Report: ESPN severs ties with NHL

[illbill]

<snip> TORONTO (Ticker) -- The hits just keep on coming for the NHL.

According to a report on Rogers Sportsnet of Canada's Web site Friday, cable sports giant ESPN has declined to exercise its $60 million option to televise NHL games for the 2005-06 season.<snip>

Full story: http://www.realopinion.com/realboards/showthread.php?t=2939

[bluedonkey]

1. Ok

WHy can't they come to an agreement?I don't understand?Are they trying to kill Hockey alltogether?

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

2. IDIOTS!! - The NHL, Not ESPN - n/t

[bluedonkey]

3. Should clarify

My comment was directed at the NHL.They seem quite suicidal!

You didn't have to jump on my ass like that,you could've ask nicely.I'm old enough to be your mother!PUNK:P :loveya:

[illbill]

4. Living in Canada...

this really hurts me to the core. My whole life I have grown to enjoy Hockey Night in Canada double header games on Saturdays...

[bluedonkey]

5. I feel your pain...

I grew up with hockey and miss it terribly.People think I'm crazy,I take the day off for the Stanley cup!
We have a local team,which is funny living in the South,but they don't inspire anybody.Maybe I should give them another shot.

[illbill]

6. Whats your NHL team?

?

[bluedonkey]

7. Don't laugh

I usually love the 'Ducks' and when they're out I support whoever plays a good game.I'm easy to please,as long as it is hockey.

[MaineDem]

8. The AHL team here in Maine just became part of the Ducks

I've never paid much attention to them (other than to watch Paul Kariya - a star from the U of Maine.) This will be an interesting affiliation.

[bluedonkey]

9. I like their style

They try too hard sometimes.Maybe it's the name,not macho enough for hockey?
Long,long time ago I use to love the Canadian teams,fights and all,but I have grown up since and so have the Canadians.Too bad american Tv doesn't show much Canadian hockey.

Lots going on behind the curtain.Talks will continue next week.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2069232

[illbill]

10. I met Selanne when he was in Winnipeg...

one of the nicest people in the game. (although some reports say otherwise). He treats his fans with a lot of respect.

[hasbro]

11. I think THIS is what does Bettman in

Next season after the lockout and he has to go hat in hand begging for another TV ownership will just say "thanks for the cap, say hi to the NBA"

[Telly Savalas]

12. The NHL and the NHLPA are fucking morons not to see this coming.

Between the loss of TV deals and ticket receipts, the revenue the league takes in won't be able to support half of what each group would have received had they signed a compromise deal with a cap in the low 40's.

In the future, we'll be seeing a lot less talent in the league since many European players will stay in Europe where the big money is.

[Lauri16]

13. I think it's better to say

that ESPN severed ties with the Rangers, the Red Wings & the Devils. Those are the only teams they covered anyway. The only thing worse than ESPN was Fox and that pathetic FoxTrax.

The mess that the NHL is in right now is at the feet of Bettman. He killed the NHL the day he became commissioner.