NHL FanHouse

Knuckle Puck: What's Wrong With Vaccinating National Treasures?

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, Senators, NHL Fans, NHL Economics

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

There's something to be said for Canadians and their level-headedness at least as it compares to us Americans. They always seem so much calmer. But during the past week our neighbors to the North have been in an uproar about Calgary Flames Flu Vaccination Crisis 2009. Sure, they're rightfully up in arms in Alberta that the Flames and their peeps received shots before some of the neediest people in the province but that almost seems like a trivial matter compared to what's going on down here.

While we're duct taping the economy together, bringing machine guns to healthcare debates and desperately trying to figure out if there's a boy in that darned balloon they're worried about flu shots. It must be nice having that as the toughest problem your nation is facing! Now I know, we're kind worried about flu shots too, but it's easily eighth on America's list of Things That Will End the World by 2012 -- right before "zombie apocalypse" and after "iPhones enslave us." So I think the folks up north need to relax a bit. It's like the great Allen Iverson once said, "we're talkin' bout flu shots. Not a plague. Not an epidemic. Flu shots."

And really, what's so wrong with the province of Alberta vaccinating its most precious resource? That's protecting national -- or at least provincial -- interests, I'd say. The chief export of Canada is hockey and vaccinating hockey players is simply insuring and protecting your national treasures. Unless you accidentally give them a super virus that turns them into flesh eating zombies. But ignoring the zombie possibility, I'd say this was a prudent move. Kind of like if we vaccinated some of our national treasures such as the Statue of Liberty, Las Vegas and Tom Cruise. I don't know where we'd be without those three much like Alberta would be in trouble without the Flames or Oilers.

To be fair, it's getting cold and the most at risk in Alberta do need to be vaccinated and that's nothing to joke about. The common flu kills nearly 36,000 people per year in the United States alone. But hey, if you believe the media, Sony Pictures or the Mayans it's all irrelevant because we're screwed anyway.

Famous YouTuber Update of the Week
You've heard all about 5-year old ~~Herb Brooks~~ Josh Sacco but just when you think he's faded out of our consciousness this kid just keeps on bringing it. He's been on Sportscenter, the Ellen DeGeneres Show and is planning on attending the Winter Olympics in a few months. This kid has done more in his fifth year on this planet than most of us do in a lifetime. I, for one, can't wait to see what he has planned for age six.

How to Burn $10,000 in an Hour, Legally
Because actually setting fire to that much money would likely violate any number of laws, the folks at Fenway Park have given us a great solution for when we really just need to get rid of six months' pay really, really fast. Why lose it in a casino or on a super expensive dinner when you can spend it on playing an hour of hockey on the Winter Classic rink at Fenway!

Surprisingly, the folks in charge are claiming that there has been a lot of interest in an hour of ice time that is being sold at rates of $7,500 to $10,000 per hour. Of course most of the interested parties are corporate -- now that's one hell of a holiday party -- so the recession is clearly over if they're spending money on this.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee

Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

... McDonald's Canada! In the midst of a crippling global recession you are on top of your game! Your stock price is at an all time high and you're showing your true colors as apparent Leafs backers by giving this swift kick in the pants to the city of Ottawa: the release of a set of hockey cards that include one Dany Heatley in a Sens sweating declaring him "a hit in Ottawa since joining the team in 2005-06."

Hilariously horrendous timing: I'm lovin' it!

Knuckle Puck: What's Wrong With Vaccinating National Treasures? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fight of the Week: Princeton's Favorite Son Drops Them Again

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Canucks, Ducks, Penguins, Predators, Rangers, Sharks, Wild, NHL Fans, NHL Fights, NHL Videos

Every Friday, FanHouse sifts through the rubble and picks the best NHL fight, with the help of HockeyFights.com.

A light week on the card, but there was a relatively surprising bout and some pretty good ones to choose from. Highlighting it is our favorite former Princeton player, a gentleman who has made a name for himself by being a really good fighter. Of course, the big news of the week involved a team captain dropping the gloves with a random defenseman.

Huh? Fight of the Week: Marek Zidlicky vs. Sidney Crosby

Sometimes, guys are obviously planning to fight before they drop the gloves. Others are clearly spontaneous. This one falls under the latter. Crosby and Zidlicky had enough of using their sticks, and decided to use fists instead. Watch it here.

Beatdown of the Week: Kent Huskins vs. Jared Boll

Boll is one of the league's real up-and-coming heavyweights, and he dominated this scrap. It started with a hard hit on Huskins by Boll, and quickly became a fight. Just as fast as it started, Boll emphatically ended it. He then proceeded to stand over his conquest like a predator stands over lunch. Watch the fight here.

Runner-Up: Dane Byers vs. Tanner Glass

This was a little quick for most fans' tastes, but some really good punches were thrown. Byers got off to a quick start, but Glass got the last laugh, or "shot," if you prefer. Check it out here.

Fight of the Week: Wade Belak vs. George Parros

Parros is a top fighter, and he got all he could handle in this one from Thursday night. The Predators might not have done much to stay in the game, but Belak more than held his own against one of the best.

There is some solid back-and-forth between the two, and the ending is kind of a surprise. Too bad for the Ducks' TV people that the fight was over by the time they got the "Tale of the Tape" graphic ready.

Fight of the Week: Princeton's Favorite Son Drops Them Again originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Jackets' Struggles Illustrate NHL's Tale of Two Leagues

Christopher Botta — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Economics

Thursday's report that the Columbus Blue Jackets are losing $12 million a year is the latest illustration that the National Hockey League is really made up of two leagues.

There are flourishing franchises, the ones that print money or are at least in position to make big dough. Among those on this list are the big market American teams in Manhattan, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and Washington. Also thriving, naturally, are the six Canadian franchises.

