A New NHL?

[3074326]

I just read this while browing ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2073797

A proposed new hockey league. Interesting idea. What does everyone think of this?

In principle, I think it's a good idea. Create a new hockey league while the NHL is down, gather a fan base, and become the new NHL.

But.. as soon as the NHL fixes its problems it will once again be the main hockey league in Canada and the US. As much as I'd like to see hockey next year (without fill-in players), I'd rather see the NHL come back.

If this does happen, I'd hope for it not to turn out to be the XFL. That was stupid.

[MattSharpIsCool]

It would be nice to have professional hockey this winter. I wonder how good the quality of players would be. I would guess it would be like having replacement players in the NHL.

[artificialhigh]

It is just as was predicted in Baseketball.

[ChickenMcFicken]

I hope not. Sharks are gunna win the cup next year and you all know it.

[StrangeVision]

I would be very nice to have hockey again, and this is a good idea, but nothing will really replace the NHL. I think they should just take all the college players and dump them into a professional league, college hockey is sometimes more interesting and fun to watch.

And, Florida Panthers RULE!!!

[artificialhigh]

I hope not. Sharks are gunna win the cup next year and you all know it.

Your beloved "Sharks" are no match for the almighty Columbus Blue Jackets. At least, not until I can get Manon Rheaume back on Tampa. Then they'll be unstoppable.

[Reaganista]

They need to contract every team in a town that gets less than a foot of snow a year.

[ChickenMcFicken]

It would be nice to see some hockey, but I think a new league will just divert the already low viewers. I think they need to fix the problems they have instead of just trying to make a new league. Look at whats happening to MX (no offense, you didn't think it would happen again)

[ChickenMcFicken]

Your beloved "Sharks" are no match for the almighty Columbus Blue Jackets. At least, not until I can get Manon Rheaume back on Tampa. Then they'll be unstoppable.

Psh, we had the Denver sexiest man for years. MIKE FREAKING RICCI!!!

[artificialhigh]

And, Florida Panthers RULE!!!

You're probably being sarcastic, but John Vanbiesbrouck and Ed Jovanovski were an excellent defence back when they were together on the Panthers. Now with Jov off to the ill-fated Canucks and Luongo in net for the Panthers (I saw him play when he was on the Canada's juniors team and I'm still not all that impressed), they're a broken shell of a team.

[artificialhigh]

Psh, we had the Denver sexiest man for years. MIKE FREAKING RICCI!!!

Haha. Having played hockey for so long and knowing so many Division I players from the states, I'm used to the "hockey face". Ricci's literally almost makes me barf when I see it. No joke.

[ChickenMcFicken]

Yeah, but he did really win that award back when he was with the damn Avs. The Tank went crazy when he was there.

[Illmatic]

Go Bruins?

[artificialhigh]

Oh, he's an awesome player. He's just had his nose broken so many times it makes me sick. But hey, when you're pro, you don't need a visor, right?

[ChickenMcFicken]

No ****ing way. (to the visor) He wasn't that great, but his intensity and hustle was crazy. He worked for every goal he got. Luckily we have the Cheechoo Train to replace him

[MattSharpIsCool]

You're probably being sarcastic, but John Vanbiesbrouck and Ed Jovanovski were an excellent defence back when they were together on the Panthers. Now with Jov off to the ill-fated Canucks and Luongo in net for the Panthers (I saw him play when he was on the Canada's juniors team and I'm still not all that impressed), they're a broken shell of a team.

He faces the most shots in the league, and has a save percentage around .930......I would gladly take him on my team. (Luongo, I mean)

[artificialhigh]

He faces the most shots in the league, and has a save percentage around .930......I would gladly take him on my team. (Luongo, I mean)

I have to say, I didn't follow him (or the NHL) much in the '03-'04 season, but looking at his stats, he got substantially better since the previous season. One thing I was surprised at his how well he did when he just got on the team - 5 shutouts in 47 games and a GAA similar to what he has now? After I saw him playing for the Islanders I gave up hope of him ever doing better again - I have to say that I take back what I said about him now. But when I saw him play juniors, really - he wasn't as good as he was made out to be, not even close.

