More UAH.

In an e-mail, Anastos said major issues of concern for the CCHA Council included economics, facilities and location. As you can see that is a really flimsy argument and a child could shoot holes in it.

This blog post will poke a few holes in the facilities and location argument for the reason on why the CCHA denied UAH. All you have to do is look at the web page on the Von Braun Center. I have talked to many people that have been there and they were really impressed with that arena. If UAH would have been accepted to the CCHA it would have been one of the biggest in the CCHA. So it's not the facility.

Attendance isn't a really good argument as well. Below I have included the number for attendance for the CCHA. The first number is the # of games, second number is attendance average and the last number is percentage of capacity.


Michigan 19 6714 6,637 101.2
Michigan State 15 5473 6,470 84.6
Ohio State 20 4181 17,500 23.9
Northern Michigan 19 2932 3,754 78.1
Alaska 20 2708 4,324 62.6
Notre Dame 18 2703 2,667 101.3
UAH 10 2688 7,000 38.4
Miami 19 2491 3,200 77.8
Lake Superior 18 2257 3,373 66.9
Western Michigan 21 2112 3,667 57.6
Bowling Green 20 2044 5,000 40.9
Ferris State 18 1424 2,493 57.1
[Goon's World]

It's not about travel distances

Flying driving to Omaha Nebraska? There isn't much of a difference in mileage. One could make the argument that UNO is a lot closer to the schools in the WCHA than the CCHA. I checked the mileage on a few of the distances of travel and this is what I came up with for distances to UAH. I don't buy that argument. That isn't the reason for not allowing UAH or it's not a very good one.

UM - UAH 651 miles
BGSU - UAH 585 miles
OSU - UAH 510 miles
MSU - UAH 672 miles
NMU - UAH 990 miles
ND - UAH 560 miles
LSSU - UAH 951 miles
NMU - UAH 657 miles
MU - UAH 442 miles
UAF - UAH 4137 miles
FSU - UAH 768 miles

Here is the distances from UNO to the various schools in the CCHA.

NMU - UNO 684 miles
UNO - MSU 672 miles
UNO - UM 692 miles
UNO - UMiami 707 miles
UNO - UAF 3270 miles
UNO - NMU 765 miles
UNO - FSU 684 Miles
UNO - ND 545 miles
UNO - OSU 781 miles
UNO - LSSU 903 miles
UNO - WMU 597 miles
UNO - BGSU 897 miles
[Goon's World]

In conclusion, I believe the denial of UAH's bid to the CCHA is about the CCHA pouting about losing a team and basically showing the commissioner of the WCHA Bruce McLeod that the CCHA isn't going to dictated to on what teams they accept to their league. Fine take your ball and go home, that's what we tell the spoiled, snotty, pouty kids that act like elitist brats. This is also about grand standing and thumbing their nose at UAH. Like I said before I really don't think that the CCHA is above UAH. Look at the teams that make up the bottom rung of the CCHA it's not an impressive group of teams. In essence this could be the second team the CCHA will have killed, first it was Wayne State out of Detroit and now possibly UAH.

I still smell B.S.

Like I said yesterday, "I smell Bullshit with the CCHA's rejection of UAH's bid to become a member of the CCHA." Their reasons for rejecting UAH just don't add up. Don't give me this crap that they are concerned about UAH's commitment to college hockey. Maybe the CCHA should concerned about the health of FSU, BGSU, WMU and LSSU as well. Bruce Ciske does a pretty good job of illustrating this. Attendance, yeah ok. I believe that the CCHA is throwing a hissy fit because they are unhappy that UNO has decided to move to the CCHA. Like I said earlier it's laughable to suggest that UAH isn't at least on equal footing as the power houses that line the bottom of the CCHA standings on a year to year basis.

I also believe that if the NCAA loses anymore division one college teams the NCAA will start pulling at large bids. It will happen folks. This is why we can't allow any teams to disband and fold. Also, if Huntsville folds what college in their right mind is going to want to start a divsion one hockey program? Why should they?

