NHL Lockout: Krys Barch Rants on the Lockout

Earlier tonight, NHL veteran enforcer Krys Barch who is currently part of the New Jersey Devils took to his twitter feed [which you can find a link to at the bottom of this entry] to discuss his thoughts on the current state of the NHL.

"I sit here from Gand Bend, Ontario putting a pen to my heart and writing on paper what bleeds out. My name is Krys Barch. I have played approximately 5 1/2 years in the NHL and have worked for every second of it. I haven't been a 1st round pick, bonus baby or a son of a hall of famer. I have made it through sweating, bleeding, cut Achilles, broken hands, concussions, broken orbital bones, 8 teeth knocked out, etc, etc, etc. 

I sit in front of a fire, 8 OV deep and starting a bottle of Porte that will assist in the translations of my emotions to words! No different than a truck driver, farmer or line worker, I have a shot and a beer. Not to deal with the days ahead but to ease the nerves from what my body has endured the days before. 

I sit here with both my boys sleeping and my wife due with our 3rd. My thoughts racing on what I can conquer tomorrow to get our family ahead. Sometimes, wondering if I should have existed when a word and a gun solidified and solved all problems. I feel the Wild West would more simplified than the world we live in now when an employer who makes billions of dollars and a league with record revenues can tell me that I can't do the things that my heart tells my me to do!

All what my heart tells me to do far surpasses what my body has endured. As I write this I dive deeper and deeper into my bottle of Porte giving wider views to the depths of my heart. As my pen warms from the fire, Neil Young and a fall Canadian night, I wonder how this work stoppage effects the owners?  

I wonder if the owners of Boston, New York, Washington, etc, etc, have endured any of the injuries that I or any other player in the NHL have endured. Still they probably sit their smoking the same brand of cigar, sipping the same cognac, and going on vacation. To one of five houses they own. While we sit here knowing they want to take 20% of our paychecks. One half to 3/4 of my peers will have to work for the next 50 years of their lives. 

Congratulations to the lucky select few that I have played with who have made salaries that they can choose to do whatever they want when they are done. But I have played most who do not! 

If the NHL wants to teams in the south or struggling markets than the players along with the financially well to do teams need to start working together. Or they need to start to move teams to the North where they will make money. The system allows the owners to continually take money from the players contract after contract where eventually over 40 some years the owners will have 80% of revenue. The only way to stop the work stoppages long into the future is fix the root cause of the problems. 

The lockout is a procedure to take from the players to pay for the NHL mistakes. Let not allow the NHL to make any more mistakes. 

Let the league and the players to come together to fix the mistakes that have been made and make sure non are made in the future. Let's get a deal where the owners, players, and fans benefit from. We're we can be sitting around in beautiful Canadian falls around a fire playing and watching the game we love.

Here's to the truth and our next conversation. As always speaking from my heart! Goodnight! Like me or hate me I speak what comes from my heart!" 

(H/T) to puckdaddy for the cleaned up version of the quote
 

As others including puckdaddy stated, instances like this is what separate this lockout from the last one.  Social media is such a big factor now, where as back in 2004 most of the social media outlets now were either in their infancy or not even a thought yet. 

For me, it was nice to see a player quote like this instead of the typical thing bashing the owners and saying how they think the lockout could last over a full season because although circumstances are very different it sort of humanizes them.  At least in Barches case, which is something players have lacked throughout & I think if done right could really help them.

 http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/read-krys-barch-epic-nhl-lockout-rant-jerry-041844345--nhl.html

https://twitter.com/krysbarch/

 

Brooklyn Pre Season Game VS the Devils Cancelled

Earlier this afternoon as I am sure you all have seen, the NHL announced that the remainder of the preseason will not be played because of the lockout which is now going on two weeks old.

For Islander fans this means that their pre season game with the Devils at the newly opened Barclays Center this Tuesday October 2nd will not be played.  So if you or someone you know have tickets for that game you should contact ticket master about a refund.

Some thought the loss of this game may lessen our chances of going to Brooklyn because we don't know how it would respond to a game being the biggest reason.  I personally don't think it has much of an effect.  What do you think?  Does the loss of the pre season game help, hurt, or have no effect on the Islanders chance of landing in Brooklyn?  Tell us in comments or tweet us @savetheisles

Derek Boogards Family Files Lawsuit Against NHLPA

According to TMZ, the family for former NHL enforcer Derek Boogard has filed a 9.8 million dollar lawsuit against the NHLPA claiming they didn't give the family the proper assistance they were supposed to in order for the family to recover the money Derek had left on his deal from the Rangers after his tragic death last May.  They are suing for 5 million in punitive damages and 4.8 million for the balance that was left on his contract with the Rangers.

