Frustrated Reactions From Both Players & Owners
It’s the day after the NHL owners broke every fans heart after building up momentum and optimism for two days of talks. While it feels like a hangover from staying out all night and drinking has crept in and muddied the brain, the cold hard reality remains that the NHL lockout is still in full force with no end in sight.
Three days of talks weren’t enough to propel an agreement even after Donald Fehr painted the picture that the big issues were resolved and a deal was imminent. Only to learn minutes later that wasn’t the case and that the owners prefer to do their dirty work via voice mail, something that is an argument for another day.
The wounds are still fresh today and reaction came pouring out from both the player’s and the owners on how they view the latest disappointment surrounding the negotiations or lack thereof.
Erik Cole of the Montreal Canadiens told the Montreal Gazette that he’s not sure if the league and the owners are helping the game, (all quotes courtesy of TSN.ca.)
"“We’re here to grow the game of hockey and what they’re doing with this lockout is doing anything but grow the game.”"
Jason Chimera of the Capitals also chimed in on the events that took place this week in New York.
"“It’s pretty disappointing for hockey in general,” said Chimera. “To be that close and just stop talking is absurd.”"
If there was any question as to whether or not the players were behind their union leader Donald Fehr, that has been answered. Twitter is a social media outlet for everyone including the pro sports players and the reaction across the Twitter wire was confirming their support of Fehr.
“100 percent in agreement with our @nhlpa leader for all of (sic) you asking,” said Logan Couture of the Sharks.
Scottie Upshall of the Panthers was one of the more descriptive ones, again using the analogy of being treated like cattle, something that Milan Lucic of the Bruins said back in October.
"“There’s no pressure yet on the owners to lose this year, that’s why they still treat us like Cattle. They’ll need a partner come January.”"
But the players weren’t the only ones who took to the media to voice their displeasure. Ronald Burkle, owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of six owners who sat in on the players/owners only meetings released a statementabout the two days of talks he was involved in, courtesy of TSN.ca.
He thanks the players for trying the meetings without Fehr and Bettman and called them professional. He does however discuss how he feels the owners have moved a great deal and the players did not, resulting in the roadblock we’re at now.
Mark Chipman who owns the Winnipeg Jets admitted his frustration of how the talks ended as did Larry Tannenbaum from the Maple Leafs.
Another black Friday is upon us and it doesn’t mean there are smoking hot deals at your local shopping mall, but rather smoking hot emotions from all those directly involved with the lockout. With no immediate talks scheduled between the two sides it’s hard to hold out hope that we’ll be watching any hockey this year. Who knows what to believe anymore.
""