The motivation beneath the hawks, which are mainly commentators who are filling a talking head role after careers as players and coaches, appears to be at least partly due to a machismo attitude ingrained into them after years in hockey circles.  Any sign of being against what has become “normal” violence in the game would be a sign they are not quite a man.

It hasn’t always been like it is today, with professional fighters who see 2-3 minutes of ice-time a game.  The old “code” was based on demanding respect.  Now it based on vengence and strategic fights for motivation.  All sports constantly evolve where players will do what ever they have to to keep their jobs.  In hockey that has resulted in the lack of respect for fellow players in the same Player’s Association.  This is largely because:

1. Players carry a weapon
2. Fighting has always been allowed (offsetting penalties with rare game misconducts)
3. Suspensions for violence have not been stiff enough (acts of extreme violence have not resulted in the end of anyone’s career)

An increase in stick violence is the number one item cited when restricting fighting and enforcer players is discussed.  The fact is over the last 20-25 years the NHL has failed to maintain a standard for stick work on the body and even recent improvements has not reset the bar.  Any increase in stick work by frustrated players could be met with an increased crackdown by officials.  The game may suffer for a period as players adjust, but there is no other way to introduce such a change.  It will not come from the feeder leagues as they all train their players to the NHL standard, the NHL must change first.  The NHLPA has always stood behind its members in the truest union sense, disapproving of anything that may eliminate the jobs of its current members with more skilled players.  Just like any union, being a member is what counts, not your skills to do the job (playing hockey in this case).  (I am not anti-union, this is just one of the aspects of unions that I could do without).

There are a lot of options that can be tried before automatically kicking out players who fight and suspending them will come into play.  Maybe roster sizes need to be reduced to eliminate those players on the end of the bench waiting for their next bout.  I would certainly support a reduction in teams to strengthen the talent pool.  Hockey Canada penalizing fighting like any other league with ejection from the game in all leagues below the professionals would be a huge start.  Any rule about players maintaining helmets will do nothing to reduce fighting, but the hawks are still opposed to it.  If there is no helmet rule there should be a waiver every player must sign each season stating the NHL, member clubs and other players and officials involved will not be responsible for any act of fighting which causes them bodily injury or death.  Despite that, the NHL and hockey in general risks a great loss in popularity if another player dies as the result of a fight.

The hawks don’t want change.  Those that don’t change soon find out that the world changes around them, leaving them behind.  The NHL is already on the way to irrelevance in the US, even with fighting selling tickets.  A reduction of Canadians getting into hockey could be the result of maintaining old rules for the sake of the hawks feeling masculine.

1. You don’t need to know any players or their stats. Simply pick a team to lose from the teams playing that day.
2. You don’t need to follow the NHL, the team’s records or win/loss streaks. The loser selection page shows up-to-date team standings and streaks, allowing for players without a regular NHL following to play without research.
3. NHL parity (12 points separate the middle 26 teams as of this writing) makes predicting a loser each day no better than guessing.
4. The contest rule allowing each team to be only picked once during the contest evens the playing field between knowledgeable and less knowledgeable players. No advantage to Gord, no matter how many issues of The Hockey News he reads.
5. Random picks for days that you have missed making a pick for means you don’t lose your chance when you forget to make your picks.
6. Scoring streaks and resets after incorrect predictions mean the standings can quickly change in a day and you are always in the hunt.
7. It is a short 10 week, 30 day contest following the NHL All-Star game. Get into the NHL in the last half of the season, leading to the playoffs.
8. It will be lots of fun. Get groups of people to sign up and play against each other.
9. You could win valuable prizes. Beating Gord is it’s own reward.
10. It costs about the same as a couple cups of coffee or theatre admission for one, but provides 10 times the entertainment value. That is something you can afford.

I encourage everyone to check out the full rules and sign up today. Don’t wait until the last minute. The first game day arrives Tuesday, January 29, 2008.

Some tips on this contest and for new Overtime Central visitors.

• Streaks are the key in this contest. The longer your losing streak, the more points you can score for your next correct prediction.
• The NHL team records and winning/losing streaks listed next to teams on the pick page are updated daily every morning. They reflect the current team records so if you are predicting in advance, keep games not played in consideration.
• Near the end of the contest, you may not have any valid teams to select as a loser for a given day if any of your remaining teams are not playing. This lack of a pick will be considered incorrect and break any streak you have. Plan you picks accordingly.
• Sign up for reminder and status updates on a daily or weekly basis as well as pick confirmation emails in the preferences section on your contest home page.
• The entry limit is 3 entries per account.