For more, including a quote from the NHLPA click the link below to puckdaddy:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/derek-boogaard-family-seeks-9-8-million-nhlpa-015727220--nhl.html;_ylt=AiiAnohXahZsQMV9tYO77rmRbcp_;_ylu=X3oDMTFja3NwYTFmBG1pdANCbG9ncyBJbmRleARwb3MDMQRzZWMDTWVkaWFCbG9nSW5kZXhUZW1w;_ylg=X3oDMTFpMm9iMzh1BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANibG9nBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Oilers & The Flames Trying To Stop the Lockout?

Update: Alright, two updates on this:

1) The hearing for Montreal will be held on October 15th from what I have read.

2) The hearings on the Oilers and Flames were held today, and Katie Strang said a decision is expected early next week.

If the NHL were to lose in Alberta it could drastically change the way they do business as Billy Daly goes into a little bit in the article at the bottom.

According to yahoo.com, lawyers for players on the Oilers and Flames are attempting to have the lockout declared illegal under Alberta law.

Roughly six players attended the hearing including former Islander forward Ryan Smyth.

If you remember Montreal attempted to do something similar but under Quebec law.  That however, was denied.  Although, they did say more hearings would be needed on this, those hearings have yet to be scheduled. 

For more including quotes from players lawyers as well as NHL officials click the link below:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/oilers-flames-players-lockout-illegal-195651251--nhl.html;_ylt=AqGkkQzOIcESl_FMbfXL9cE5nYcB;_ylu=X3oDMTRsaGo1dWYyBG1pdANMSVNUUyBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IEZQIEhlYWRsaW5lcwRwa2cDZTc1YjdjNzAtYTZhMi0zYWI0LWE5NDMtZjk1ZGM2ZmY4YjJhBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNNZWRpYUJMaXN0TWl4ZWRMUENBVGVtcAR2ZXIDZjQzYjA2NzAtMDQyYi0xMWUyLWFmZmItNTM3OWU3Y2IwZmZh;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Personally, I think this is a noble effort, but one that will be for naught.  Although, it would certainly be nice for the city of Alberta to throw a monkey wrench into the greed that is currently encompassing the sport we all love.

Draw Your Own Conclusions: Don Levin Tells Craig Custance "...No chance" The Isles Leave

The first thing I am sure your thinking when seeing that title is who in the world is Don Levin?  For the last few months there has been talk of Seattle building an arena that would be able to house a Basketball/Hockey team.  So naturally, there has been some speculation connecting our Islanders there given our circumstances.  Well Mr. Levin happens to be a perspective owner of a sports team out there.

When asked about the Islanders & possible relocation to Seattle here is Mr Levins full quote:

"The answer to the Islanders moving is never. They're not moving out of that market. No chance that's going to happen." (credit Craig Custance & sbnation.com for the quote)

So for all the negative things that come out, seeing something like this should make the people who still have faith in us staying put take a small breath of reassurance.

For more including a little bit of info on Don Levin check out the link below:

http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/9/20/3364286/new-york-islanders-relocation-seattle-brooklyn

RFQ Possibility Blumenfeld Says He Would Include the Islanders

According to Newsday, Syosset developer Ed Blumenfeld who is one of the final three developers in the countys RFQ seeking a master developer for the Nassau "Hub" scored major points with Islanders fans Monday after saying he would plan to keep the Islanders part of his plan for the area should he win.

Plainview developer Donald Monti has been outspoken in his desire to keep the team here, and the final one in the race Baldassano Architecture out of Patchogue has nothing to do with the arena and is just proposing some hotels and convention space.

Blumenfeld told Randi Marshall of Newsday that if hes able to include a minor league ballpark here that he could possibly involve the New York Mets because the Mets owners the Wilpons are personal friends of his.  On top of that, when he initially bid for the property in 2005 Wilpons company Sterling Equities was a partner of his.  If you remember back when the proposals were first made it was reported that Wilpon was approached to be a partner in one of the proposals but declined.  I think we can see which proposal that now was.

To see more including who Blumenfeld brought in to help him with this process, click the link below:

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;jsessionid=98DC78C060E5D8E90E0F.3253?site=newsday&view=longisland_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=longisland&feed:i=1.4010383&nopaging=1

Maragos: "It won't be the End of the World if the County Doesn't Have a Hockey Team"

If you don't know George Maragos, he is the Comptroller of Nassau County.  Recently when interviewed about the prospective effect of a loss of a hockey season on the LI economy he seemed to shake it off because he said that concerts could still play at the arena and that is evidenced by the last lockout in 04/05.

