Entries Tagged 'Hockey' ↓

With their 4-3 loss to Finland in today’s quarterfinal, the US are out of the 2006 Olympic hockey tournament.

The US limped to a 1-4-1 record, a shadow of their silver medal accomplishment four years ago in Salt Lake City.

Well, that just means that all of the US -based NHL players will have plenty of rest before the NHL resumes play on March 2.

The US bounced back from yesterday’s less than impressive display against Latvia with a good performance against Kazakhstan.

Two first period power-play goals by Brian Rolston and Brian Gionta along with an even-strength score by Bill Guerin made it 3-0 after twenty minutes.

Mike Modano made it 4-1 at 11:53 of the third, 51 seconds after Yevgeniy Koreshkov scored for Kazakhstan on its first third-period shot.

Rick DiPietro of the Islanders started in net today for the US, and only faced 11 shots, turning away 10.

This weekend sees two games for the US; Saturday @ Noon against Slovakia and Sunday @ 10:30 AM against Sweden. Both games are going to be televised on NBC.

While they’re certainly not favored to make much noise in the Olympic tournament, the US got off to an underwhelming start, having to score late to tie minnows Latvia 3-3 in their first match this afternoon.

The US got goals from Craig Conroy, Jordan Leopold, and Brian Gionta, while Tampa Bay’s John Grahame started in net for the Americans.

The tournament continues tomorrow when the US takes on Kazakhstan at 3PM ET. The game is being televised live from Turin on the USA Network.

July 22, 2005

Dear Friend of Hockey,

This is a letter I had hoped to be able to send you several months ago. I am certain it is one you had hoped to be able to read long before today, and I will never be able to express adequately my appreciation – along with that of the entire National Hockey League – for the patience you have shown through the most difficult period in our history.

While it may be said that the greatness of hockey, and the NHL, is best measured by the character and tenaciousness of its players, I would add that the greatness of our game is also reflected by the character and tenaciousness of you, our devoted fans. I thank you all for that passionate support and I apologize to all of you, on behalf of everyone involved, for testing that support as severely as we did.

The negotiation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was an extremely complex undertaking and it took a painfully long time to complete. I promise you it did not take one second longer than absolutely necessary; and while it required a lot of work and a lot of sacrifice by a lot of people – including you – the result is that a great game will be even better upon our return.

As we move forward now in partnership with our players, we move equally, to a new era of exceptional entertainment, in partnership with you. We will come back with new rules, with a new spirit of cooperation and with a renewed sense of excitement as the best athletes in the world display their skills for the best fans in the world and strive to win the best trophy in the world, the Stanley Cup.

Over the past year, there has been entirely too much talk about the business of hockey and entirely too little talk about the joys of hockey. At last, it’s time, once again, to have fun – the kind of fun only hockey can offer. I cannot wait to get back to the rink and I very much look forward to seeing you there.

Let’s get ready to drop the puck!

Sincerely,

from NHL.com:

NHL, NHLPA reach agreement in principle on new CBA

It is anticipated that the ratification process will be completed next week, at which time the parties will be prepared to discuss the details of the Agreement and plans for next season. No further comment will be made until then.

This is a developing story. For updates, check out the following sources:

National Hockey League

Total Sports Network Canada

ESPN

NHL ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF 2004-05 SEASON

NEW YORK (February 16, 2005) - The National Hockey League announced today that, because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been realized, it no longer is practical to conduct an abbreviated 2004-05 season.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement:

“Every professional sports League owes its very existence to its fans. Everyone associated with the National Hockey League owes our fans an apology for being unable to accomplish what is necessary for our game and our fans. We are truly sorry.

“Five months ago, I stated that the National Hockey League could not function without an economic system that will bring our League into the 21st Century. I said that our 30 Clubs were united in their dedication to an economic system under which the teams and players, sharing common objectives and a commitment to our fans’ satisfaction, would work together as partners.

“The time since then has been devoted to the pursuit of that goal. Today, I can tell you that our determination remains every bit as strong as it was in September to secure the partnership required to protect and ensure the future of the League … for the benefit of the Clubs, the Players, and our devoted fans.

“When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved. As I stand before you today, it is my sad duty to announce that because that solution has not yet been attained, it no longer is practical to conduct even an abbreviated season. Accordingly, I have no choice but to announce the formal cancellation of play for 2004-05.

“We profoundly regret the suffering this has caused our fans, our business partners and the thousands of people who depend on our industry for their livelihoods. We will continue to explore and pursue all available options in order to achieve a successful resolution to this dispute and to get the best game in the world back where it belongs — on the ice, in front of the best fans in the world.

“As I also said in September, what we must do now is not about the present or the short-term needs of this season. Rather, it is about the future of our League and 30 teams.

“The National Hockey League was formed in 1917, and it has played a season through to a championship in every year but 1919. Through the decades and the generations we have faced a variety of crises and challenges — some of which seemed catastrophic at the time. The League persevered through all those adversities and the League will persevere through this one, as well — to emerge with a framework for the future, one that is fair to everyone — where our players are fairly paid, receiving what we can afford — no more, no less.

“This is a sad, regrettable day that all of us wish could have been avoided.”