The CCHA's stance just doesn't make sense. The 2,688 fans per game UAH averaged in ten dates equals more than four of the 12 teams currently in the CCHA. While schools like Bowling Green, Western Michigan, Lake Superior State, and Ferris State have the inherent advantage of being able to host the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame virtually every season, UAH drew more per game with home dates against Bemidji State (2), Niagara (4), and Robert Morris (4). The Chargers drew 2,795 for an exhibition game against Tennessee's club team.
[Ciske Blog]

I smell B.S.

This is an interesting take from the UAH beat writer blog. I have to say that I smell bullshit here. Something doesn't add up and I am not buying it. So are we to believe that UAH isn't good enough to play in the CCHA? This is a league that includes FSU 12-19-7, LSSU 11-20-8, and BGSU 11-24-3. The bottom half of the league is stuffed with mediocre - crappy teams that would have a very tough time beating UAH. UAH also has a nicer arena and draws better crowd than the teams deemed worthy of being in the CCHA.

I want to remind college hockey fans; when the NCAA pulls an auto bid or two you can blame the CCHA and their commissioner Tom Anastos. Way to stand firm Tom. When your favorite team stays home from the NCAA tourney when they would have went under the old 16 team NCAA tourney you can blame the elites in the CCHA.

Meanwhile, the Chargers would have been a good fit for the league, which now has an odd number of teams (11).

It's also interesting that Commissioner Tom Anastos earlier (pre-UNO leaving) said scheduling for a league with an odd number of teams is not feasible and, while making a visit to UAH this summer, said the CCHA has a firm, solid commitment to having a program in Huntsville.

In an e-mail, Anastos said major issues of concern for the CCHA Council included economics, facilities and location. That may be just a smoke screen.

The economics are a non-factor compared to other colleges.

The facilities (6,600-seat Von Braun Center) argument is a non-issue. The VBC administration went out of its way to accommodate CCHA scheduling demands during a visit here last month. [Slap Shots blog]

UAH officials stunned by CCHA decision

Personally I have to say that I am shocked by the decision as well.

HUNTSVILLE, AL - The University of Alabama-Huntsville's application to join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association has been denied, the CCHA Council voted today.

According to a short statement, the council "voted by acclamation to deny the University of Alabama in Huntsville's application to become a member of the conference."

UAH officials were stunned by the decision.

"We are certainly disappointed in the decision and feel like our program has a lot to offer to any league," said UAH director of athletics Jim Harris. "We are going to look at other options that are available to us and then move forward."

Harris said the decision will not affect the upcoming season, which is the team's 25th year as a varsity sport. It will also be the final year of College Hockey America, which UAH helped found in 1999. Three other remaining members of the CHA - Bemidji State, Niagara and Robert Morris - have all been admitted to other conferences.

"Many people have put a lot of work into trying to make this happen; from all of the Chargers past and present through to Dr. Williams and the leaders in the city of Huntsville," said head coach Danton Cole, who is in Slovakia as an assistant coach with the U.S. Under 18 Select Team. "I do not know what the future holds for the program, but we will be looking at our options and move forward in the best interest of the University."

CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos said the council, comprised of athletic administrators and faculty athletic representatives, discussed "various issues" before voting to "maintain our membership at its current level."

"The CCHA will remain focused on maintaining and strengthening our existing members to ensure the conference's continued success and long-term viability," Anastos said in the statement.

CCHA turns down UAH.

So the CCHA is going to turn up it's nose at UAH. This is elitist. Let's be clear, this is not good for college hockey and it's basically the CCHA thumbing it's nose at UAH and saying you're not good enough to be a member of our league but bottom feeder teams like BGSU, LSSU, are?

Like one of my friends said it's the league taking it toys and going home like a spoiled kid. So folks; when the NCAA starts pulling at large bids because division one hockey teams are dropping hockey, the blame can be laid at the feet of the CCHA.

The CCHA announced today that the CCHA Council, comprised of athletic administrators and faculty athletic representatives, has voted by acclamation to deny Alabama-Huntsville's application to become a member of the conference.

“The league completed its due diligence of the application for membership submitted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville with careful consideration and discussion of various issues,” CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos said. “At this time we have chosen to maintain our membership at its current level.”

“The CCHA will remain focused on maintaining and strengthening our existing members to ensure the conference’s continued success and long-term viability.”
[CHN Staff Report]

Ryan Jones resigned by the Preds.