While many NHL executives, players and fans live in denial, there are teams like the Blue Jackets battling league and their own economics just to stay in existence. To this list add Atlanta, Florida, Nashville, the Islanders, Phoenix, Tampa Bay. There are several more hurting franchises that haven't yet found the guts to finally say, "Enough is enough" like Columbus did on Thursday.

"Public partnership in arenas and stadiums has been a critical element to ensuring healthy, competitive sports franchises in markets across the country," said Blue Jackets President Mike Priest. "Our priority continues to be to secure long-term financial viability in this great city." Priest said his team's economic model has "significant disadvantages."

What's alarming about the Columbus saga is that the Blue Jackets opened the privately-funded Nationwide Arena in September 2000. The arena is one of the finest in the United States and bars, restaurants, a team store and the hockey team's state-of-the-art practice facility are adjacent. On the outside and the inside, the Nationwide complex -- funded by Nationwide in a deal struck by Blue Jackets founder John H. McConnell, who passed away a year ago -- is the envy of most NHL teams. The city's Arena District has become an NHL version of what Camden Yards meant for Baltimore. The Blue Jackets built it, and people have come from all over Ohio.

Yet the team is still losing huge dollars, which must send shivers down the spines of the owners of the NHL's B-list franchises. True, the dire situation in Columbus differs from the circumstances in Phoenix, Nashville, Atlanta and on Long Island. Dare I say it, but the economic plight of many NHL teams is not unlike what we saw this decade in the Arena Football League. In the AFL, commissioner David Baker and franchise owners worked and worked for years to stabilize operations until the league shut down last year.

No one is saying the NHL would ever fold, not with powerhouse franchises thriving -- in some cases, for generations -- in major American and Canadian cities. For the struggling organizations, commissioner Gary Bettman has maintained his dedication to keep teams where they are and find ways to help them be successful.

The NHL also affords all of its teams a chance to contend for championships. While fans of the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday might have watched the Yankees win another World Series and had every reason to wonder if their team ever has a chance, the NHL has passed the Stanley Cup in recent years to teams in Carolina, Tampa Bay and, well, Pittsburgh.

The challenge is to make sure those Cup banners stay in their cities. The challenge is make sure the fans supporting building teams like the Blue Jackets, Coyotes and Islanders don't endure the same fate of their brethren in Hartford and Quebec City.

Blue Jackets' Struggles Illustrate NHL's Tale of Two Leagues originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Look at NHL's October Attendance

Kevin Schultz — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Economics

The first month of the NHL season is behind us, and I'm taking a look back at the early returns on attendance numbers for October. According to ESPN, the numbers aren't that peachy for the NHL. Only nine teams had an average attendance higher than their average attendance last season. On the flip side, 18 teams are down, including five which are down more than 10 percent from their 2008-09 averages. Of course, looking at stats for only one month is a small sample size, but I still think these numbers give us a look at some of the early trends around the league.

After the jump are the full numbers for the entire league.

NHL Attendance
Team	'08-09 AVG	OCT '09 AVG	Difference	Difference %
Anaheim	16,990	15,044	-1,946	-11.45
Atlanta	14,626	14,893	+267	+1.83
Boston	17,039	16,958	-81	-0.48
Buffalo	18,531	18,419	-112	-0.60
Calgary	19,289	19,289	0	0
Carolina	16,572	15,525	-1,047	-6.32
Chicago	22,247	20,309	-1,938	-8.71
Colorado	15,429	15,696	+267	+1.73
Columbus	15,543	15,802	+259	+1.67
Dallas	17,680	17,007	-673	-3.81
Detroit	19,865	19,183	-682	-3.43
Edmonton	16,839	16,839	0	0
Florida	15,621	14,890	-731	-4.68
Los Angeles	16,488	15,971	-517	-3.14
Minnesota	18,568	18,176	-392	-2.11
Montreal	21,273	21,273	0	0
Nashville	15,010	13,398	-1,612	-10.74
New Jersey	15,790	15,728	-62	-0.39
NY Islanders	13,773	12,061	-1,712	-12.43
NY Rangers	18,172	18,200	+28	+0.15
Ottawa	18,949	18,371	-578	-3.05
Philadelphia	19,545	19,327	-218	-1.12
Phoenix	14,875	9,999	-4,876	-32.78
Pittsburgh	16,975	17,049	+74	+0.44
San Jose	17,488	17,562	+74	+0.42
St. Louis	18,554	18,771	+217	+1.17
Tampa Bay	16,497	14,329	-2,168	-13.14
Toronto	19,312	19,252	-60	-0.31
Vancouver	18,630	18,810	+180	+0.97
Washington	18,097	18,277	+180	+0.99
Note: All figures used from ESPN

On the whole, it's easy to see that the numbers are down across the NHL and that's likely due to the economic climate in North America. I don't think anyone expected to see many drastic jumps in numbers, if any at all, and these numbers certainly agree with that. But let's take a look at some of the teams putting up some interesting numbers:

Phoenix Coyotes (6 Games, -32.78 percent, -4,876 fans/game): Not surprisingly, the Coyotes have some downright abysmal numbers so far this season. Given what happened over the offseason, these numbers go to show that the team's bankruptcy proceedings helped to destroy the fan base. These numbers are especially awful considering the team claimed a sellout on opening night.

New York Islanders (7 Games, -12.43 percent, -1,712): What's not surprising is to see the Islanders hurting at the box office after a 1-4-5 start to the year. What's more surprising is that the team has put up such poor numbers after drafting John Tavares. A poor start and the bad economy will surely hurt -- one of the team's main demographics is families -- but after Tavares-mania hit Long Island in June it's stunning to see the team failing so badly to cash in on it.

Tampa Bay Lightning (7 games, -13.14 percent, -2,168): The Lightning are off to a decent start, 5-4-4, and Steven Stamkos is starting to look like the real deal. At the gate, the team is struggling. It's hard to say why exactly that is. Perhaps finishing 14th in the conference last year has some carryover to this season. It would help to explain why they and the Islanders (15th last year) are struggling at the box office in the early going.

