The clock is ticking on a new collective bargaining agreement for the NHL, and if a deal is not reached by this Saturday, the lockout will officially begin.
The process of negotiating a new agreement does not simply boil down to the needs of the players vs. the needs of the owners. Thousands of workers are directly affected by the state of the NHL, including everyone from parking attendants to concession salespeople to merchandise vendors.
And even putting aside money and jobs, this lockout will have a huge effect on those who simply love the game.
It would seem that the fans, while not directly involved in the labor negotiations nor the monetary implications of the new CBA, are in some ways at the center of this power struggle. The NHL and NHLPA have expended time and energy to get the fans on their side, as if the emotional weight of those who watch will force the hand of the other side.
Gary Bettman tried to put on an optimistic face by declaring that “We recovered well last time because we have the world’s greatest fans” (ESPN).
You know what Gary? You’re right. You do have the greatest fans in ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Dan Kelley
NHL Lockout: Hockey Fans Have a Responsibility to Act If a Deal Is Not Reached
September 11th, 2012 by Dan Kelley Leave a reply »
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