This is one guy that I wish the Wild hadn't traded away. Think about this; Jones scored twice as many goals as our heraled first round draft choice James Sheppard, had roughly the same amount of points as Cal Clutterbuck and scored more points than the Wild's first round draft choice Colton Gillies in the same amount of games. I think in the end this is going to go down as being a bad move for the Wild. This illustrates the reason it was a good move to get rid of the former GM Doug Risebrough.

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have re-signed former RedHawks captain Ryan Jones. The deal is a two-year, one-way contract that will pay Jones roughly $975,000 per season.

In 46 games with Nashville last season, Jones registered ten goals and seven assists. His first NHL goal came on October 15, 2008 against Dallas and CCHA alum Marty Turco. [The Brother Hood]

UML goalie cleared of drug charges

I had posted a tweet about Nevin Hamilton's arrest on my twitter account. Recently, Hamilton has been cleared of the charges against him.

UMass-Lowell goaltender Nevin Hamilton has been cleared of all charges stemming from his arrest last month in his hometown.

Hamilton, a rising senior from Ashland, Mass., was arrested on July 24 and charged with possession of a Class B drug. A Framingham man, 23-year-old Adam Neshe, was arrested at the same time and on the same street, facing the same charges.

Today, the university announced that Hamilton has been absolved of all the charges related to the arrest.

“Nevin was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” UMass-Lowell coach Blaise MacDonald said in a statement. “Fortunately, justice has prevailed and he has been exonerated of all charges.” [hockeyjournal.com]

CCHA could vote on UAH hockey team's admission this week

Picture of UAH's Von Braun Center Arena. It's Time for the CCHA to step up to the plate and do the right thing. I am not so sure they want to be the league that let UAH's hockey program fold? They are also a 11 team league right now and I can't imagine them wanting to schedule eleven teams as opposed to twelve teams.

Personally, I believe that UAH would be a good fit in the CCHA and we have broken down the distances from UAH to the various CCHA schools. There was some good news about a week and a half ago when it was announced that BGSU getting four (4) million dollars for it's hockey arena. It would appear that one obstacle had been removed for UAH to possibly join the CCHA.

The future of the University of Alabama-Huntsville hockey program could be decided within 48 hours.

The Chargers applied to join the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, which includes Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Notre Dame. League representatives meet today and Tuesday, but UAH has no guarantee it will be admitted.

"It would be the equivalent of us getting into the SEC if we had a football team," said UAH coach Danton Cole, who is in Slovakia as an assistant for the U.S. Under-18 select team. "It is that big and I think an important part of growing the reputation and visibility of our university and city.

"They could approve us, they could say no. Or they could just not make a decision."

UAH is the lone member of the soon-to-be-defunct College Hockey Association without a new conference. Other teams in the league - which will fold after the upcoming season - have found new homes: Bemidji State joining the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, and Robert Morris and Niagara will entering Atlantic Hockey.

CCHA commissioner Tom Anastos - who toured the UAH campus and Von Braun Center in June - was noncommittal about a decision.

"Our goal will be to make a decision just as soon as we can," Anastos told the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. "The next time we meet ... we will have plenty of discussion on this topic. However, there is no guarantee that we will make a final decision by our August meeting."

The Chargers' application is not the only issue facing the CCHA. It is also considering the state of Bowling Green's program, where the athletic department had to slash millions from its budget. [AL.com]

Lamoureux gets closer to NHL dream

Here is a really nice story on former Fighting Sioux goalie Jean-Philippe Lamoureux and how he has caught the eyes of the Buffalo Sabres. It will be interesting to see how Lamoureux's year plays out in the AHL.

Considering the impressive numbers he put up as a first-year pro with the ECHL's Alaska Aces, it's really no surprise that goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is climbing the ladder.

Lamoureux, who turns 25 on Aug. 20, impressed Buffalo Sabres brass at a prospects camp last month and was rewarded with a one-year contract. The Grand Forks, N.D., native went 33-16-2 with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. He also set an ECHL record with eight shutouts.

The next likely stop for Lamoureux will be the Portland Pirates in the American Hockey League -- just one step away from where the undrafted goalie wants to be.

"You work to play in the NHL someday," Lamoureux told NHL.com. "My first year of pro, my goal was to get a two-way deal with an NHL team and that was what I was able to accomplish."