[ChickenMcFicken]

Uh, Nabakov, geez don't you guys get it? Everyone on the Sharks is the best. End of discussion :)

[artificialhigh]

No ****ing way. (to the visor) He wasn't that great, but his intensity and hustle was crazy. He worked for every goal he got. Luckily we have the Cheechoo Train to replace him

Do you know how HARD it is to find someone to actually work hard every shift? Christ, the Leafs have to put Sundin on the sidelines during the playoffs just to keep his *** fighting for his job. That's all I care about, busting your ***.

[Illmatic]

Uh, Nabakov, geez don't you guys get it? Everyone on the Sharks is the best. End of discussion :)

It's all about Andrew "The Razah" Raycroft, bitch.

[Jon]

Can someone please explain why the NHL isn't on this year? I've been asking for 9 months.

PS go Rangers + Avalanche

[Steve DeBerg]

The owners want a salary cap and the owners dont, so, the owners locked out the players meaning that they can't play or be paid.

On the topic of a new league. They were going to do that last year but couldn't get any good players under contract.

[Steve DeBerg]

The owners want a salary cap and the owners dont, so, the owners locked out the players meaning that they can't play or be paid.

On the topic of a new league. They were going to do that last year but couldn't get any good players under contract.

[Illmatic]

I think the NHL's CBA (collective bargaining agreement) expired, and the owners and the Player's Union couldn't hash out a new one, so the owners created a lockout.

[StrangeVision]

You're probably being sarcastic, but John Vanbiesbrouck and Ed Jovanovski were an excellent defence back when they were together on the Panthers. Now with Jov off to the ill-fated Canucks and Luongo in net for the Panthers (I saw him play when he was on the Canada's juniors team and I'm still not all that impressed), they're a broken shell of a team.

They have done very badly for the past few years, but they have talent on the team, they just need a better coach and need to learn how to work together as a team better.

[Shtein]

still cheering for them Maple Leafs

[Ugoff]

As long as Colorado has a team, I'm fine :)

I'll miss Blake, Foresburg, Sackic, ect. though :(

[Red Stripe]

I thought the NHL cleared for next year, and the people they couldn't sign they would sign the minors

[MattSharpIsCool]

I dont think so. Gary Bettman said there would be no NHL until they sign an agreement, meaning there wont be replacement players for the 05-06 season. So its all or nothing, pretty much....hopefully they can get something settled.

[CombatRock]

if theres is not NHL I will watch my Corpus Chrisiti Rayz. but if there is NHL i will watch my Corpus Chrisit Rayz, with a bit of the Dallas Stars.

[humbucking fool]

As long as Colorado has a team, I'm fine :)

I'll miss Blake, Foresburg, Sackic, ect. though :(

Peter is most likely finished -- he had a bad concussion over in Europe and said he most likely won't play anymore.

[Illmatic]

So what's Sidney Crosby (that superkid everyone said would be the next Wayne Gretzky) gonna do now?

[CombatRock]

What team is Sidney suppose to be on?

[Joey Hoser]

They might as well make a new league for Americans to watch. They'd have to stuff it full of half-naked chicks, ex-prison immates and lots of fireworks in order to get them interested.


But seriously, it's looking like the NHL and NHLPA are going to have a deal done by the end of this month, so that means next season is a go to start on time.

[humbucking fool]

What team is Sidney suppose to be on?

Sidney was draft eligable this year, but obviously there was no draft. He still has 2 years + overage year of eligability in juniors, but won't play there anymore, mostly because he's too good for the LHMJQ. Most likely if there's no NHL he'll play in the AHL. TSN's Brian Burke predicts he'll either go to the Chicago Wolves (big budget and most 'major league' of the AHL franchises) or the Toronto Marlboros (are they just calling them the Marlies? Or is it Marlboros?) because Sid has expressed and interest to play there. In any event, his NHL rights aren't held by any team.

