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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Oct 14, 2004 9:56:56 GMT -5
October 13, 2004 By Emmanuel Moutsatsos Staff writer Since 1941, it has been an important part of hockey culture. It was there in ’94 to provide relief when the NHL ceased operations, and it remains here today—stronger than ever—to provide fans their hockey fix now that NHL rinks are dark again. The American Hockey League is the highest level of pro hockey in North America other than NHL, and has been a stepping stone for many of the top players before heading to the elite stage. And once again, with no immediate end in sight to the current NHL lockout, the 28-team AHL is ready to take advantage of the spotlight and show hockey fans across the continent they are both reliable and entertaining. - www.fftimes.com/index.php/4/2004-10-13/18728 |
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Post by blaise on Oct 14, 2004 14:08:26 GMT -5
I don't think anyone can disagree with the article, but it's stating the obvious. What else is there besides the AHL? It serves as a funnel into which the best products of the CHL and the NCAA are poured, and it also gets some talented European players. The spillover goes into the ECHL, and the odds are against ECHL players making it to the NHL.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Oct 15, 2004 12:15:06 GMT -5
Chain reaction?
What happens to the AHL teams who stocked up on NHL talent if & when the NHL resumes play? Some teams will lose their most productive players while others that didn't provide a temporary safe harbor for NHL rookies and sophomores will continue with minor changes. The AHL will add players from other leagues and the effect will trickle down. This will also affect teams in Europe who provided training and conditioning for NHL players.
If I was a GM of a team in Sweeden, I'm not sure I would rush to help our NHL millionaire players seeking a temporary shelter. Do NHL players in Europe give 100% and risk injury for a few bucks or do they skate through the motions?
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Post by blaise on Oct 15, 2004 14:02:24 GMT -5
Leagues that became engorged by swallowing idle NHL players will simply revert to their former levels if the lockout is ended. However, my feeling is that the entire season will be wiped out and the NHL players will be able to keep their European and North American commitments.
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Oct 15, 2004 14:39:28 GMT -5
Chain reaction? What happens to the AHL teams who stocked up on NHL talent if & when the NHL resumes play? Some teams will lose their most productive players while others that didn't provide a temporary safe harbor for NHL rookies and sophomores will continue with minor changes. The AHL will add players from other leagues and the effect will trickle down. This will also affect teams in Europe who provided training and conditioning for NHL players. If I was a GM of a team in Sweeden, I'm not sure I would rush to help our NHL millionaire players seeking a temporary shelter. Do NHL players in Europe give 100% and risk injury for a few bucks or do they skate through the motions? You are not alone: But not everyone in France is catching the NHL bug. Reports say teams like Rouen and Grenoble have spurned offers.
Rouen coach Guy Fournier said he had good reason to turn down 38-year-old veteran Luc Robitaille.
"We wanted to keep a consistent team until the end of the season," Fournier told sports daily L'Equipe.
Heyberger welcomed the news.
"At least Robitaille won't be playing against us," he said.- www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=101117&hubName= |
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Post by FormerLurker on Oct 16, 2004 6:06:10 GMT -5
Anybody else notice this one?
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