As sharp as Lamoureux was during the regular season, it may have been his performance in the ECHL playoffs that caught Buffalo's attention. In 21 appearances for Alaska, Lamoureux went 15-6 with a 1.95 GAA and a .934 save percentage. He helped the Aces reach the Kelly Cup Finals, where they lost to the South Carolina Stingrays in seven games.

"Anytime you get a phone call and someone wants to take a serious look at you, you've got to show up and play well," Lamoureux said. "I was just coming off our playoff run (with Alaska). I didn't have too much time to get prepared for it, so I just wanted to play real solid and work hard. I felt pretty good. I wasn't lights out by any means, but I felt I was real consistent throughout the week."
[NHL.COM]

Team Illinois/Wisconsin.

The illegal curve has Team Illinois/Team Wisconsin up.

One of the readers of our 2010 State Olympic teams asked me why I didn’t put together a Team Illinois or Team Wisconsin since I had mentioned them in the list of 6 States which were the highest producers of U.S. born NHL players. My response was that while they did help to contribute, their input was almost half of what the 4th State (Team Massachusetts) provided so it might be difficult to put together a competitive team. Even by going to the AHL & College ranks it was difficult to put together a team that could contend in this ‘fantasy’ tournament.

However being up for the challenge I decided that since these two states border each other, why not combine the two and see what kind of team we could have. (as could be seen with Team Maritimes, when you don’t have enough players from one region, why not combine).

So without further ado, here is Team Illisconsin.

You can see the following teams:Team Quebec, Team Maritimes, Team Ontario, Team Saskatchewan, Team Michigan, Team Manitoba, Team Alberta, Team British Columbia , Team Minnesota, Team Massachusetts.

No need to rush on signing Kessel.

It kind of makes sense, he might not be able to play till December. Eventually he will have to sign a contract or risk sitting out all season because no team has offered him a offer sheet.

For those fretting about Phil Kessel remaining unsigned, remember that there is no rush for either side to put pen to paper. The 21-year-old forward might not be ready to play until December because of rehabilitation following shoulder surgery. Kessel can continue his rehab and see if the Bruins sputter at the start, which could put pressure on the club to lock him up. On the other side, the team has a deep lineup up front. Three summers ago, Patrice Bergeron, also an unsigned restricted free agent, didn’t agree to his five-year, $23.75 million extension until Aug. 22 . . . [Boston Globe]

NHL asks Court to toss out Jim Balsillie's bid for Coyotes

I knew this was going to happen. The NHL has the right to choose who they want to own a team and in the case I think they can decided that they don't want Jim Balsillie to be an NHL owner. I also think the Buffalo Sabres or the Toronto Maple Leafs don't want another team in their area. If the Yotes go any where I would like to see them go back to where they belong in Winnipeg.

PHOENIX -- The NHL has asked a bankruptcy judge to throw out Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie's bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes based on the league's overwhelming rejection of him as a potential owner.

The 26-page motion, accompanied by declarations from Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold, says the owners have concluded that Balsillie would be untrustworthy and that the court has no right to overturn their July 29 vote.

The owners say their opinion is based on Balsillie's behaviour in earlier attempts to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators.

"We voted to deny approval to Mr. Balsillie because we concluded he lacks the good character and integrity required of a new owner" required under NHL bylaws, said Jacobs, chairman of the league's board of governors.

The board, made up of a representative from each NHL team, voted 26-0 against Balsillie's application. Three abstained and one representative was absent, according to Jacobs.

UND receives another honor. (sort of)

Actually I am on my way out of town to decompress at the hunting shack and scout for Canadian Honkers, the season opens next weekend for North Dakota early goose season, really I am. Yeah the geese will be out with their sunglasses sitting in the ponds sunning themselves as hunters try sneaking up on them or will be laying in the decoys when it is 70-90 degrees or not.