[Joey Hoser]

Sidney was draft eligable this year, but obviously there was no draft. He still has 2 years + overage year of eligability in juniors, but won't play there anymore, mostly because he's too good for the LHMJQ. Most likely if there's no NHL he'll play in the AHL. TSN's Brian Burke predicts he'll either go to the Chicago Wolves (big budget and most 'major league' of the AHL franchises) or the Toronto Marlboros (are they just calling them the Marlies? Or is it Marlboros?) because Sid has expressed and interest to play there. In any event, his NHL rights aren't held by any team.


The AHL is for draftees and players under NHL contracts. If there is no draft, Crosby will play again in Junior. You don't just hop up to any AHL team.

I have no idea why Brian Burke would say he's going to Atlanta or Toronto either.

It all depends on how the draft is going to work, whether it be a lottery or simply based on the results from the 03-04 season, since we know he'll be the first overall pick.





Edit: Oh yeah... and there still may be a draft this year.

[Ibanez Slayer]

LACROSSE PWNS HOCKEY AND WILL TAKE IT'S SPOT!!!

Suck it canadians

[Joey Hoser]

LACROSSE PWNS HOCKEY AND WILL TAKE IT'S SPOT!!!

Suck it canadians


Lacrosse isn't fast enough.

[Ibanez Slayer]

Lacrosse isn't fast enough.
outdoor, kinda true, but if your talking about indoor you must have mental problems

[Joey Hoser]

outdoor, kinda true, but if your talking about indoor you must have mental problems


No, you must be completely retarded if you think people can run faster than they can skate.

[Illmatic]

I hate lacrosse. Hockey is better.

[Reaganista]

http://www.phantomshockey.com/

guess whose gonna win the most elite hockey league currently functioning in North America?

A few people around here are a little excited.

This has been the first year since they've existed that I haven't gone and seen a game. I'm hoping to clear up some time to get down there, though.

[Joey Hoser]

http://www.phantomshockey.com/

guess whose gonna win the most elite hockey league currently functioning in North America?

A few people around here are a little excited.

This has been the first year since they've existed that I haven't gone and seen a game. I'm hoping to clear up some time to get down there, though.


Perhaps the AHL is the most "Elite" league, but I think the Memorial Cup is much more coveted. The AHL is certainly much less-viewed, and teams focus more on player-building, rather than winning.

[Reaganista]

pfft.

[Joey Hoser]

If there's such a thing as a hockey nerd... I'm it.

[humbucking fool]

The AHL is for draftees and players under NHL contracts. If there is no draft, Crosby will play again in Junior. You don't just hop up to any AHL team.

I have no idea why Brian Burke would say he's going to Atlanta or Toronto either.

It all depends on how the draft is going to work, whether it be a lottery or simply based on the results from the 03-04 season, since we know he'll be the first overall pick.





Edit: Oh yeah... and there still may be a draft this year.

Not true -- no rule on that, at the end of junior seasons many players jump to AHL or ECHL clubs for experience, as long as it is before the roster lock date. Tommy Sestito of the Plymouth Whalers is an example -- he receieved an amateur try-out contract and played in 12 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers following Plymouth's loss in the O playoffs, and he has never been drafted by any team. Ditto numerous other players. The Burke thing I distinctly remember seeing on TSN.ca, and may still be in their Video section, I'm too lazy to look.

From the Toronto Star:
"There's no salary cap in the AHL, no restriction on what any individual player can be paid and, while the Oceanic will claim Crosby owes them another year of junior serfdom, that battle has been fought and won before and there's no existing transfer agreement specifically between Canadian major junior leagues and the AHL.

