If I was the NHLPA, I'd pay him, but only to make him go away. And I'd probably pay him in Canadian pennies after having my dog pee on them. Rob Ray retired. He knows he did and everyone else does too. But I doubt he's filed the paperwork. He had to know that he could make a dime or two more by sticking around. Sotechnically he's an active player, despite spending all but a half-a-dozen games in a booth last year and unofficially retiring at the end of the 03/04 season. And he's an "active player" only in order to collect from the organization he publicly undercut by offering to be a scab. So sure Rob, have your money. Enjoy it. And enjoy trying to ever get an interview with, comment from, or even eye-to-eye contact with an actual active NHL player from now through the end of your days as a broadcaster.
and to tack on : expounding on the union busting implications.
So what he may or may not be retired but is only technically active? So what he "betrayed" his union (no moreso than the scabs in Europe, IMO)? Is he a current due paying member of the NHLPA? If yes, pay him. The union has little to gain and much to lose by not doing so.
I think this is bullshit. The NHLPA is just sending a message to the other guys in the union. More posturing, more bullshit. The owners AND players are acting like total dickheads. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch the World Juniors, where hockey is still fun.
that Kessel kid is gonna be special. you heard it here (maybe) first.
(maybe) Nope. Just kidding by the way... The link goes to a nice article on the kid wonder.
Well, I heard it here first and second now...
jackass...thanks for the link. I got a good eye, though, eh? His play with the puck is remarkable. He creates space for himself and others, seemingly effortlessly at times. Every time I've seen him enter the zone (during the 2 televised games I've watched) with the biscuit, he has either got a shot off if solo, or connected a pass to a teammate, and always with someone D-ing him up as he crosses the blue.
the goal he scored last night was pretty sweet too.
He's also the youngest player on the team. And not even done with high school yet. On a larger note, is this (last year, this year) the next great generation of American hockey talent? Should I try to get my tickets for Vancouver 2010?
Kessel is incredibly fast. I think he's going to be a Shawn Bates clone in the NHL though.
don't forget to pick-up your 2005 NHL calendar (par excellance for Cpt.offwing) Bates? nah, his stick work is superior, even now. but we'll reh-hash this in 7 years.
The Rob Ray thing was worth it just to see the Ray-Peters fight broadcast over and over on SportsCentre.