Colorado Avalanche (4 games, 1.73 percent, 263): Let's take a moment to focus on a team that isn't getting destroyed at the gate. The Avalanche are off to a scorching start, 10-3-2, and currently sit atop the conference. However, they have yet to see the fans come back. The team averaged 15,429 last year, down from 17,612 two years prior. This probably has more to do with small sample size than anything else. The Avs finished dead last in the West last season and got beat up at the gate. They have only played two games at home this year since Oct. 4, playing on the road much of the month. Things will probably turn around this month. Their last home game on Oct. 24, a Saturday night against the Red Wings, drew 17,690 according to the NHL.

Things have been bad in a few other places as well. Anaheim (7 games, -11.45 percent) and Nashville (6 games, -10.74) are seeing some heavy losses early. Anaheim stumbled out of the gate this season (4-7-2) so some of their issues could be attributed to that. However, Nashville has fared better (6-6-1) and is seeing nearly the same losses. It's tough to say what exactly is affecting the gates in those two locales but for a team in the situation of the Preds, it could make for a tough winter.

Another surprise on this list is that Atlanta, which has historically had attendance issues, is up the most of any team in the league at +1.83 percent. Los Angeles is also down slightly after a very hot start (9-4-2, -3.14 percent) but that could easily pick up in the coming months.

It's clear that very few teams (i.e., Canadian teams) are escaping the wrath of the down economy. Take another look at the numbers, let them wash over you and check back at the end of the month when we take a look at November's numbers. Maybe they'll start to pick up a bit for the many teams that need more fans in the seats.

A Look at NHL's October Attendance originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knuckle Puck: Don Cherry Jerseys, Naked Breakaways and Red Line Love

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, Minor League Hockey

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

This has been a banner week for Knuckle Puck, easily the wackiest and most interesting since I started this feature about a month ago. I have so much to write about that I don't even know where to start things off. Do I go with the Kingston Frontenacs wearing Don Cherry styled jerseys? Or what about the Lightning getting kinky at practice? Then there are the folks at UniWatch showing some love for the red line, and retailer River City Sports trying to trick Islanders fans into buying Rangers hats. What's a writer to do? Well, for starters, you can follow me through the jump.

It was hard to decide upon a winner, but this week's lead story is the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. If you thought it was tough enough for your eyes to watch Cherry's wardrobe every Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada, you would have had an extra treat on Wednesday night. The Frontenacs hosted Don Cherry Military Appreciation Night, complete with their very own Don Cherry themed suit-jerseys.

But before you wonder why the Frontenacs tried to blind their fans with such jerseys -- albeit for a good cause -- that's actually what they were trying to do. Sort of. They were trying to one-up other minor/junior teams and create the ugliest jerseys they could. No, really. That's what they were thinking when they planned this.

"Last summer, we were looking at some really ugly sweaters worn in the AHL and ECHL," said Jeff Stilwell, director of marketing for the Frontenacs.

"We thought, 'Wouldn't it be cool (to do something like that)?

Yeah, the team went out of their way to design a hideous jersey. At least they're honest about it, I guess. And auctioning off signed jerseys for charity earns them a lot of cool points, so I'll let it slide. Now the question is: do I want one of these hanging on my wall?

Heck and yes.

YouTube of the Week

The Tampa Bay Lightning decided to have some fun after practice this week ... with a naked breakaway competition!

Each player would take a turn shooting on a breakaway, and if they missed, an article of clothing was to be removed. In the video below is Steven Stamkos, who scored after only a couple misses, and if you fast forward to the 2:30 mark, Martin St. Louis trying to score in sandals. This was after the coaches left so, no, Rick Tocchet was not taking bets on the players.

Giving the Red Line Some Love

The folks at Uniwatch are exceptional at what they do. And what they do is stay on top of the goings-on in the world of athletic aesthetics. That includes uniforms, on-field artwork and pretty much anything else you can think of. This week they've one-upped themselves and posted a comprehensive guide to red lines. Yes, red lines. Those things in the middle of the ice that were made more or less irrelevant after the lockout rule changes. I never noticed it until I read the article but a lot of teams get really, really creative with the designs out there. My personal favorite is the one in Miami, where the Cats have put paw prints across the ice.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee

Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

... Online hockey apparel retailer River City Sports! Now, it's tough to put them in this category since I have ordered from them numerous times over the years, and it's always been a good experience. But this week Loser Domi at Barry Melrose Rocks discovered that the folks at RCS are trying to sell Islanders fans Rangers merchandise! How dastardly! I'm sure it's a minor typo in the page's code, but it's funny to see a Ranger hat smack in the middle of the Islander page.

Jokes I Can't Resist Making

- Well, to be honest, it's a nice gesture. Now Islander fans can feel like their team has won more than a game.
- That hat would probably sell quite a bit to Islander fans with a little bit of marketing. Just label it "Firewood."
- It could be worse. They could have posted a fisherman jersey.
- That's what happens when you hire color blind, illiterate IT guys.

Knuckle Puck: Don Cherry Jerseys, Naked Breakaways and Red Line Love originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caption Contest: Darth Vader Edition

Adam Gretz — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans

This is easily the most random thing you'll see all season, and it comes from Wednesday's Buffalo vs. Florida game. I'm not sure what's happening here, but as a hockey fan and Star Wars nerd, I want more of it. The only thing that could make this better is Jek Porkins and Admiral Ackbar. Honestly, this picture has it all ... except for a caption.

And that's where we ask you, the readers, to give this picture the caption it deserves.