Okay! I may consume one or two beers by the fire pit both nights. Donna from Running with the Dogs sent me this link. Apparently not only is UND a great party school, their students don't spend much time in the classroom either. That being said it's a pretty impressive list, UND is on par some of the cooler schools in SEC.
1. West Virginia University (Morgantown, W.Va.)
2. University of Maryland -- College Park
3. State University of New York -- University at Albany
4. University of Mississippi (University, Miss.) aka, "Ole Miss"
5. University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, N.D.)
"Size and affordability are very nice draws" at the University of North Dakota. The number of undergrads here is ideal, and UND offers "the best bang for the buck anywhere." Student activities at UND run the gamut. There are more than 200 clubs and organizations. The student recreation center is enormous and state of the art. Intramural sports are quite popular, and many students are "huge supporters of the Fighting Sioux," the intercollegiate athletic teams. Specifically, "hockey is king here." The team is formidable year in and year out, and it has won several national championships. Home games in the "breathtaking" arena are well attended and "extremely fun." Students describe the overall academic experience at UND as "pretty good" "and not too stressful." Students report the fraternities and sororities loom large in the social scheme of things. Beginning on Friday (or maybe Thursday), "everybody is on a quest to entertain themselves."

Students who considered University of North Dakota also looked at Concordia College, Minot State University, Saint Cloud State University, University of Minnesota -- Crookston, and University of Minnesota -- Duluth.
6. Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.)
7. Florida State University (Tallahassee, Fla.)
8. University of Florida (Gainesville, Fla.)
9. Florida Southern College (Lakeland, Fla.)
10. University of Georgia (Athens, Ga.)

Friday Linkorama.

Mike Russo the Minnesota Wild beat writer has an interesting article on whether the Wild would be interested in Nikolai Zherdev. I am going to say no don't do it.

Bruins forward David Krejci is ranked second in the top 10 Czechs in the game. Martin Havlat of the Minnesota Wild is ranked seventh.

Former Wisconsin Badgers goalie Brian Elliott has a new two year deal.

Props NHL.COM Former Fighting Sioux hockey coach and current UNO Maverick and USA WJC coach Dean Blais is looking for the right mix of players for Team USA.

"They've got questionnaires on them, you have all the stats on these guys, but we want to see how they get along with teammates. Can they jell? Can they be team players? Can they do the little things to win that we ask them to do?

Sidney Crosby had his day with the Stanley Cup.

More on the Dany Heatley Saga: Dany Heatley's Ottawa Senators teammates could/would accept Heatley back this season but they want an explanation. This is what Chris Neil had to say.

Everyone's in the dark here. I think guys would want an explanation.
"But, if Dany shows up at camp and he's ready to go, we'd welcome him back.

Nice article on Carter Rowney.

Here is a really good article on incoming Sioux freshman Carter Rowney. I can't wait to see this Carter Rowney in a UND Fighting Sioux uniform this season. Rowney was not drafted during the 2009 entry draft.

If the Grande Prairie Storm repeat as AJHL champions this season, they’ll do so without the services of all-star forward Carter Rowney.

Rowney will forfeit his final year of junior eligibility to leave for the University of North Dakota, where he’ll play NCAA Division I hockey with the Fighting Sioux.
He’ll also continue his education, working towards a business degree.

The forward had the option of joining the Fighting Sioux either this season or in 2010, and while he’s been leaning towards making the jump for some time, everything has now been made official. He’ll be on his way in about two weeks.

“The plan is right now, I’m going down to North Dakota,” Rowney said.

“I’ve gone through it all now. I think I just finished doing all my paperwork finally.”
--------(snip)-----------
Rowney was a scorer with the Storm, but his role with North Dakota has yet to be decided.

“It’ll all come down to the type of opportunity that they give him,” Vandekamp said.

“He’s a good enough player. It’s going to be a jump for him for sure, as it is for all players to go from junior A to Division I college.

“North Dakota has a very competitive program so he’ll be competing with some very good players to get ice time, but I think he’s ready.”

Rowney has his sights on getting consistent playing time.

With the calibre of hockey as high as it is in the NCAA, Rowney has been working hard to help make that goal a reality.

He spent two weeks in Vernon, B.C., to train earlier in the summer and then he spent another two going through orientation with his new team.

He said he hasn’t taken a night off from working out to help build up his strength – something he sees as an area of his game that needs improvement.

Rowney doesn’t know how North Dakota will play out, but he’s optimistic his first year of college will be a good one.
[Daily Herald - Tribune]

Judge expands bidding for Coyotes to any buyer

This is going to get really ugly. The NHL owners don't want Balsillie to have an NHL team. This is going to test the league office and it will be interesting to see how this turns out. I still think it is an uphill battle for Balsillie because I believe the NHL can still ultimately decide who they want to own the Coyottes.

