#35

 

Biscuits and Breezers

 

 

    Welcome back to another blog of Biscuits and Breezers! In this blog it will all be about the NHL lockout. As you probably already know, the NHL has locked out for the 3rd time under the control of current commissioner Gary Bettman. The third time. In my mind, that is quite ridiculous. Once in 1994-1995, 2004-2005, and now in 2012-2013. Why? Why do we, as the fans and the players, let this happen? I mean as fans we pay $80-$400 on tickets alone, parking, food, expenses, merchandise, and take time out of our schedules to see our favorite players/teams battle it out on the ice. Now the owners won't even make an agreement to let us see them because nowadays the contracts always have to be bigger and better and if the owners can't have the biggest and/or the best contract, they won't let the season happen. Ridiculous! I mean the players came out and said they would take less just to play this year. Now they are off in Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, and the AHL. Back in the days of the Original Six, players played to live the dream, not for money. I mean they weren't even millionaires till the early 70's. Back then, you were lucky if you got paid millions. That meant you had something really special like Bobby Hull or Derek Sanderson for example. Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, and Phil Esposito didn't even make $100,000! Now players are make close to $5-10 million!! How times have changed. It is not about the dream anymore, it's about the money. I certainly know a lot of players who would gladly go into the NHL and get paid barely anything JUST to be able to play up there.

 

     Realistically speaking, the owners are in a win-win situation right now. The only money they could possibly lose would be from ticket sales and they wouldn't lose any at all from not paying players! The ads and tv ads are prepaid and they will still sell team gear so I don't get why they think they need more money! They learned that 8 years ago. 4 lockouts in 20 years is quite pathetic. You have the 1992 strike and then the 3 under Bettman. Didn't we learn anything the last 3 times!?!? 4 chances is more than enough to get things right. Lets learn some things people! Now a lot of these young prospects such as Filip Forsberg won't even get to play in their breakout season. If that was me I would be very very very unhappy and kind of let down in a way. Your breakout season is probably one of your most important season you will ever play. It lets people know how you play and to your enemies what they have to fear. To be fairly honest I don't want a  "Season not played" spot on the Stanley Cup again. These are just my opinions, just speaking what is on my mind and if you don't agree with them that is perfectly fine, that is your opinion and I respect that. But please respect my opinions too. I am just saying this because I am thinking there might be some controversy over some of this, and I am not trying to stir up hate. Just clearing that up now.

 

   I mean even if they don't have the regular season, the league will still have the draft! I am sooo excited for this years draft. There are a lot of great players coming up in this one. Elias Lindholm and Nathan MacKinnon for instance! I love watching the European guys get picked and drafted because...well I really don't have a specific reason I guess! I guess I like it because you can definitely tell the difference between the European and North American way of playing. The Europeans play very aggressive and straightforward. While the North American style is made up mostly of great body checks, working the boards, saucer passes, and going bar down haha! I really love watching the Finns, Swedes, and Russians get picked. Major hockey countries that produce major talent. Along, of course, with Canada and the USA. Then you have the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and many other Scandinavian/Eastern European countries that will take too long to name them all out! I guess you could say we really are an international hockey family. Who are you guys looking forward to seeing get drafted? What country has the best prospects coming up in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft?? Please tell me in the comments below I really want to hear from you beauts!! Do like Tre Kronor? How about  Leijonat / Lejonen? Please let me know! I want to hear some very creative answers! Represent your country if you want!

 

     Thank you for reading this special edition of Biscuits and Breezers! Every blog will be filled with updated hockey news, player reviews, and much more! Until next time remember, don't get your breezers in a bunch because hockey is always around the corner. Remember, it's always a great day for hockey and it's a lifestyle not just a sport!