Caption Contest: Darth Vader Edition originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHL FanHouse Live Chat

Adam Gretz — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Live Blogging

We're talking hockey at 2 PM ET. Have a thought or concern about the Sergei Gonchar and Marc Savard injuries? Impressed by the Penguins and Rangers? Hoping for the Islanders to get in the "W" column tonight? Stop on by and discuss it with us.

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=9dd80948f4" >NHL FanHouse Live Chat</a>

NHL FanHouse Live Chat originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knuckle Puck: Youth Movement Taking Over NHL

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Canadiens, NHL Fans, NHL Videos

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. This is the first edition. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

One of the stories to watch this season is the youth movement that is currently taking over the NHL. I'm not talking about Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. At 22 and 24 respectively, those guys are old news. The kids I'm talking about are a bit younger and dare I say, better.

First, there's one of the youngest members of the coaching ranks -- Josh Sacco. Josh is famous for replicating Herb Brooks' speech but did you know he's also an aspiring coach? Yep. Rumors have run rampant about where he may land -- word out of Toronto is he could be Ron Wilson's replacement if he is let go -- but expect him to go to the highest bidder. Right now, he's working on inspiring the Predators' in-game entertainment staff before games. It won't be long before he gets a job behind an NHL bench, possibly even before his fifth birthday.

Earlier in the week another young gun came on the scene. With a spin-o-rama goal that made it all the way to Sportscenter 9-year old Oliver Wahlstrom is the hottest free agent on the market today. Lots of teams are interested but the word is he may be able to wait for the draft. According to an inside source the NHL is considering dropping the age limit on the draft from 17 to 10 to accommodate Wahlstrom. Either way, watch out Danny Bolduc, Maine's got a new home grown NHL superstar.

So at the tender ages of four and nine, the NHL is getting a huge surge in young superstars. What kind of an impact this has on the game is yet to be seen but it seems as though we will have a whole generation of toddlers growing up wanting to be like Josh and Oliver.

YouTube of the Week
Bears are just a different sort of animal in Alaska. This one from Fairbanks carries a pick ax after rising out of an atomic blast somewhere. I'm really not sure what's going on or why I'm posting it except for the overwhelming feeling that I'll get eaten by a bear if I don't.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee
Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

The Montreal Canadiens! In case you missed it, earlier in the week the Habs pulled the goalie late in the game against the Avs for a 6-on-4. Except they ended up with seven men on the ice. And still couldn't score! What did we learn from this? Nothing except that those crazy Leafs fans who believe games are rigged in favor of the Habs are, well, probably right.

Knuckle Puck: Youth Movement Taking Over NHL originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coyotes Giving Away Free Tickets ... If They Win

Christopher Botta — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coyotes, NHL Fans, NHL Economics, FanHouse Exclusive

The Phoenix Coyotes, in need of building up a wounded fan base and putting warm fannies in the seats, have come up with quite the marketing initiative. Branded "Join The Pack!" (their exclamation point) with the kicker "We Win, You Win," the Coyotes will give fans attending any of the following five games a free ticket to a game later in the season if the team wins:

Oct. 24 vs. LA

Nov. 14 vs. Dallas

Dec. 5 vs. Ottawa

Jan. 16 vs. Minnesota

Feb. 13 vs. Dallas

All five are Saturday games, a depressing illustration of the box office challenges facing the Coyotes with the franchise's very existence in question. With Thursday's gate attendance an estimated 5,000 setting the bar, the organization may be waving the towel on weeknight games. Give management credit for being realistic.

The idea to distribute potentially thousands of free tickets if the Coyotes win any or all of the five games was undoubtedly pondered by Phoenix executives for a while. There are many pro and cons -- or, since this is hockey, Pluses and Minuses. Let's analyze:

Minus: Any time you comp or deeply discount your tickets, you're devaluing them. Why would Coyotes fans ever pay full price? Why would they ever buy season tickets?

Plus: Guess that's not really the Coyotes' biggest problem right now!

Minus: If you're a player on the Kings, Stars (twice), Senators or Wild, you have some added motivation. As they put on the foil pre-game, you can just hear the captain saying, "Phoenix thinks we stink so bad, they're giving away free tickets if they beat us!" Or there's the Gipper-esque rallying cry, "If they beat us, they're comping thousands of free tickets and as NHLPA members we lose more of our escrow!"

Plus: The way new head coach Dave Tippett has the Coyotes focused and executing a smart gameplan, they could still beat the psyched up (and psyched out) Kings, Stars, Senators and Wild.

Minus: When you really think about it, these "We Win, You Win" games create stakes that are not far removed from a gambling environment. ("Hey, why did Tippett put Bissonnette, Jovanovski and Vandermeer in the shootout? Did he get a call from upstairs saying the team didn't want to give away any more free tickets?")

Plus: Nah. The Phoenix Coyotes have plenty of good seats available in all sections.

Plus: In the final analysis, Coyotes management is doing the right thing. There are many passionate hockey fans in the Phoenix area. The team has a general manager (Don Maloney) with a plan, an excellent head coach, several skilled young players and a captain in Shane Doan who deserves to be a winner.

With "We Win, You Win!" the Phoenix staff is focused on getting some energy in the stands and reminding people a hockey game is a good night out. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You never know -- the Coyotes could stick around a while.

Coyotes Giving Away Free Tickets ... If They Win originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Puck Talk: Adam Gretz & Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans

It's really early to be judging surprises, disappointments, and underachievers, so let's do it, anyway. This week, we're joined on Puck Talk by FanHouse's resident Pittsburgh homer, Adam Gretz, and Puck Daddy editor Greg Wyshynski, whose formative days were spent with FanHouse. Listen after the jump.

Listen to the podcast above, or click here to download the file.