The contest starts January 29, so sign up today and tell your friends. I expect this new challenge to be a lot of fun.

In other news, the Overtime Central Poll is back. Look for site and contest specific polls starting this week.

Coming in a few days will be the launch of our latest contest, to start January 29. This will be another unique offering by Overtime Central, slightly experimental, but we are sure that it will be a fun and challenging contest for all interest levels. In order to gauge interest, we would like anyone who follows the site to leave a comment if they intend to play (yes, sight unseen). I know many others have gone into hibernation also, so I will have to make the rounds waking people up and getting entries. Thanks and remember to leave a comment and sign up in a few days.

Reaction to Campbell’s statement had supporters and naysayers. Interestingly, the players who support fighting’s role in hockey as “… ingrained in the roots of hockey” are all enforcers themselves. They cite fighting as keeping the chippyness out of the game and providing protection for the star players. Fedoruk even believes the issue for safety involves allowing fighters to wear padded gloves on their hands like fighters in the United Fighting Championship.

This may have been the case in years past, but these are old arguments that do not stand up to scrutiny today. Fighting does nothing to prevent players from running other players from behind, spearing players or otherwise taking liberties with their opponent’s safety as we have seen in recent incidents and older ones as well. The fact that the offending players were challenged (jumped) afterwards is inconsequential; the players did it anyway and their reactions afterwards were that they knew what was coming. With fighting gone and the large enforcers with it, there would be more room on rosters for skilled players, perhaps smaller ones who would not have had a chance previously. Does this increase the number of violent high-sticking incidents or careless use of the stick? I do not think so. However, what happens if there is a player, an agitator type that takes it too far, goes after a star player, and takes him out of the game? Who is going to enforce then and take the pound of flesh in retribution? I say let the NHL take care of it. The NHL would have to be much tougher, giving long and lifetime suspensions to set the tone as to the type of play they expect, and if you cross the line, your not welcome in the league any more.

It does work in other situations. There is no fighting in international hockey competitions and European leagues. People will say that the Europeans came to North America and brought the stick work with them, which may be true, but Canadian players being produced today appear no different from Europeans.

I am still flipping back and forth on this issue. I was moving towards more restrictions on hockey in and effort to curb it a few years ago, to banning it completely, to allowing it but doing something to take the enforcer fights for fan entertainment out of it, to banning it again. I think it has evolved too far to get it back to a “respectable” part of the game.

On today’s Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown on Sportsnet, the fighting issue was discussed. McCown supported the initiative, but wondered if there was not a better opportunity in the past when the violence could have been curbed and it was not. The example of Dale Hunter’s hit on Pierre Turgeon was brought up, for which Gary Bettman early in his tenure gave Hunter 20 games, which still stands as one of the longest suspensions in NHL history. Bettman, however, received much flak for his discipline from managers in the off-season. Explained that there were mechanisms in place to take care of these incidents and not wanting their own players subject to long or longer suspensions, general managers defended the status quo of the NHL, for this was only a minor check 4-5 seconds after a goal. Bettman got the message and this led to the creation of the NHL Director of Hockey Operations position and transfer of the suspension duties to this role. To conclude the segment on Prime Time Sports, all guests expected hockey to ban fighting, but it to be a slow phase in that would take three years.

Whatever is done, I know that the current enforcers should not be consulted. They, of course, are looking after their jobs. I also do not think the NHLPA’s opinion holds much weight since their mandate is to look after the best interests of their current members. I hope that the managers and executives can see that if fighting is eliminated league wide, everyone is on a level playing field so their should not be an objections on competitive terms. As for worries that the league will be more dangerous, the NHL is in a position to be tough on anything outside the rules to make it as safe as can be. If reckless behaviour by anyone, star or fourth liner, is given only three or four game suspensions, then this will not correct the behaviour.

Finally, what about the fan reaction, will there not be a revolt? I do not think it will be as bad as many expect. Sure, there is the segment that fighting means everything to. These are the barflies that need to express their manhood by celebrating the fights as they get over their third divorce. Fans that live for Sportsnet’s Fight of Night and frequent hockeyfights.com will migrate to fighting championships and hockey gladiator competitions. With the proper exposure the NHL will only grow its fan base amongst a group of alienated people who have found it too violent for them and their families.

Speculation is that Tootoo, after putting a hit on Dallas forward Mike Modano, was expecting retaliation from other Dallas players despite the hit being clean, and in instinct and self-defence, reacted to the first player upon turning around. This is not to justify his gloved-punch, but to raise the issue whether the NHL player code is flawed, requiring players have to protect themselves after clean hits.