PHOENIX (AP) - A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge has expanded bidding for the Phoenix Coyotes to include potential buyers who would move the team.

Judge Redfield T. Baum ruled Wednesday that all bids, those to keep the team in Arizona or to move it elsewhere, would be accepted for the Sept. 10 auction.
He specifically said the $212.5 million offer from Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie would be considered. That sets up another showdown between Balsillie and the NHL, because the league's board of governors has unanimously rejected him as an owner.

Balsillie's bid is contingent on moving the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

Balsillie spokesman Bill Walker praised the judge's for creating a "fair and transparent" sales process.

Team Massachusetts

Our friend Kyle from the Illegal Curve has team Mass up.

As part of our ongoing project of choosing Olympic teams based on states and provinces, I volunteered to take Team Mass., thinking it would be pretty easy to find a solid squad. While I was able to round off the defensive corps pretty quickly, the forwards took some work, with a search of the American League made necessary by the lack of NHL calibre forwards hailing from the state.

You can see the following teams:Team Quebec, Team Maritimes, Team Ontario, Team Saskatchewan, Team Michigan, Team Manitoba, Team Alberta, Team British Columbia , Team Minnesota.

Add team New York.

David from the Illegalcurve.com posted team New York today. As you can see from the other teams posted there are some impressive players from the teams from Michigan, Minnesota and New York. It's a matter of fact that Michigan is loaded.

Team New York is an interesting mix. The 27th largest state in the union based on total geography, it ranks as the third in total population. As a result one would expect that New York state would be well represented in the NHL. Turns out that it currently ranks third, behind Michigan and Minnesota.

Very talented group of forwards without alot of pop from the back end. The goalie contingent looks like a future Red Wings goalie camp. To complete our trio we had to coax a goalie out of recent retirement to have a full compliment of tenders.

You can see the following teams: Team Quebec, Team Maritimes, Team Ontario, Team Saskatchewan, Team Michigan, Team Manitoba, Team Alberta, Team British Columbia , Team Minnesota, team New York.

Avery on Donald Brashear.

Interesting interview with Sean "sloppy seconds" Avery. I still wonder how some of his Rangers team mates will feel about having Donald Brashear in locker room after he took out their team mates Blair Betts with a cheap shot last spring during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

On Donald Brashear: “I know he’s a scary dude…I’ve never fought him; I’ve never been dumb enough to do that… It’s always good to have a presence physically on the team, whether it’s a guy on the back or a guy upfront, I think it’s something that’s important, and as much as people say it’s not a part of the game, it is. It was certainly bittersweet to see Colton (Orr) go, I’m happy that he got a nice contract and he definitely deserves it. But it’s a new season and Brash will definitely be welcome in this dressing room and be part of our team for sure.” When reminded that Brashear---a former Flyer---had received tips from Joe Frazier during the lockout, he said: “I don’t know if Joe Frazier has enough left in the tank, I know Brash does, that’s all I’m worried about [Newsday.com]

“

Hey Olympians don't get hurt.

I saw this posted by Alan Walsh on Twitter last night and I couldn't believe it when I first read it. The NHL is stopping its season to play the Olympics; why in the hell would they do this? The NHLPA doesn't want its players skating in the camps because there isn't adequate insurance coverage for their elephantine contracts. Personally, I think there would be more injuries from the compacted season then there is from the Olympic games.

I don’t know if there is any way around this; the countries participating in the Olympics are going to need to have some kind of an evaluation camp so they can decided which players are going to be the best fits for their countries’ Olympic team. This is just shameful. Maybe the Olympics needs to go back to having amateurs play in the Olympic Games.

So the NHLPA has told players not to participate in any on-ice drills at the upcoming orientation camps for the Olympics. Apparently the NHL has now also sent out a memo that dissuades player involvement as well, as the memo apparently states that the league will not honour NHL contracts for a player injured at a summer camp.

Call me crazy, but wasn't it the NHL and the NHLPA that agreed to participate in the Olympics? [Shaune Vetter, Hockey Buzz]