Puck Talk: Adam Gretz & Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nine-Year-Old Oliver Wahlstrom Scores Incredible Shootout Goal in Boston

Adam Gretz — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Videos

Oliver Wahlstrom is a nine-year-old forward for the Portland Junior Pirates, a Pee Wee team in Portland, Maine. During the TD Bank's mini 1-on-1 challenge in Boston, Wahlstrom unleashed a stick-whirling, highlight-reel goal that stunned a motionless goaltender who could do nothing but freeze, and watch in amazement.

It might be the best goal you'll see all season, and it's even more impressive when you consider it's a nine-year-old doing it.

Video after the jump.

The poor goalie, he had no idea what to do. According to Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy, the Portland Junior Pirates are a team of mostly 12-year-olds, and the nine-year-old Wahlstrom is playing against older competition.

This kid was obviously watching the moves of former Springfield Falcon (AHL), and current New York Islander, Rob Schremp.

Below, Oliver talks about the shot on CBS' The Early Show.

Nine-Year-Old Oliver Wahlstrom Scores Incredible Shootout Goal in Boston originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hunting Trips With Bernie Parent Available on eBay

Adam Gretz — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Flyers, NHL Fans

It seems the Philadelphia Flyers have been hunting (too easy) for a franchise goaltender since Bernie Parent retired following the 1978-79 season. During his 13-year career, Parent helped guide the Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cups, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP each time.

Thirty years after his retirement, you can spend some time with the Hall of Fame netminder if you're interested in doing some Bambi hunting on a private farm in New Jersey. Hopefully he doesn't wear his Jason-style goalie mask during the hunt because, well, that would just be creepy.

So, what does the $375 price tag get you?

From the eBay ad:

YOU ARE PURCHASING A ONE DAY FULLY GUIDED HUNT ON OUR PRIVATE FARMS IN NEW JERSEY WITH NHL LEGEND BERNIE PARENT. THIS HUNT WILL INCLUDE BREAKFAST WITH BERNIE A MORNING HUNT, LUNCH WITH BERNIE TO INCLUDE A PHOTO SHOOT FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL PICTURES AND AUTOGRAPGHS. YOU WILL THEN BE TAKEN OUT ON OUR EVENING HUNT. YOUR GUIDE WILL TAKE YOU TO AND FROM YOUR STEEL LADDER STAND OR GROUND BLIND IF YOU PREFER, LOCATE, FIELD DRESS AND TRANSPORT ANY DEER YOU MAY TAKE BACK TO THE CLUB HOUSE. BUTHERING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. THESE HUNTS ARE AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUAL GROUPS, CORPORATE, ETC.

I'm assuming "buthering services" are butchering services, which is a plus, I suppose.

The advertisement claims there's only a limited number of dates available for archery, shotgun and muzzle loader season from October through January.

[H/T Illegal Curve, via Empty-Netters]

Hunting Trips With Bernie Parent Available on eBay originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Book: Oilers and Maple Leafs Nearly Swapped Cities During the 1980's

Adam Gretz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Maple Leafs, Oilers, NHL Fans

Hockey fans in Toronto have not seen their team hoist the Stanley Cup since the 1966-67 campaign, the year before expansion doubled the size of the league from six teams to 12.

It's one of the longest championship droughts in the NHL, and according to a new book about former Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, it almost ended in the 1980's due to an incredible trade proposal that is so out-of-this-world it's almost hard to believe.

The Edmonton Oilers, plus $50 million in cold, hard cash, for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Straight up.

According to Pocklington, via the Canadian Press, former Maple Leafs owner Harold Ballard came up with the proposal and offered the swap because he was in financial trouble, only to back out a week later after solving his problem.

From the Canadian Press:

"Harold phoned me and said, 'Would you consider moving to Toronto with your team and I'll move to Edmonton with mine, and I'll need $50 million," Pocklington told The Canadian Press when reached Sunday at his Palm Desert, Calif., home. "So I thought about it and said, 'Yes Harold, I'll go for that."' The scheme called for the entire team to move to Toronto to play in Maple Leaf Gardens while the Leafs, in turn, would have found a home in Edmonton's new arena, which at that time was called the Coliseum. According to Pocklington, Ballard was in financial straights when he made the proposal in 1981. However, a short time later Ballard backed out of the deal.

Incredible. That's one way to end your championship drought, Toronto.

Pocklington, the man who traded Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles -- and he said he'd do it again -- nearly one-upped himself and traded one of the greatest dynasties in league history. We're talking Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson and all the rest skating in Maple Leaf Gardens every night.

It opens the door for all sorts of hypothetical possibilities.

For example: if the swap had gone through, and the Oilers played in Toronto, the top hockey market in Canada, would the Gretzky trade have still happened following the 1988 season? And if not, how many more Stanley Cups would that team have won?

And if Gretzky never plays in Los Angeles, does the NHL ever expand to markets like Anaheim, San Jose and Phoenix on the west coast? All hypothetical questions -- and as it turns out, meaningless seeing as how the "trade" never happened -- but it's impossible not to speculate and wonder.

Book: Oilers and Maple Leafs Nearly Swapped Cities During the 1980's originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Knuckle Puck: Why We Must Stop the Biting Epidemic

Kevin Schultz — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Fights, NHL Media Watch

Each and every Saturday this season I'll be taking a look at the random happenings and absurdities that occur in the world of hockey. This is the first edition. Feel free to suggest stories, complain or otherwise babble at me via electronic mail.

There are a lot of issues facing the NHL. We can argue about the NHL's policy on hits to the head till we're blue in the face, or we can debate the shootout all night. Then there's the situation in Phoenix and the Versus/DirecTV squabble. Sure, all of that is very important. But there's no bigger issue in the NHL today than the biting epidemic. The league must act swiftly to ensure the hands of our favorite stars stay intact and not in the mouths of other players.

First, it was Jarkko Ruutu taking a chomp on Andrew Peters last season. This week, it was Scott Hartnell allegedly biting Kris Letang. The total suspensions for those two incidents? Two games, and Hartnell got off scot-free.