This post is here to take your comments on this and other recent incidents.

Notable Trades

• Ryan Smyth from Edmonton to New York Islanders
• Todd Bertuzzi from Florida to Detroit
• Martin Biron from Buffalo to Philadelphia
• Bill Guerin from St. Louis to San Jose
• Gary Roberts from Florida to Pittsburgh
• Keith Tkachuk from St. Louis to Atlanta
• Anson Carter from Columbus to Carolina

Interesting Notes

Smyth was traded today after the Oilers were unable to sign him to a new contract. Tonight, prior to the Edmonton-Phoenix game in Edmonton, Mark Messier’s number 11 jersey will be retired. Unfortunately the cycle in Edmonton keeps continuing, with Gretzky, Messier, Guerin, Comrie, Pronger and now Smyth have all left Edmonton over essentially monetary reasons. While Edmonton may be able to make a play for Smyth in the free agent market this summer, the Islanders likely have numbers to offer him that they think can keep them since they are in more need than just renting him.

Bertuzzi leaves Florida after less than a season for some draft picks and a prospect after giving up Roberto Luongo to get him last summer.

Pittsburgh added some toughness and grit with the acquisition of Georges Laraque and Gary Roberts. This addressed their noted weakness of toughness to protect Crosby and Malkin. They seem serious about taking a run at the Cup this year.

Overall, the NHL has become a rent-a-ringer league, where there will be plenty of trade activity at the deadline, and unrestricted free agents moving for a few months to teams wanting to take a run in the playoffs. These trades will all be players for prospects and draft choices; the days of the star for star trade are long gone. While some fans believe in win at all cost, I believe all fans would enjoy the results of a team built over time over a team that is assembled for the last six weeks of the season and playoffs, then is disbanded during the summer. Some would say the current situation reflects an instant gratification society. I say that just because society is used to instant gratification does not mean they would not enjoy seeing long-term results from their team.

The Coverage

I only caught some Sportsnet coverage during the day and after the deadline and did not see any TSN or The Score coverage. The whole hype around the trade deadline has gone to far. Sportsnet has been advertising their special HockeyCentral edition for a month. Sportsnet offered the Deal or No Deal Canada girls, the Hanson brothers and mascots in the background playing foosball. Their number one source was some blogger named Eklund who named everyone in the NHL in trade rumours. He first reported that Jason Smyth had signed with the Oilers, only to report two hours later he was traded to the Islanders without batting an eye.

While Sportsnet went for the fluff coverage, TSN apparently went for its standard news reporting format. All networks were on the air for six hours discussing the trades as they came in. Back in the day coverage started an hour or two before the deadline and that was plenty to talk about any deals without repeating yourself. Now, with six hours and so many inconsequential trades to discuss, the talking heads come on to repeat their empty comments over and over about each event and speculation. It seems the audience numbers make this one of the biggest days in Canadian sports television and everyone wants the largest piece of it. I would think that after a few years people would be wise to the waste of time watching the coverage would be, but I know better considering hockey rabid fans in Canada.

NHL Business – Worse Than Before

The NHL is not out of the woods yet. I can see the product taking a step backwards on the ice this year. Off the ice, the new labour agreement may have created more problems that are solved. This past week Philadelphia’s GM Bobby Clarke signed Group 2 free agent and 10-goal scorer Ryan Kesler to a $1.9 million offer sheet. The Vancouver Canucks were forced to match the offer or receive only a second round draft pick in return for three years investment in a first round pick. Speculation is that Clarke put forward the offer sheet knowing Vancouver would have to match, therefore using up more than three times what the Canucks qualified Kesler at and leaving them close to the $44 million salary cap. Over paying Level 2 free agents can only lead to inflationary contracts in arbitration for developing and utility players.

Earlier, the New York Islanders signed goaltender Rick DiPietro to a 15-year contract worth $4.5 million per year. This contract will take DiPetro to his 40th birthday. The length of the contract and the fact it starts and ends by overpaying DiPetro makes it look like a bad deal. Even if DiPietro develops into a top goaltender, this deal makes him un-tradeable, even if salary caps rise, due to the length of the deal. It looks very likely like a unique way to circumvent the salary cap by providing a known value for a goaltender for the next 15 years. The only problem is that if DiPietro gets hurt or otherwise fails to become the Islanders top goaltender, the Islanders will be carrying an additional burden of his salary for years to come. Start making many of these deals and a franchise could be on shaky ground if they guess wrong.

