Roenick backing WHA's spring tournament
Organizers hope to use a spring tournament, packed with NHL players, to try get the WHA up and off the ground one more time.
Sportsnet.ca -- The on-again, off-again attempts to revive the defunct world hockey association are on again.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, WHA owners Ricky Smith and Mark McKelvie intend to use a spring hockey tournament to launch what would be a 10-team league recruiting 80 players from among the 700-plus locked out from the NHL. the owners plan to pay the players $20,000 for participating and will pay the winning team a $2 million prize pool. The tournament will take place in Vancouver and Hamilton.
Jeremy Roenick, who has been outspoken throughout the lockout, said that he's eager to get the tournament - not the league - up and running.
"We're trying to put some money into guys' pockets," Roenick said. "People are dying to see some hockey in Canada. It can be a good thing. We've been wanting to do something like this for some time now.
"None of us can be blamed for looking for alternative ways to make money and still play hockey. Mark (McKelvie) came to me because I have a lot of connections with guys and could get the word out."
Quebec City, home of the former NHL team The Nordiques, is among the potential cities McKelvie and Smith are considering. A lease agreement has been reached, or as Smith and McKelvie say, would be reached with arenas all over North America, including the Pepsi Coliseum. Other candidates for teams include Las Vegas; Seattle; Portand, Ore.; Omaha, Neb.; Indianaoplis, Dallas and Atlantic City.
Roenick said he "absolutely" feels the WHA is a viable option for professional hockey next year, should the NHL not reach an agreement with its players.
"I have to play somewhere next year," he said. "If not Europe, then over here."
But, he added he hopes the NHL settles with the union and he is playing for the Flyers this fall.
"We need to get a deal done," he said. "We have to get next season off on time. Either we get it done now or we will be sitting out another year. I believe that."
Is anyone going to watch this crap?
Moderator: Shoalzie
Is anyone going to watch this crap?
OK, besides Otis and B-Monica that is. I am definately going to watch the World Championships, but this new league is going to make the All-Star game look entertaining.
Otis wrote: RACK Harper.
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BSmack
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I'll be watching the AHL playoffs. Where the best hockey team in North America will be steamrolling the opposition.
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Smoked Meat
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MotoGoalie
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Word.BSmack wrote:You're fucking high if you think I'll be watching that crap.
I'm enjoying the NCAA hockey tourneys. Fuck those NHL scabs.
mvscal wrote: Of course. The 'I was just trolling' card. The monotonously predictable last gasp of a plungered gimp as he swirls down the drain.
Sorry Spanky, you're on my hook.
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