'Sure,' you may say. 'These aren't the hands of serious goal scorers.'

You're right, they're not. Peters has only four goals in 200 career games and Letang has 18 in almost 150 games. But if the NHL doesn't nip this epidemic right away, then we're headed down a death spiral towards rampant hand biting, lawlessness and death panels that decide who lives and dies. It's a very slippery slope, people.

That's why we must act now and convince the NHL that biting is a problem that needs to be addressed. What if Hartnell had decided to chow down on Evgeni Malkin's hand? What a black eye that would be for the sport to have; one of it's best players on the sidelines due to a hungry, hungry Hartnell. This may be funny now, but when teams turn to biting as a way to stifle top goal scorers, we'll wonder why nothing was done about this sooner. I propose that the NHL needs to implement a strict no biting policy unless it involves ice girl-on-ice girl action, or food from concession stands.

YouTube of the Week
TSN wants another Canadian team... In New York?

Jokes I Can't Resist Making
- Since corporate re-branding is a big deal nowadays, the Islanders try some of their own.
- TSN has scientifically determined that the only thing more annoying than the Toronto media is combining it with the New York media.
- The team's logo is a Maple Leaf that reads fugghedaboutit.
- Now, New Yorkers can find out what it's like to have a team with the history, tradition and arrogant fans of the Yankees without all the championships.

Knuckle Pucker of the Year Nominee
Each week, we'll nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their outstanding service and commitment to giving me something to write about. By the end of the year I'll come up with some way to declare a winner. Today's nominee is...

Josh Sacco. I'm sure you've seen the 4-year old Herb Brooks already but he certainly deserves to be nominated for this award. Here's a new video of him giving his speech to the Predators' in-game entertainers. Somewhere, Herb Brooks is looking down and smiling.

Knuckle Puck: Why We Must Stop the Biting Epidemic originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ticket Demand for Winter Classic Sizzles

Jonathan Berr — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Economics

The Winter Classic, the NHL's homage to hockey in its raw, natural outdoor form, is continuing to grow in popularity.

According to the NHL, registrations for tickets to the 2010 New Year's Day game surpassed 307,000. The game will be played at Boston's Fenway Park, which has a capacity of about 40,000 for the game.

Registrations were up 25 percent from last year's contest between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks in Wrigley Field.

Even so, the game will not come close to the attendance of the first Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, where the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the hometown Buffalo Sabres, 2-1, before a crowd of more than 71,000 in the home of Buffalo Bills.

The '09 contest between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings drew 40,810 to Wrigley Field and saw the home team fall, 6-4.

The first Winter Classic was a bonanza for NBC Sports, capturing the biggest ratings for an NHL regular-season game in more than a decade., luring 3.75 million viewers. The Winter Classic viewership rose to 4.4 million viewers in 2009 and officials in the NHL are optimistic that the game's popularity will continue to climb.

The ramifications of the Winter Classic may reverberate off the ice as well. In July, the NHL and NBC extended their contract through the 2010-2011 season after having set several ratings milestones. Hockey should benefit from the growing interest in televised sports by people who can't afford other forms of entertainment because of the economy.

Playing the game in Boston seems to be a wise decision.

"Years ago, hockey was hot because of Bobby Orr and (Phil) Esposito," Pat Moscaritolo, head of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, told FanHouse. "That passion for hockey never really disappeared."

Moreover, the long-running rivalry between the Bruins and the Flyers will make fans from both clubs eager to get tickets. The rivalry between the teams dates to at least the 1970s. Moscaritolo has been hit up for tickets from friends, colleagues and family members for months.

Also, there's the venue: Fenway Park is considered by fans to be one of baseball's crown jewels The Red Sox and NHL are going to capitalize on the public affection for the ballpark with a variety of activities being talked about around the Winter Classic, including ice skating, men's and women's college hockey and an old-timers game.

Ticket Demand for Winter Classic Sizzles originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hockey Talk: NHL FanHouse Live Chat

Bruce Ciskie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Avalanche, Capitals, Sharks, NHL Fans, NHL Live Blogging

The opening week of the NHL season featured plenty of excitement, a few surprises, some bitter fans (mainly DirecTV customers), and some fisticuffs.

The NHL FanHouse gang will break down the events so far in a live chat at 2 PM ET. Join us after the jump.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;altcast_code=63bfb8ead4" &amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;NHL FanHouse Live Chat&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Hockey Talk: NHL FanHouse Live Chat originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2-on-1: The NHL's Duty in the DirecTV/Versus Dispute

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Media Watch

Every Monday during the season, two of our hockey writers will debate one topic. It's the 2-on-1. This week, Bruce Ciskie and Kevin Schultz discuss how the NHL has handled the flap between DirecTV and Versus.

Bruce Ciskie: DirecTV customers have a bit of a problem, as all games available on Versus are not available to them. When it comes to options they have that are actually legal, there aren't many. How embarrassing is it for the NHL that millions of people don't have access to some of their games because of a petty contract dispute?

Kevin Schultz: Pretty embarrassing really, but the worst part is this is a problem that wasn't created by the league itself (for once). The tough part is that there's not much they can do other than try and be a mediator, which they have chosen not to do. There's probably not much they can do anyway.

What really surprised me was when the overnight rating came out on Friday from Nielsen declaring this the highest rated season opener yet for Versus. They didn't do Winter Classic numbers or anything, so let's not get too crazy, but keep in mind they did that without the help of the biggest satellite television provider in America.

But, Versus being, well, Versus and not ESPN or any other major cable network and throw in the fact the two factions look more like warring middle school girls, I think we could be in for a long stand off here. It's keeping with the trend that the NFL Network and other niche sports channels have set of going to war with cable providers. That didn't work out well for NFLN and well, I don't see it going well for Versus. There just aren't enough people out there who are going to start clamoring for it. This isn't Rogers blocking LeafsTV from the city of Toronto or anything.