To fill the Ricoh, it might be worth it to MLSE to pay Crosby, say, $3 million per season. And here's the best part of this concept:

Given the matter in which the NHL Players Association has already indicated it is willing to sacrifice the earning power of entry-level players in a future collective bargaining arrangement, that figure could be more than double the maximum income in salary and bonuses that Crosby could make in the NHL next season and for each of the two seasons after that."

Another thing I failed to consider but is worth pointing out -- In absense of the NHL next season, Crosby could well find his way over to Europe. Several teams paid millions for NHL players during the lockout, and a well funded team like HC Davos could afford to buyout his Q rights.

**** right about the Mem Cup too. Best tournament in the world.

[humbucking fool]

What team is Sidney suppose to be on?


Hey combat rock how's the budding hockey career? Next Gretzky eh? Haven't heard about it in awhile.

[CombatRock]

if your talking about my hockey playing. im still playing my team put me as goalie now. there not places here that sales goalie equpiment, so im making me a pair of pads with belt buckles and bit pieces of styrofoam.

[Ibanez Slayer]

No, you must be completely retarded if you think people can run faster than they can skate.
i never said that, but i think that indoor lacrosse is the same speed pace of hockey because your in a hockey rink with astro - turf, and there's more people, which means more contact, and it's just as uptempo, because a lacrosse ball coming out of people's sticks going an average of 70 mph is a hell of a lot faster and someone can skate

[CombatRock]

nascar is 200 mph, dosent mean its better than hockey?

[humbucking fool]

i never said that, but i think that indoor lacrosse is the same speed pace of hockey because your in a hockey rink with astro - turf, and there's more people, which means more contact, and it's just as uptempo, because a lacrosse ball coming out of people's sticks going an average of 70 mph is a hell of a lot faster and someone can skate

Except your average NHL slap shot is in the low/mid 80s with the best in the low 100s. And hockey allows direct body checking and fighting, and none of the stick beatings you see in lacrosse

[shayne_122]

And hockey allows direct body checking and fighting, and none of the stick beatings you see in lacrosse

Actually, lacrosse does allow body checking, but it's not as effective as a cross check with your stick, so you don't see it as much.

Lacrosse also allows you to smack someone in the face and knock them out, while going for the ball they're carrying, and not get a misconduct or any penalty.
/personal experience :D

[CombatRock]

i watched a pro-lacrosse game on espn2 boston vrs rodchester. i thought it was really boring on a count of i could never tell who had the ball. also i didnt see the point int he goalies, they missed so many blocks. it was rare if they blocked it.

[humbucking fool]

College lacrosse is alot more entertaining...it's actually a pretty cool sport to see in person.

[Joe]

about this whole new nhl thing, i don't think it will happen. the nhl and nhlpa made a huge deal the other day about a salary cap

[Endless Obsession]

Go Sabres.

/cries about no goal from 99

[CombatRock]

Are you talking about the Stars game? :D

[Reaganista]

http://www.phantomshockey.com/

guess whose gonna win the most elite hockey league currently functioning in North America?

A few people around here are a little excited.

This has been the first year since they've existed that I haven't gone and seen a game. I'm hoping to clear up some time to get down there, though.

done.

Antero Nittymaki is gonna be good if the NHL ever begins to exist again.

[humbucking fool]

about this whole new nhl thing, i don't think it will happen. the nhl and nhlpa made a huge deal the other day about a salary cap

No confirmation from anyone on that...just a widely reported rumor. Don't beleive anything until they have a deal signed in writing...


No one has the capital or players to make a new NHL work. NHL players want to play in the NHL.

[MadSeasonAbove]

I liked things just how they were. No need to change, other than the players and NHL need to quit BS'ing. Without hockey, it has been very dismal for me. :sucks:

[guitarded_chuck]

I highly doubt it would happen. And if it did I'd highly doubt it would ever get the fanbase that the NHL gets.

I'm almost sure the NHL will be back on for this upcomming season. Actual negotiating is taking place, and the new CBA is being written. It looks like there's going to be a salary cap. Maybe shootouts will be put into play too.

