All games through the 14th of December have been canceled. The All-Star Game in Columbus has been canceled. Firefly was canceled. That was years ago and not caused by any lockout, but like this year's NHL season, it should be airing on a consistent basis. The next move noted by some is for the NHLPA to decertify. This would dissolve the union's ability to collectively bargain, but it would allow for basically a class action law suit against the NHL owners for a mass violation of contracts, since, depending on the legal ruling, the league would basically have no anti-trust exemptions, as there would be thirty competitors in the market. What do the players stand to lose in this chaotic scenario with no salary cap, no entry draft, and all free market agency? There would be no medical benefits or pensions.
Decertification in these lockouts always seems to be a desperate move to return to the game and one that permanently alters the future for the players of these leagues. Unions seem necessary in the sports world to keep players from being treated like cattle, which doesn't stop that from happening, but players can at least operate under the illusion that they are a name and not a number when there's a Player's Association. On the other hand, Donald Fehr seems to want to relive his childhood memories of canceling baseball, probably in an effort to see if hockey can survive one more blow. Like Goro from Mortal Kombat, the NHL can survive just about anything you can throw at it, but I'd much prefer to see this season than to not see it.
So I guess my bipolar response is: don't decertify and please crunch 82 games between December 15th and June 20th.
Decertification in these lockouts always seems to be a desperate move to return to the game and one that permanently alters the future for the players of these leagues. Unions seem necessary in the sports world to keep players from being treated like cattle, which doesn't stop that from happening, but players can at least operate under the illusion that they are a name and not a number when there's a Player's Association. On the other hand, Donald Fehr seems to want to relive his childhood memories of canceling baseball, probably in an effort to see if hockey can survive one more blow. Like Goro from Mortal Kombat, the NHL can survive just about anything you can throw at it, but I'd much prefer to see this season than to not see it.
So I guess my bipolar response is: don't decertify and please crunch 82 games between December 15th and June 20th.
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