Ciskie: What stinks about this is that the NHL is allowing it to happen. Yes, Versus is a major partner for the league, and it makes no sense for the league to throw them under the bus.

However, DirecTV is a HUGE part of the league's marketing, as they not only have carried Versus, but also bring NHL Network to households, and they offer Center Ice.

The league has no business taking one side or the other, and instead they should be more actively involved with making sure a deal gets done before we're deep into the season.

DirecTV should be offering free Center Ice to ALL subscribers until the Versus deal is complete (with pro-rated credits on the bills of all who have already paid for it), and there should come a point where they are forced to carry -- in HD -- all Versus games on a dedicated channel until a deal is done. This shouldn't be done as a favor to anyone, because having DirecTV put just Versus games on does neither side any long-term good. Versus needs all their programming on DirecTV, and DirecTV needs to have Versus on 24/7 or not at all. It makes them look absolutely silly to have these games floating around, but nothing else from Versus available. It is about the only weapon the league has to get a deal done before we're knee-deep into the season, because as you said, Kevin, these two sides are feuding like teenagers.

It's pretty ridiculous, frankly, and as a customer of DirecTV, I find it insulting. Don't tell me that you understand how important something is to me. I'm paying good money for Center Ice because I want to see every game. Not having Versus available dramatically cuts the tangible value of Center Ice, since there are some marquee games I'll be missing because of not having Versus.

No, Versus doesn't always do the best job, but they've made hires aimed at improving their on-air presentation and the overall image of their product. Unfortunately, millions of people have no idea how those hires will work out, because they can't see the games.

Schultz: You're absolutely right. The smartest thing for the league would be to sit down at the bargaining table and try to work this out between the two sides. Both have been helpful to the league and are responsible for creating programming and distributing the programming.

That being said what I can't understand is DirecTV's position. We have DirecTV at work -- yes, we get to watch TV here and yes, it's awesome -- and there are 700 channels. Heck there's probably more that I don't know about. So why hold out on one? And some of the reasoning given when you try to tune in is pretty funny.

"In these difficult economic times we don't want to pass the increase [in airtime fees] on to you, our valued customer."

They don't want to pass on the, what is it like 50 cents extra Versus wants? If it's even that much. If there's anyone out there who is going to call DirecTV pissed off about that then those folks need to rethink why they're shelling out all that money for satellite in the first place. I know times are tough, but jeez, 50 cents a month isn't breaking anyone's bank.

Speaking of hires, where's Jeremey Roenick and why is he not on my television?

Ciskie: I'll give Versus credit. They still don't quite get the whole concept of shooting hockey games or how to present the game graphically (their scorebar is cumbersome, way too big, and almost ugly). I've almost given up on them, because they clearly don't get "it" on either of these topics.

Where they've improved is in the voices that they are using. Joe Beninati isn't all that great, but he's improved over having been virtually intolerable a few years ago. They have Dave Strader, Rick Peckham, and John Forslund available for play-by-play, and all three are pretty good or better. Analysts like Billy Jaffe, Ed Olczyk, Andy Brickley, and Darren Eliot are all easy to listen to and do a good job.

This year, they stepped up their game in the studio. Even if Darren Dreger is only on via satellite once a month, he improves their pregame and intermission presence. He can do it without breaking a story, so if he does that it's a bonus.

The broadcasts should be better, and that's a start. Now, if we can only get them to use the same scorebox they use for college football.

Schultz: I'm willing to let their game presentation go. This is America and we're talking about hockey. If it's not on ESPN I'm not expecting miracles. Their commentators have improved and the presentation is flawed but my worst fear is watching the intermission reports. I don't think I've seen one of those in a few years.

I think we're getting a bit off topic, though. Let's try and iron out some conclusions on the subject of DirecTV and Versus. Can we agree that A) DirecTV owes something to it's hockey loving customers B) the NHL isn't helping the fans out at all here (surprise, surprise) and C) watching games on Versus kinda sucks anyway?

Ciskie: I agree on all counts. The NHL needs to stop acting like they can play no role in this without the consent of both parties. It's their product, and both DirecTV and Versus are their distributors. They're not partners in the NHL. Their job is to help the NHL distribute the product to the people who want to see it. Right now, millions of people are being left in the dark on some of the bigger games being played, and the league is just sitting around with the proverbial thumb up the rear end. It does them absolutely no good to continue to let the two sides fight like this, when the only people being hurt are the NHL and the fans.

2-on-1: The NHL's Duty in the DirecTV/Versus Dispute originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flyers, Devils Celebrate New Season With Street Fights

Kevin Schultz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Devils, Flyers, NHL Fans

Sports fans in Philadelphia get a bad rap as one of the worst groups of sports fans in the country. There's the old legend that they booed Santa Claus and there's the factual occurrence of their booing Donovan McNabb. But, as with any sweeping generalization, there's a part based in rumor and legend as well as a part somewhat based in truth. While details are still sketchy about what happened one thing is clear -- Flyers and Devils fans decided to open the season with a bang with some European style hooliganism on the streets of New Jersey and Philly (Note: Fair warning, there are some graphic, NSFW descriptions after the jump).

The Flyers and Devils squared off at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday night. As you might expect, a good amount of the folks in attendance came in from Philly for the game. The Flyers won easily by a final tally of 5-2 and even led 4-0 early in the third. And afterward things got really crazy. It was probably due to a combination of excitement for the start of hockey season, alcohol and general douchebaggery that helped to create fan-on-fan royal rumbles on the streets.

I mean, it's sports. There's alcohol. There are dimwits. This is what occasionally happens and to single out the Philly fans for one video (Ed. Note: the video in question has been pulled down by YouTube.) and some rumors is certainly not indicative of the whole bunch. Clearly some Devils fans are a part of the melee, as well. But come on, it's only the first game of the season. Do these guys really have 81 more fights -- not to mention playoff bouts -- in them? Pace yourselves!

