Monday, August 30, 2010

Coles Notes on The NHL

Its been a busy summer for North America's sports niche market, not one but TWO celebrity weddings, Gary Betteman's worst nightmare comes true, Kovalchuck gets shady and a story that will renew your faith in humanity!

CELEBRITY WEDDINGS.


Carrie Underwood and Hottie Townie AKA Mike Fisher tied the knot. Even though I personally believe its bad news bears to marry someone you've only known for a year but I saw this one coming they minute they started dating because a) they're country~ and b)they're bible thumpers, I mean come on, was there any other ending?


Hilary Duff married Mike Comire, which I'm pretty sure she'll regret in about 5 years. Not only because 22 is WAY too young to marry especially if you're rich, every Canadian female knows pro-hockey player = a girl in every city. Plus he was part of the 'party hard crew' up in Ottawa circa 2006/2007 along with Ray Emery, Brian McGrattan, and [to an extent] Jason Spezza, and look what happened to all of them. Add Hollywood to the fact that he's worth more than Hilary (his father is rich, not because he's a good hockey player) and we'll see how this plays out. I've always said she can do better...

GARY BETTMAN WETS HIS PANTS

...and the fans get worried. Donald Fehr, ex-MLBPA leader, who famously lead the strike in '94/'95, which cancelled the World Series, will take the top spot for the NHLPA, soon, VERY soon. Did I mention he's know as "the most hated man in baseball"...Coincidentally enough, 10 years after the MLB strike, the NHL lockout occurred. WHAT DOES IT MEAN???? Well what Fehr means for:

-the fans, a potential repeat of the lock out (sliver lining: I will totally travel to Switzerland to see Rick Nash play), Fehr plays hard ball (hehe) and he's not afraid to pull his players out of the season, and not afraid to tell Bettmen what's what.

-the NHL brass, the elimination of the salary cap, a Union leader who doesn't back down, and many more $100 million dollar contracts. Not to mention Fehr gets what he wants!

-the players, drug testing (finally), bigger salaries, AND a possible year long break...I hope not :S

Sports Columnist Richard Griffin says there are four things we can expect from Donald 'balls of steel' Fehr...ok I'll stop with the baseball puns:

The salary cap will be a major issue.

He will find the smartest, calmest, most reasonable players in the room and surround himself with their advice.(Sidney Crosby will be invited OBVIOUSLY!)

Agents won’t hold their own press conferences and critique NHLPA direction and leadership during the process.

There will be no agreement reached until the 11th hour — and the players will win.

NGL, I'm a little worried...

ILYA KOVALCHUK MUST KNOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS SOMEONE

That's the only logical reason I can come up with, I mean how else would anyone secure a 17 year $102 million contract with the New Jersey Devils? Well it wasn't so secure and the league and hockey pundits alike weren't down with this contract, it was too much for too long for someone who doesn't necessarily deserve it. Kovalchuk is a great player, easily in the top 20 but uh $102 million? That's pushing it. So this was pretty much the scandal/story this summer, apparently its FINALLY settled but allegedly its 2 years and $2 million less, victory(???) I guess...

UNCLE BRIAN CONTINUES TO BE MY HERO

Brendan Burke, Brian Burke's son, came out publicly late last year and then a few months later he was killed in a car crash. I stated how much I admired Brendan for doing such a brave thing in a sport and culture that was very hetero-masculine, I also stated how much respect I had for Brian, who stood by his son and was ready to knock a bitch down if they didn't like it. Brian had promised his son he would march with him in this year's Pride Parade in Toronto (one of the biggest in the world...I'm not bragging or anything) and he kept his promise. Brian along with family and friends marched on July 8th in his leafs jersey, wavy, smiling, carrying Brendan's spirit with him, and for that Uncle Brian will have my never ending admiration and respect.

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