CFL Franchise Interest

Apparently David Asper is one of three prospective buyers of part of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. There is a trio of bids to return a franchise to Ottawa, all seemingly successful, smart business people. Funny how successful business people want to put their money into CFL franchises. Makes you wonder if the information that no franchise actually turns a profit is true. If you factor in who is not bidding then you may change your mind. The fact that the CFL could not encourage Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk to submit a bid may reflect more accurately the profitability of a CFL franchise, if only in Ottawa.

A review of the groups making bids for an Ottawa franchise shows that Jeff Hunt makes the Golden Gate group the favourite. Not only are his local connections key, but they seem to have the right attitude, understanding that they have to attract new fans to succeed rather than assume the base CFL fans in the Ottawa area will be enough.

CFL Salary Cap Brings on New Complexities

Interesting how a real salary cap makes the CFL team salary structures a little more transparent. First Wally Buono discusses letting players go after this year due to their salary structure. Next Roy Shivers defends the contract binder he left in Regina. Shivers is right. He was let go less for the salary expenditures (almost $600,000 in inherited dispersal draft salaries) than for the fact he was not likely to renew for another year with a majority players entering free agency, leaving any incoming GM in a tight pickle.

CFL Notes

Pigskin Pete to retire. Apparently, there will be another Pigskin Pete. The tradition will continue.

Corey Holmes is placed on the trading block before he is re-signed for three years.

Jesse Lumsden signs 2-year plus option contract with Ti-Cats. Getting some playing time will certainly help him refine his game and establish a professional reputation. With Holmes signed, will Josh Ranek be shopped around in the off-season?

‘Riders bring in Yo Murphy. I am a big believer of bringing in solid veterans late in the year when the playoff push is on. Let’s hope Murphy can add some leadership.

The Bachelor attracts some media interest. Jesse Palmer brings more next-great-Canadian-quarterback hype than I thought. QB‘s explain adjustment process for Palmer. Nice to see a reporter talk to almost every QB in the league for an article.

Ricky Williams to return to Argo line-up and sets goal to take Toronto to the Grey Cup.

Obvious observation that byes will be gone if Ottawa does not return next year. Giving two byes per team when you have a balanced schedule results in the mess we have this year.

Esks get testy, death watch begins. Gass should be suspended. His kick was up there with the worst I have seen in the CFL. Update: Gass fined for kick. Double-standard lives on.

Other Notes

Backup punter Gillooly-ed competition. They have backup punters?

Toronto reporter takes up Jim Hunt’s $50 bet with Paul Godfrey. Finally a realist in Toronto. I will take that bet as I am sure the NFL will not move into Toronto in my lifetime.

Gambling websites can be dangerous (Overtime Central the exception).

Silvertips’ Constantine suspended for excessively punishing players. Treat players like circus animals and expect them to perform like robots.

As some of you know, my chosen profession before I went abroad was that of a hockey coach. I thought I would share a recruiting story with you.

After my initial season as assistant coach with the Battlefords’ North Stars, the head coach couldn’t come to terms with the club, leaving the head job open. While the board searched for his successor, I was named interim General Manager for the summer (later I was hired as head coach / GM).

Previously in the spring, the Lebret Eagles team folded and there was a dispersal draft. My predecessor selected a Regina player whom eventually decided he didn’t want to play in NB and would rather play closer to home as a 20 year old. So, while I still held the interim position, I made my first SJHL trade.

As the team was heading into the next season with only one goaltender, I tried to address the situation by swapping the disgruntled winger for an 18 year-old goaltender from Regina who was on the protected list of the Notre Dame Hounds plus a young defenseman as well.

After officially getting the head job, I began phoning the players in the system selling the attributes of the Stars program. Later in the summer, I chose several players to meet in person in order to complete the recruiting process. The head scout and myself sat down with the goaltender in a Northwest Regina restaurant and felt pretty good about landing the kid as he seemed quite interested. He had the opportunity to go to a WHL camp first, but we were confident that we would see him after a week or two in the dub.

Upon being released by the Brandon Wheat Kings, this goalie never made it up to NB. After he was cut, he was discouraged as a hockey player and decided to put more effort into football. His name was Jon Ryan. He is making his NFL debut as a punter with the Green Bay Packers this weekend.

[Ed. - Ryan played for the University of Regina Rams and was selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2004 CFL Draft. He played the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Winnipeg, setting a CFL punting average record in 2005, before signing with Green Bay this January.]