But in all serious, there wound up being a pretty scary situation after some people got back to Philly later in the night.

According to The700Level.com, the fighting managed to find its way back to Philly and it was nothing to joke about. This is an account from one of their readers.

When we got back to the The Arena bowling alley in the Northeast, there were cop cars everywhere and a big brawl taking place. These were all Flyers fans fighting. I don't know why. I guess drinking all day had something to do with it? Anyway, some guy comes walking by with his buddy screaming, "Call an ambulance!" He had been stabbed and his intestines were literally hanging out! There was blood everywhere. We were just a little freaked out and didn't want to be stabbed so we left.

Yeah, people, come on. There's no place for that anywhere especially in sports. Think about that word for a moment. Sports. We're talking about sports. Let's hope for the best for all involved.

Flyers, Devils Celebrate New Season With Street Fights originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Versus Calls Out DirecTV

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Media Watch, FanHouse Exclusive

On Sept. 1, DirecTV subscribers no longer had access to Versus. Hockey fans who have DirecTV likely didn't panic, figuring the two sides -- comprised of mature, professional adults -- would be able to work out their differences before the NHL season started.

One month later, the NHL season is indeed underway, and we are seemingly no closer to a resolution. In fact, if the talk from Versus is any indication, we might be a long way from DirecTV subscribers being able to watch NHL games on Versus.

While DirecTV has toned down their rhetoric, moving away from calling out Versus' programming, it seems that Versus has had enough of this situation.

Network president Jamie Davis was on a conference call with reporters to preview the NHL season Wednesday, and he offered up strong words about the negotiations with DirecTV.

He accused DirecTV of trying to "cloud the issue" regarding subscriber rate talks. He flatly denied that his network demanded a 20 percent hike in fees from DirecTV. Davis noted that September of 2009 was the "most-watched September in the history of our network," even though the network was not on DirecTV.

"In September of 2008 we were on DirecTV. In September of 2009, we have not been," Davis said.

Davis also claims that DirecTV wants a clause in their deal that allows them to move Versus to a sports-exclusive tier. This tier is called the Sports Pack on DirecTV, and it costs subscribers an additional $12 per month. It includes regional Fox Sports Net channels, as well as well-known networks like NESN, Altitude, and a couple regional Comcast sports networks, along with ESPNU and CBS College Sports. Davis says this move would "permanently" cost Versus some 6 million subscribers.

There have been reports that DirecTV has offered to air the NHL games, presumably taking Versus off the air again once game coverage is complete, while the two sides continue to negotiate.

"It is only due to the massive outcry from the Versus fans, and the NHL fans," Davis said, "that they realize that they made a mistake."

A Versus source told FanHouse Friday that DirecTV is also telling media they offered -- 30 minutes prior to faceoff -- to air the Thursday night NHL doubleheader, but this claim "is absolutely not true."

"They say they're willing to air the games," the source said, "but they never officially offered to do it."

The source became quite agitated when questioned about the possibility of officially approaching DirecTV with a similar offer, saying he wasn't "going to deal in hypotheticals," and reminding FanHouse that Versus "is doing everything we can to get a deal done."

Asked if allowing DirecTV to air only NHL games would potentially bring the sides closer to a full agreement, the source would only repeat that the network is doing all they can, and questioned how wise it would be to let DirecTV flip the feed on for NHL games and off when the games are over. It doesn't sound like Versus is interested in letting DirecTV air NHL games only while the rest of the deal is consummated.

The source also said the network has presented a proposal to DirecTV in the last few days that included a "zero total cost increase" to DirecTV. However, it also would not allow DirecTV to move Versus to a sports-exclusive tier.

Anyone who has followed high-profile negotiations in sports knows that -- in a high percentage of cases -- deals tend to get done when the public rhetoric increases. Time will tell if DirecTV and Versus can come together, but both sides are under pressure from NHL fans to get the deal done.

In the meantime, the fans continue to lose out. As of the end of the day Friday, four "nationally televised" NHL games will have been played, and DirecTV subscribers have had access to exactly zero of them. Whether you are looking at this from the perspective of Versus, DirecTV, or the NHL, this is an unsettling development, and a much more significant problem than anyone in the league seems to think it is.

Versus Calls Out DirecTV originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DirecTV, Versus Still Without Contract

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans

The NHL season opens Thursday night with four games. Two of them are scheduled to be broadcast nationally on Versus.

That's good for the NHL, until you consider that Versus still does not have a contract with DirecTV. Millions of NHL fans are expected to spend Thursday night in the dark, unable to (legally) watch the Capitals-Bruins and Sharks-Avalanche games.

While NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has apparently talked to both sides, the NHL has taken action to show what side of this dispute they're on. On NHL.com, there is a link where fans can e-mail DirecTV about the issue, but not one to e-mail Versus, which is the NHL's national television partner.

Evidently, DirecTV is the only party involved that should have to field complaints from NHL fans.

There have been rumblings in the last 48 hours that the dispute could end in time for the openers Thursday, but that doesn't appear to be happening.

Depending on who you want to believe, DirecTV has offered to put the games -- and only the games -- on while the contract is taken care of. Versus has either not received a formal offer on this, or they have refused.

A DirecTV customer service representative told FanHouse Thursday that the company is "working very hard" to get a deal done for Versus. An e-mail to DirecTV received a similar response, while attempts to reach out to Versus have been unsuccessful. Network president Jamie Davis did tell the New York Times they have received "over 100,000 calls" from people looking for help.

FanHouse first reported about this dispute in August. Unless a miracle happens, it will indeed stretch into the NHL season, thus having a potentially adverse affect on Versus' most important broadcast property.

DirecTV, Versus Still Without Contract originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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