Posted by GSH-Editor on Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Well folks, it’s time to talk about inflation.
No, this isn’t the preface to an article of an Adult nature, I’m of course talking about the NHL salaries that have increased 252% since the last collective bargaining agreement. That would be all fine and dandy except for one detail; unfortunately league revenues have only increased 163%, with $300-million in apparent losses in the 2002-2003 season.
Hockey Canada has recently released the top forty-four Junior-aged players that will be attending the National Junior Team Development Camp in mid-August (12-19th). There are twelve returning players that were selected to attend by scout Blair Mackasey, who spent the entire last season evaluating the top Canadian players that will be eligible for the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Grand Forks, North Dakota from December 25th to January 4th this winter.Â
Alex “Calihockey†GongShowHockey.com Contributing Writer
The NHL over the last couple of years, has been in a downward spiral in the United States. Hockey has always flourished in Canada. But this year, the NHL ratings on ESPN2 in the States are down 23% from last year for the first 25 games of the playoffs. Why have the rating gone down so drastically in a year? Is it because there aren't enough goals or spectacular plays? Â Hockey, the greatest team sport in the world has not caught on in a country that embraces team sports.
In a country where Hockey is the main event whatever the season, all eyes will no doubt be on the lads donning the familiar red and white with black trim this fall when the puck drops on the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.