While to a certain extent Maragos is right, I think he is underestimating having to compete with a semi-redone MSG and the Barclays Center as well as the Prudential Center.  Back in 04/05 MSG had no renovation at all and Barclays wasn't even close to being done.  Same could be said for the Prudential Center.  If he thinks the Coliseum will compete with them for events he going to be eating a piece of humble pie sooner rather later.  I think the Coliseum would get a few shows hear and there, however, the bulk of them would go to MSG/Barclays Center/Prudential Center thus leaving the Coliseum out in the cold.

The reason I made note of the quote in the title is one has to wonder if that's how the powers at be in Nassau County really feel.  Even with all that Ed Mangano has done over the last few months to try and secure the Islanders future here.  Do quotes like the one above truly reflect the feelings of the powers at be in the County?  Well, nobody knows!  However, it is something to think about.

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;jsessionid=935380A7862A646C69F6.3253?site=newsday&view=sports_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=sports&feed:i=1.4008466

Message from Players to NHL Fans

Below is a video the NHLPA put up on youtube with messages from a few players on the lockout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCW0VsfR9FM

I personally didn't think it was terrible but the biggest criticism I have is that they echo the fact that fans are the biggest victim.  While fans are a victim they aren't the biggest victim of the battle of greed currently encompassing the sport we love.

The biggest victims are the people who work at the arenas around the country, also the small business owners with locations near arenas around the country who will see a decrease in business because of the less activity at the arena.  The battle of greed among the millionaires and multi millionaires of our sport is taking money out of their pockets.

I hope for there sake more then anyone else that this is a short lived lockout and not a repeat of 04/05.

BREAKING: Isles sign Matt Martin for 4 years

Just minutes before the NHL lockout, which started roughly 20 minutes ago, the Islanders announced that they had came to terms with forward Matt Martin on a 4 year deal worth 1 million a year.

Matt set the NHL record last season for most hits in a season.  On top of that he put up career high numbers on the offensive side of the puck. 

Fans had started getting nervous after he rejected his qualifying offer a few months ago with training camp rolling around along with Wangs policy of not being able to play if your not signed by the start of camp.

Although, with the labor dispute camp probably isn't going to being on time, at least fans know whenever things do begin Matt Martin will be wearing an Islanders sweater.

Here's a link to what Martin had to say on the extension via twitter:

https://twitter.com/mattymarts17/status/247179809380257792

Lockout is in Effect

Update: According to reports, the NHLPA had wanted to meet with the league prior to tonights deadline.  However, the league said that it saw no reason to have a meeting.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/247071643824971776

According to reports, there will be no bargaining today between the NHL and the NHLPA.  So that means for the third time in 18 years and third under Gary Bettman the NHL will begin a lockout tonight at midnight.

The question all fans are asking is how long will it last with all of them saying prayers it wont be a repeat of 04/05 when the entire season was lost.  Chris Botta seems to think it will be at least a month long saying the prospect of playing games in October is doubtful.

https://twitter.com/ChrisBottaNHL/status/247054046853214208

Today puckdaddy over at yahoo posted an article with many quotes from fans with their thoughts on the lockout, if you would like to see it click the link below:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/unleash-fury-hockey-fans-sound-off-impending-lockout-163540909--nhl.html

Islanders Assign 19 Players To Bridgeport

With a lockout all but inevitable, the Islanders announced today that they have assigned 19 players to Bridgeport including Nino Niederreiter and Travis Hamonic.  Some other notables on the list include:

Casey Cizikas
David Ullstrom
and Kirill Kabanov

So, if there is no NHL season, the fans of Bridgeport will at least have some excitement.

They also assigned two players to junior league teams.  They assigned first round pick Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.  They also assigned Ryan Strome to the Niagra Ice Dogs of the OHL.

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=641371

Fan Protest This Saturday At NHL Offices

I am sure most of you have heard by now the outcome of the press conference earlier today with Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman.  Additionally, how the mood now is that a lockout is inevitable, how long it'll be is the bigger question.

Well, nohockeylockout.com has organized a fan protest at the NHL offices in NYC this Saturday.  If you would like to learn more check out their twitter below.  Earlier today I read that they have 100+ people confirmed to attend the event.  So, if you have nothing to do this Saturday, pop over and join hundreds of your closest friends in letting the NHL know were upset and that maybe were not as forgiving as Gary Bettman thinks. 

https://twitter.com/NoHockeyLockout

Team to Decide Soon on Their Future at the Coliseum

According to the LI Press, on Monday before the Nassau County Rules Committee deputy CE Rob Walker told them that the Islanders will be make their decision weather or not they are leaving "very soon."

