It does nothing to change the fact that the use of steroids is not a pervasive problem facing the National Hockey League. |
It's a great tournament when we have it. Speaking for the NHL clubs, we would like to have another World Cup tournament and make it a regular event. But, obviously, we need the player participation agreement on that point. |
It's certainly a decision that will benefit NHL players and participating officials. But most importantly, it's great for the game and for our fans. I think Rene realizes that what we're experiencing in the NHL right now is the game the way it was meant to be played. We're very pleased. |
It's important that we distinguish between legalized gambling and illegal gambling. I want to emphasize that we don't condone any form of illegal gambling. But when it comes to legalized gambling, the question is where do you draw the line? You are talking about limiting the rights of a hockey player to participate in a legal activity. |
It's one way of thanking our fans for sticking with us, |
It's our way of saying thanks to fans for sticking with us. |
It's our way of thanking the fans for sticking with us. It's been a long process. |
It's two totally different jurisdictions. The bottom line is Bryan has not tested positive as part of the program the league instituted. Bryan appears to have ingested the substance in question before the program was even in place. |
No new proposals were made by either side. While no new meetings are scheduled, we remain committed to continue working through the process until a new agreement can be reached. |
No promises, but I do believe that, yes. |
Not that a luxury tax would work, but we're not going to walk away from the table just because there's one in the offer. What we're looking for is a legitimate effort by the union that we feel addresses our issues. |
Now that we are into late August, union leadership recognizes that it no longer can get away with avoiding a more aggressive meeting schedule, ... So it has found a different way to stall, talking about individual team situations that have already been discussed in detail over the course of the last five years and matters, quite frankly, that should have been discussed months ago if the union truly was interested in them. |
Obviously injuries are an issue and a concern of our clubs. Location of the Olympics plays into that, the significant time difference we had in Nagano (for the '98 Games) was a challenge and it led into a longer break than we would have otherwise liked. There are a number of issues that you deal with as you make these decisions each time around, and probably the most significant is our experience here and whether players are getting hurt. |
Obviously we'll monitor it and if we're losing really valuable, skilled players at the NHL level because those players choose to stay in Europe, that's something we'll want to take a look at, |
Obviously, Canada cares so much about hockey. That will be totally different in Vancouver. Hockey will be front and center, on center stage, and it should be a good opportunity to showcase the game. |