Tag: Sports

The PR Tactic of the NHL

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Earlier this week the NHL announced there was an “agreeable” proposal on the table and if the NHLPA agreed to it, a full 82 game season could start on November 2.  This announcement was made shortly after the proposal was given to Donald Fahr, the union’s executive director.  This gave fans hope and something to possible look forward to. Instead, they got more cancelled games.

Thursday, the players offered the NHL three counterproposals that were all shot down by the NHL. This also caused the NHL to cancel another weeks worth of game through November 1. This is not a total surprise seeing the season wouldn’t have started until November 2 had the proposal been signed.

What makes this situation in the lockout unique is what the NHL did from a PR standpoint. Commissioner Gary Bettman, basically told the public the season would start on November 2 and it would be possible to play all 82 games.  A few days later, when the NHLPA didn’t agree, he cancels more games and makes it look like the players caused this. He tried to show that he was focused and concerned about the season getting back on track, by announcing the new proposal and that it could save the season. When the players rejected it, it causes fans to lose hope. Even the New York Times has stated that the fans are starting to blame the players for the continuation of the lockout. Many fans are extremely upset about the current situation have been voicing their opinions.

Buffalo Sabres fan, Dan Szudik stated, “At this point, you have to feel the NHL is playing the PR game to perfection. It really makes it look like the NHL is doing everything they can and this is all the players fault. What a difference a week makes in the world of public opinion.”

One Boston Bruins fan, Holly Post, has even taken her message to Facebook hoping to capture the leagues perspective from another viewpoint. She’s a 19-year-old college student working two jobs to pay for her season tickets. Not only is she missing the sport she loves, but the lockout is costing her more money as the local pub she works at is lacking business. Watch video here: NHL Fan Speaks Out

At this point, it’s hard to say when the NHL lockout will end. Fans, including myself, would love to see the season start on November 2 and it is still possible. If the NHL and NHLPA reach an agreement by October 25 games will begin. But, with the proposals shot down and no new negotiations scheduled, it could mean a longer and longer lockout.

Updated: October 22, 2012

NHL Lockout Continues

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Meeting continued today between the NHL and the NHLPA regarding the current lockout situation. Despite meeting, no further progress has been made. According to an article in the LA Times, the cancellation of preseason cost the NHL $100million and most likely, are days away from canceling the start of regular season games, which were scheduled to begin October 11.

NHL LockoutSome players including Dan Cleary (Detroit Red Wings) have stated that they think the lockout could potential last the entire season. Hockey fans and players hope this doesn’t happen, but in the mean time, many players have been going overseas to play on month-to-month contracts or have been training with the American Hockey League. Minor league teams have been offering ticket packages to fan still wishing to enjoy hockey while the NHL is locked out.

Some players are sick of the continuous lockouts since Gary Bettman has been commissioner of the NHL.  Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) has claimed he may not return to the NHL if he does agree with the terms between the NHL and NHLPA.  I’m sure he’s not the only player considering this.

For those of you that know me, you know I am an avid hockey fan. I was heartbroken when Nick Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) announced his retirement earlier this year and I was even more disappointed when the lockout officially happened. At the rate negotiations are going, I worried the Winter Classic will be cancelled. I was so excited when they made the announcement that the Winter Classic was going to be held in the University of Michigan’s Big House and that it would be an Original Six game. I was prepared to fly home from New York City for it. Now, my hopes a slowly fading. As more time passes without a deal between the NHL and NHLPA, the more I feel like I’m going to miss out on the game.

For now, it’s just a waiting game.  No plans have been made to continue discussions meaning the start of regular season will most likely be delayed.

Kings Capture Royal Reward: Lord Stanley’s Cup

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

2012 Stanley Cup Champions: LA KingsLOS ANGELES, CA – It’s been 45 since the formation of the Los Angeles Kings, and tonight they made history by winning their first Stanley Cup.  It took six games for the Kings to reach this milestone in the franchise’s history, but with a 6-1 final score against the New Jersey Devils, the Stanley Cup is calling Los Angeles it’s home for 2012.

The Kings have done a lot to get to this point.  They defeated the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, and Phoenix Coyotes, the 1-3 seeded teams in the Western Conference.  Vancouver also had the best record overall this year.  The Kings won each of those rounds in five games or less, with the Stanley Cup Final round being the first round that they played a sixth game.  They are also the first team to win the Stanley Cup in their home arena since 1998 when the Detroit Red Wings did it.  And on top of that, the first team to be up 3-0 in a series and win it in Game 6.  The Kings were making history all post season.

The Kings started out strong in the first period by scoring three goals during a five minute penalty for boarding by Devils player, Steve Bernier, who also received a game misconduct. As the second period started, the Kings added to their lead with a goal by Jeff Carter.  The Devils got on the board in the second period with 1:15 left in the period with a goal scored by Adam Henrique.

The Kings and Devils both played strong in the third period, and at 16:15 in the third period, Trevor Lewis scored an empty net goal.  New Jersey goalie, Marty Brodeur, returned to the net right after Kings’ fifth goal only to allow another making the final score, 6-1 in favor of the LA Kings.

This is truly a Cinderella story.  The Los Angeles Kings struggled to even gain a playoff position at the end of the 2011-2012 NHL season.  They ended up with the 8th-seeded position meaning they were paired again the number one team, the Vancouver Canucks.  Many expected the Kings to be out in the first round, based on the team they were facing.  They took America by surprise when they went up 3-0 against the Canucks, finishing the series in five games.

As the Kings entered the second round, they face the St. Louis Blues, who were one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this year.  They were no match for the Los Angeles Kings though, as they were swept in four games.

That left only the Phoenix Coyotes in their way to the Stanley Cup Final.  Like a repeat from the first round, Kings won the first three games and ended the series in five.  For the first time in 11 years, they made it to the Stanley Cup Final, and this year they captured the cup.

All that was left was the New Jersey Devils.  They were up 3-0 again in this series and all looked well for them to win it in four or five games again, but the Devils put on the pressure and stayed alive for a couple of game.  LA’s win is huge because they broke so many records during the post season, and there is one more to add to it.  They are the first number 8-seeded team to win the Stanley Cup.  They fought long and hard to win the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and truly deserve the title.

*Note: This article is not affiliated with the Los Angeles Kings or the NHL.  It is written by a private writer.

The Triple Crown Will Have to Wait

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

I'll Have Another Horse RacingELMONT, NY – The Belmont Stakes takes place tomorrow, but Triple Crown Candidate, I’ll Have Another, will not be there.  The colt’s owner, Paul Reddam, announced during a press conference today that I’ll Have Another will be retired due to tendonitis in the horse’s left front leg.

With the retirement, the chance of someone winning the Triple Crown has been put to rest for yet another year.  “I’m afraid history is going to have to wait for another day,” Reddam stated during the press conference.  It has been 34 years since anyone has won the Triple Crown, and the three-year-old colt had the chance to make history.  It comes as a very big disappointment.

*Note: This article is not affiliated with the Belmont Stakes.  It has been published by a private writer.