Hockey Returns

Gothamist understands that many of you don’t recognize what that is in the picture accompanying this story, it is a hockey puck and it will be appearing soon at a rink near you. The NHL and their players have reached a deal on a labor agreement, which if ratified, will bring hockey back after the entire 2004-2005 season was cancelled.

Chief beneficiaries of the new deal should be the New York Rangers who will no longer be permitted to spend money like a spoiled child in a candy store. The deal will cap team spending at approximately $39 million a year which should leave the Rangers with plenty of extra money and a chance to bring yellow seats back into the price range of an average fan.

The Islanders and Devils will also benefit from the new deal, as they will now be able to spend at a level more commensurate with their revenue streams. Ultimately, the deal will make for a frenetic summer as a majority of the players who were in the NHL before the work stoppage will need to find employment since their contracts have expired. Stay tuned; the puck should drop for real in early October.

Will you be watching or punishing both sides for the stoppage?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Peter Trinkle on July 14, 2005 8:55 AM

Comments [rss]

oscar madison

great idea - but only the thin part, and the owners have to sit with the team.

sp

I couldnt care less. In fact, I am saddened by the news. Hockey and basketball are two loathesome sports that take away too much airtime from baseball and football. And am I the only one who finds it ridiculous that the hockey season ends in like june or july or something? They should only play when there is real ice outside. in fact, they should only play ON real ice, maybe like the hudson or something.

oscar madison

If anyone actually pays money to see a hockey game for at least 3 years they should be drawn and quartered! MSG and the Dolans should choke on what they have sowed in the Garden.

kwanito

Looks like the star players of the NHL just collectively shat a brick.

Max

What's with the Skoal can?

tien

so no more over-paid players on the rangers, huh? they have to actually make due with what they've got. maybe a first for a team in the garden...

i think it will be interesting if the fans take the owners and players back. they lost a whole damn season. the whole home run chase helped baseball back, but what does hockey have?