Comments on: WHA One Step Closer to Its Goal; But Is It All For Naught?

By: EmptyNetter

EmptyNetter — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:53:47 +0000

I have a theory. The WHA never intended operate as an actual hockey league. It's really a ploy to wrangle a quick settlement in the current CBA negotiations. It's an ultimatim to NHL owners from a group sympathetic to the NHLPA:

Don't make this any tougher than it has to be. If you lock the players out, you'll be the only ones losing money because we've created this nice new league for them to play in. And the longer you hold out, the stronger we'll become. Mwa-ha-ha.

The WHA is just a big con job if you ask me. And not a very well-thought out one at that.

By: TC_4

TC_4 — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 00:49:29 +0000

You would think. It worked for Rico Fata(kinda). Beech was supposed to be a blue chip.

By: Donovan

Donovan — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 23:55:52 +0000

Yes, but its nothing. They don’t even update

By: rojoke

rojoke — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:37:59 +0000

I wouldn’t call submitting one article as covering the Whale. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all yours, man. Just thought I contribute a little more than my usual two cents.

By: rojoke

rojoke — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:35:31 +0000

It’s called the AHL. Chances are you’ll see some current NHL players down there. Anyone who wouldn’t have to clear waivers, or guys on two-way contracts, will play there in the event of a stoppage. That’s what happened in ’93-’94. Plus, the quality of play is very good, but the officiating will have you suicidal within a week or two.

By: rojoke

rojoke — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:32:13 +0000

Based on your list of cities, and what HN reported, the Russian team would be in Hamilton, Toronto or Quebec City. My gut tells me that Quebec City wouldn't do it, as they'd be pretty reluctant to follow a team that had absolutely no francophone content, especially in the nationalist capital.

oh yeah, one more thing. There's a website?

By: rojoke

rojoke — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:28:07 +0000

Are you talking about the guy who said that Lecavalier would become “the Michael Jordan of hockey?” Davidson I think his name was. I thought he sold the team about a year or two after he bought from the Japanese group.

By: Primis

Primis — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 21:59:49 +0000

Actually they could play at the palace if there were to be a team in Detroit. The Vipers did it for a number of years and were pretty successful.

The owner of the Pistons owned the Vipers and at the time had a stake also in the Tampa Bay Lightning. I don't know if that's changed.

If it hasn't though I'd imagine he'd remain NHL-loyal and not support a possible competitor. That's why I doubt the Palace as a venue.

-- Primis.

By: Primis

Primis — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 21:57:10 +0000

And about the places to play, thats one of the major problems. They need a lot of cash to rent arena's, but they don't have any. As for here in Detroit, how about COBO?

At last check Cobo was being used by the Compuware team. And the Fraser Falcondome by... well... the Detroit Falcons.

-- Primis.

By: mattf

mattf — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 19:31:32 +0000

as much as i would like an alternative to the corporate mainstream professional hockey being the nhl, the whl will not put the same quality of players on the ice, and will be horribly marketed - therefore it will suck shit.

bobby hull is praying for a fucking lockout to exploit professional hockey introducing his shitty 'baby-league'.. players will not move and take a pay cut to play in a more open league regardless of the traditional excitement of hockey from the 70s.

ok, so brett hall and probably a few older respectable players will move.. what will happen to the state of hockey? they are aging and obviously shadows of their past selves... hockey will not have the same excitement. there is a reason why players retire as they age - not just because of injury alone. they will prolong their careers at younger players' expenses. the whole thing is stupid, someone should slap bobby hall in the face with a used condom or something