No Hockey for you!

The NHL is almost two weeks in to its lockout, and there has been next to nothing getting done by either side to get it done.  Because of this, players are looking for places to play until this all gets worked out.  Many Russian players, like Ilya Bryzgalov, are playing in the KHL (Which is considered the second best hockey league in the world by many).  Other Flyers, however, have different plans.

The players that are still eligible to play in the AHL for the Phantoms without having to clear waivers will do so.  They are Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Zac Rinaldo, and Erik Wellwood.  Jakub Voracek returned home to the Czech Republic to play in the Czech Extraliga league.  Wayne Simmonds signed in Germany and is playing in the Bundesleague of Germany.  And then there are some guys that are staying in the US and renting ice to run unofficial practices together.  Scott Hartnell, Danny Briere, Kimmo Timonen, Kings forward Justin Williams, and others that live in the Philly, South Jersey area, have been renting out ice slots at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees.  Former Flyer Todd Fedourk, who is currently an assistant coach of the Trenton Titans, has volunteered to run these practices and help his fellow hockey players out.

What does all this mean though? This means that, although they prefer the NHL, they are willing to play over seas also.  With a lot of the NHL’s talent going to the KHL, that could make them the most powerful league in the world.  If that were to happen, why would they want to come back to the NHL? For the guys who decided to stay in the US, they will grow tired of practices and no games, especially if they keep getting in offers from other leagues world wide.  The AHL guys will eventually want better competition and they will leave too.

In saying all this, I do not want the NHL to take a devastating blow like that.  The owners, the players, and Gary Bettman need to get together in a room and not leave until they reach an agreement, or at least start to agree on some terms.

Tags: AHL, Gary Bettman, KHL, NHL lock out, NHLPA, Nick Bramante, TalkSportsPhilly