as soon as talks broke down last week.

Take it away, Kinks.

» Continue reading “NHL Cancels Games Through December 30″

Photo by Renee Renna

Every single one of us here loves hockey. You’ll understand why it’s difficult to put side personal emotions in this particular story. It’s difficult to know what to say when something you are so passionate about clearly doesn’t give a crap about their loyal fans who are living through yet another work stoppage.

Optimism started to rise among fans amid the long days of meetings this week. Even as an empty podium kept us up until early morning for some sort of update. With more sessions scheduled today, why wouldn’t we be hopeful?

Because the NHL and NHLPA are determined to kill this league, that’s why.

The NHLPA made a proposal today and executive director Donald Fehr said the two sides were close to an agreement. Queue the league soundly rejecting the proposal and pulling some of the most contentious items off the negotiating table. “Make whole” provision that had been increased to $300 million? Gone.  There are no meetings taking place tonight or tomorrow. There’s no date set for additional talks.

Feel free to fill in your own profanity laced tirade here.