Puck said:If the NHL's end-game is January 2006, it might be a good idea for the players to organize a World Cup type of invitational tourney this September that could go on for a few months. The players wouldn't make as much money but it would keep them occupied and playing and happy to some degree. If the two parties settle earlier than January 2006, the PA World Cup could stipulate a quick 2 week playoff with the top teams in the standings at the time, to determine a winner. If they have more players interested, the PA could increase teams for countries (Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec; Eastern USA and Western USA; Moscow and Leningrad for Russia).
I don't know the legalities, maybe the PA itself might not want to get involved for legal reasons, but a few star players could organize this instead of the PA.
In Canada, they could play in Halifax, Quebec, Hamilton, Ottawa (Civic Centre), Winnipeg, Saskatoon etc. They could also make a tv deal for a share of the revenues.
I know this thread's author expected a different outcome in his survey, but this might actually be a very good idea.
Chayos1 said:After the crap pulled by the NHLPA would you pay $50 to see a NHLPA league game?
I was thinking of a Holiday season playoff that would end by January 2006. I didn't elaborate a huge master plan, it was just a quick note. If you want it to happen it could be done, or we can find tons of excuses why it can't be done.ladybugblue said:Not likely in 2006 as the Olympics will be just around the corner (Feb 2006). This will get much more attention so I doubt something like this will occur.
Puck said:I was thinking of a Holiday season playoff that would end by January 2006. I didn't elaborate a huge master plan, it was just a quick note. If you want it to happen it could be done, or we can find tons of excuses why it can't be done.
This might be an idea for another thread but if there is any 2005-06 season at all, there may not be Olympics for the NHL players, especially if there is a shortened season. If the NHL resumes and I was the NHLPA, I'd decline the O and let non-NHLers play in the Olympics as a gesture. Non NHLers have been complaining about the loss of jobs during the work stoppage.
If the NHL plays through the Olympics, then no countries would have their NHLers at the O. Let the AHLers play. After IOC Roggue's comments, let them field their own teams. The O survived without the NHL before, it will again.Scugs said:As a country, you always want to put your best athletes out there for the Olympics. And I don't think anyone will turn down a spot on an Olympic team.
Russian Fan said:It all depends of what kind of team they put in place.
If it's like some NHLer but mostly 3rd-4th & borderline NHLers, I wouldn't pay 1$ for them.
But if you they have some NHL team caliber with superstar in it & it's more competitive than casual (like the Stars vs World showdown in Europe), I would pay my 50$ like I paid in the NHL.
The players are the product to me the the brand name :NHL or the owners.
Most of us disagree wholeheartedly with that statement. The players are NOT the game.FLYLine4LIFE said:Considering the NHL is NHLPA stars.
PecaFan said:I would no more go to watch NHLPA players playing for nothing, than I would pay just to see a Hollywood star stand around, eat lunch, etc.
Without the reason (IE, playing for the Cup, a movie) they're just normal folks.