Quote:
Originally Posted by Habsterix
It's unfortunate that your post has been overlooked to settle personal gratification. I didn't quote it all but I'd like to add to what I've quoted above.
The fact is that there is simply no respectable leadership at the helm of the NHL since Bettman took over. Ever since, a lot of the decisions taken, including expansion and some rule changes have been mind boggling to those who have been fans and/or involved in the game for some time. I don't doubt the intentions here, but many decisions simply weren't thought thoroughly.
The change to the instigator rule in the early 90's is one example. The introduction of the two-referees system, bringing up incompetence at this level, expansion to non-traditional markets, relocation away from hockey beds, gimmicks like the shootout in a lame attempt to lure more fans... those are only a few very questionable decisions made by this regime.
Everyone thought that Bettman had a job due to the negotiation of the last CBA. Fans had agreed in most case to scrap a season in order to fix the game, by forcing a salary cap. What did we do this for when the problem was obviously not fixed, as many teams are guaranteed to lose money before the puck is even dropped as they can't afford the cap floor?
And I fully agree with your assessment of the situation when it comes to the way the game is being called on the ice, and the lack of strong direction as far as suspensions and punishment are concerned. The two different rulings for the Chris Pronger vs Chris Simon suspensions were mind boggling, same with the Chara and Rome suspensions. Two weights, two measures always.
Still though, I'd like to see the NHL go back to the one judgement (one referee) on the ice, and reverting back to the old instigator rule (pre-1990's), allowing players to somewhat police themselves a bit more. I'd also push hard to get a commissioner who knows hockey, even if it means splitting the position by having someone look after the rules and the game, and another person help him with the negotiation of the CBA. Then I'd like to see a discipline committee of 3, instead of relying on one person.
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I agreed completely with your response, it's bang on. The discipline committee of 3 is closed to something I already brought to M.Schneider and M Cammalleri back in April 2011. I made this suggestion to them as the NHLPA to make towards the NHL in the new CBA or this coming season.
I believe it is time for NHL to use a Disciplinary Committee to address game misconducts, match penalties and all required suspensions, using a group of 7 people. It should include ex-players, ex-general manager, ex-NHL on-ice officials, someone with no present biases toward any team. This type of committee can only be an effective deterrent for the players' on-ice transgressions by acting clearly, consistently and fairly when imposing suspensions.
The following are my suggested members for this committee:
Wayne Gretzky(NHL Player, coach, owner) as Chairman,
Keith Primeau (NHL player left game with concussions),
Pat Lafontaine (Same as Primeau),
Scott Bowman(Coach, general manager and special consultant),
Bob Gainey(NHL player, coach, general manager and special consultant),
John D'Amico(NHL linesman, one of the most respected),
Andy Van Hellemond(NHL referee, supervisor, video review supervisor and the most respected referee).
Thanks for your well thought out response.