Now, if you believe Walker then that means we should hopefully sooner rather then later have an end game with this seemingly never ending soap opera.  Although, there is the chance Walker was just saying that in order to get the rules committee to side with him.

However, with the all the Brooklyn news of the last few months including Wang paying the arena a visit just a few days ago, the fact that the real info is coming from there and just a hole lot of nothing is coming from Nassau could be telling.

http://www.netsdaily.com/2012/9/8/3303407/oculus-ice-rink-tested-at-barclays

http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/09/11/pol-islanders-to-decide-on-future-at-coliseum-soon/

BREAKING: Visnovsky Trade To Isles Held Up By Arbitrator

Within the last hour, the Islanders announced their acquisition of defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky was upheld by an arbitrator so the defenseman will be suiting up with the Islanders this season.  (Assuming there is one)

Visnovsky was acquired the night of the NHL amateur draft back in June.  However, roughly a month after the trade he filed a grievance with the NHLPA to block the trade saying that he still had a NTC and thus should've been consulted before the move was made. 

This type of acquisition is one fans have been screaming for, for the last few seasons.  Although it will certainly help the team in multiple facets of the game, I do not believe they are a playoff team yet, but hey maybe they will surprise me.

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=641297&navid=DL|NYI|home

Another Small Sign of a Brooklyn Play for the Islanders

Atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com is reporting that recently $155,652 was spent on revised dasherboards to meet NHL regulations.  Although I am sure most are familiar with the term, for those that aren't that is the technical term for the boards that surround the ice.

Now, is this a sign that they [Barclays] are attempting to make the arena more suitable for the Islanders?  Or just a sign that they only want the best for the Islanders Devils game there that's supposed to take place in just a few short weeks.  You can be the judge of that, but as we've said in the past where there is smoke there is probably some sorta fire.

H/T to Roy for the link

http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2012/09/consultant-arena-schedule-extremely.html

9/11: 11 Years Later

If you can believe it, today marks the 11 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on 9/11/01. 

May all those that lost their lives on that faithful Tuesday Morning RIP.  Additionally I would like to extend my thoughts to the people who were effected by this as they go through what I am sure is a very difficult day.

 photo courtesy of http://sheikyermami.com/

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And So It Goes: Nassau Hires Law Firm for Coliseum

Even with all the recent speculation connecting the Islanders to Brooklyn, politicians in Nassau County are keeping hope.  Newsday reports that the County has hired a law firm to handle the talks regarding the site.

Newsday reports that the firm Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West, LLC, was hired by the county this past spring for $25,000 to get the countys application for state funding ready.  Additionally, they were also to prepare the countys RFQ for a master developer for "the hub" site.  To officially hire them in this expanded capacity, the Mangano administration sought an extra $200,000 from the rules committee of the county legislature and it was approved unanimously. 

For more including quotes from Deputy CE Rob Walker and a little background on the firm click the link below:

http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;jsessionid=4D96F164A21FB3B574FC.3253?site=newsday&view=top_stories_item&feed:a=newsday_1min&feed:c=topstories&feed:i=1.3989367

Lokomotiv Tragedy One Year Later

Believe it or not, its been one full year since that faithful September morning when the Lokomotiv KHL team was killed in a plane crash last year.

May all those that lost their lives rest in peace, and nothing but prayers and well wishes to those families who were affected by this terrible tragedy.  Islanders prospect Kirill Kabanov dedicated his memorial cup win this year to those who were affected by this tragedy.

 

 

Below you can find an image of 8 victims.  May they all RIP

 photo courtesy of http://static.hockeyfights.com/

 

Another NHL Lockout Expected

According to Tim Panaccio of csnphilly.com, Gary Bettman is going to address the NHL board of governors on September 13th.  Reportedly, the main reason for his visit asking weather or not they support his strategy to lock the players out on September 15th if there is no agreement on a long term CBA in place.  CSN also reports that two agents who represent the pulse of many players in the NHL said that the two sides are preparing for a lockout and have been for a long time.

If the NHL has another lockout this season it will be their third under the tenure of Gary Bettman.  Specifically it will be the NHL's third lockout since 1994.  That would amount to a lockout every six years, that's kind of pathetic if you ask me.  For more check out the article from csnphilly below:

http://www.csnphilly.com/hockey-philadelphia-flyers/flyers-talk/Bettman-to-address-Board-take-vote-on-lo?blockID=767985&feedID=695

To view a great video thats been making the rounds amongst hockey fans everywhere recently through various social media outlets, click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQs3O_IDas