Post by Jazz on Jun 21, 2004 1:20:07 GMT -5
Mike Bossy warns that lockout could doom NHL[/u][/color]
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
source: CANOE.COM
Like he was during his playing days, Mike Bossy is still a straight shooter.
In town for the Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey clinic taking place for the next two days at the Nepean Sportsplex, the Islanders Hall of Fame winger hopes that cooler heads will prevail between the NHL and the NHLPA to avoid a lockout this fall.
FANS MAY NOT COME BACK
Bossy is concerned that if there isn't a new collective bargaining agreement in place by the Sept. 15 deadline, the possibility exists jobs could be lost because the NHL can't afford a work stoppage in some American markets already struggling for survival.
"I'm not sure that if hockey disappears in some of these markets if the fans are necessarily going to come back again," said Bossy. "Ultimately, the fans are the ones who are going to suffer from this because they invest a lot emotionally and financially into the game.
"They travel the two hours back and forth to see the games and everybody wants to see this settled. I'm sure if they have a long lockout, then the fans in Toronto and Montreal are going to come back. Frankly, the league is running a big risk if they have a long lockout. They have to understand this could come with certain consequences."
SEE BOTH SIDES
Bossy said he can see the arguments on both sides. He understands the owners want to cut back on the amount of money being paid to players. He believes certain players are receiving too much money and not making enough of a contribution.
"There was a player who made $5 million last year and I don't think he scored 10 goals. It's situations like that you've got to fix," said Bossy, who was never part of a work stoppage during his career. "The one thing I know is there are smart people on both sides of the table.
'SIDES POSTURING'
"I'm sure that when the clock starts ticking down towards the deadline, and they're looking at it, they might be able to find common ground. From listening to what's happening right now, it would appear to me that both sides are posturing for position. That can change."
MAKING HOCKEY FUN: Bossy and women's national team star Cassie Campbell will be on the ice today and tomorrow at the Sportsplex for the Safe and Fun Hockey program. Youngsters aged 5-8 will be schooled by Bossy, Campbell and Thunder Bay Dr. Vern Stenlund. "I don't believe in taking things seriously and the message to the kids will be simple: When you're on the ice have fun with it and just enjoy yourself," said Bossy. More than 100 children will take part in the two-day session which will include stops in Moncton, B.C.; Kitchener/Waterloo; Kelowna, B.C.; and Saskatoon this year. There's also an education program for parents to make sure they understand the importance of not putting pressure on their children. "This kind of program has enormous value for everyone involved: Players, coaches and parents. Some worthwhile lessons can be learned," said Campbell.
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
source: CANOE.COM
Like he was during his playing days, Mike Bossy is still a straight shooter.
In town for the Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey clinic taking place for the next two days at the Nepean Sportsplex, the Islanders Hall of Fame winger hopes that cooler heads will prevail between the NHL and the NHLPA to avoid a lockout this fall.
FANS MAY NOT COME BACK
Bossy is concerned that if there isn't a new collective bargaining agreement in place by the Sept. 15 deadline, the possibility exists jobs could be lost because the NHL can't afford a work stoppage in some American markets already struggling for survival.
"I'm not sure that if hockey disappears in some of these markets if the fans are necessarily going to come back again," said Bossy. "Ultimately, the fans are the ones who are going to suffer from this because they invest a lot emotionally and financially into the game.
"They travel the two hours back and forth to see the games and everybody wants to see this settled. I'm sure if they have a long lockout, then the fans in Toronto and Montreal are going to come back. Frankly, the league is running a big risk if they have a long lockout. They have to understand this could come with certain consequences."
SEE BOTH SIDES
Bossy said he can see the arguments on both sides. He understands the owners want to cut back on the amount of money being paid to players. He believes certain players are receiving too much money and not making enough of a contribution.
"There was a player who made $5 million last year and I don't think he scored 10 goals. It's situations like that you've got to fix," said Bossy, who was never part of a work stoppage during his career. "The one thing I know is there are smart people on both sides of the table.
'SIDES POSTURING'
"I'm sure that when the clock starts ticking down towards the deadline, and they're looking at it, they might be able to find common ground. From listening to what's happening right now, it would appear to me that both sides are posturing for position. That can change."
MAKING HOCKEY FUN: Bossy and women's national team star Cassie Campbell will be on the ice today and tomorrow at the Sportsplex for the Safe and Fun Hockey program. Youngsters aged 5-8 will be schooled by Bossy, Campbell and Thunder Bay Dr. Vern Stenlund. "I don't believe in taking things seriously and the message to the kids will be simple: When you're on the ice have fun with it and just enjoy yourself," said Bossy. More than 100 children will take part in the two-day session which will include stops in Moncton, B.C.; Kitchener/Waterloo; Kelowna, B.C.; and Saskatoon this year. There's also an education program for parents to make sure they understand the importance of not putting pressure on their children. "This kind of program has enormous value for everyone involved: Players, coaches and parents. Some worthwhile lessons can be learned," said Campbell.