[MadSeasonAbove]

I think shootouts to end games would be awesome during the regular season, not for the playoffs though.

[humbucking fool]

I think shootouts to end games would be awesome during the regular season, not for the playoffs though.

Most of the older hockey fans hate the idea, thinking its like ending a baseball game with a home run derby. I'm for whatever gets them on the **** ice in the fall.

[MadSeasonAbove]

true, there is nothing like watching two teams battle for a goal in overtime. but a final score of a draw is kind of boring IMO. I would much rather see a winner and a loser, not a draw.

[Stew_Blink]

I think it would be fairly cool, untill the NHL got back up and running. At least we would have something to do during the bloody winter. Ave's and Tampa are gonna kick *** when the NHL comes back. (Live's where Brad Richards is from :cool: )

[CombatRock]

true, there is nothing like watching two teams battle for a goal in overtime. but a final score of a draw is kind of boring IMO. I would much rather see a winner and a loser, not a draw.

i like the idea of one overtime and if nothing happens in that overtime then you have a shootout.

[sting-ray]

i dunno.. i have lost alot of interest in hockey this year..

[CombatRock]

i started following hockey allot last year in the playoffs for the first time and got real into it, and was exited about watching a full first season, but the strike happend.

[MadSeasonAbove]

i like the idea of one overtime and if nothing happens in that overtime then you have a shootout.

That would be cool to.

Watch out for the Pens!! ~ if they dont move :(

I dont know who I would root for if the Pens moved. The Capitals I guess...
I dont want to think about it!

[CombatRock]

the penguins might movie cities?

[MattSharpIsCool]

the penguins might movie cities?

I'm not sure. I know a few years ago they were 1 hour away from moving to Portland, Oregon. I would have pooped myself, having a NHL team in my city. But at the last second, Mario Lemieux bought the team and kept them in Pittsburgh.

I cant wait for hockey to start up again.

[CombatRock]

i dont think anyone can wait.

[TAND]

its gotta suck to be sydney crosby, being 18 and get drafted the year there is no NHL. i mean the kid was being scouted when he was 15-16 and then by the time he turns 18 and is eligible to play, the NHL folds.

[CombatRock]

that kinda sucks. but when it does start it will be worth the wait.

[Joey Hoser]

its gotta suck to be sydney crosby, being 18 and get drafted the year there is no NHL. i mean the kid was being scouted when he was 15-16 and then by the time he turns 18 and is eligible to play, the NHL folds.


The NHL didn't fold.

A salary cap has been agreed on, there will be hockey next year.

[CombatRock]

are you at 100% sure or is just a rumor going around?

[humbucking fool]

Nothing has been signed yet. Until there is a signed deal, don't hold your breath. Both sides say they're "close" but they were "very close" the day the season was cancelled. Don't beleive anything until you hear it from ESPN, TSN, what have you.

[CombatRock]

whats TSN?

[MadSeasonAbove]

But at the last second, Mario Lemieux bought the team and kept them in Pittsburgh.


Thank God!

Yeah, the pens are inbetween negotiations. Hopefully they stay. But if they move, Lemieux will still hold a small share of the business, he will then most likely retire as a Penguin. I dont think he would play for any other team, even if the Pens moved, he has to much respect for The Burgh.

[sting-ray]

whats TSN?


a sport channel we have in canada

tsn = the sports network i believe..

[CombatRock]

canadian version of ESPN i suppose?

i have never watched a full sesaon of NHL i just got into it last year. what month does the season usally start in?

[Joey Hoser]

canadian version of ESPN i suppose?

i have never watched a full sesaon of NHL i just got into it last year. what month does the season usally start in?


The first game is susposed to be October 10th or 11th.

[humbucking fool]

canadian version of ESPN i suppose?

i have never watched a full sesaon of NHL i just got into it last year. what month does the season usally start in?

Yeah theyre both owned by Disney...TSN has "SportsCentre" with the same set and all that good stuff... same for ESPN Classic Canada.