Ted Saskin Out; Peter Puck In
Ted Saskin’s short and story reign as head of the NHL Players Association finally came to an abrupt end yesterday when he was hired “for cause” after a 22-0 vote by player representatives. Since he was hired 10 months ago, Saskin has been engulfed in controversy that started with a flawed hiring process and ended with allegation he hacked into the e-mail accounts of players. His firing arguably is a big step back for the NHLPA, which is still reeling after being skewered by owners in the last collective-bargaining negotiations. You could argue that the NHLPA has been this ineffectual since Alan Eagleson left amid his own black cloud of controversy.
Fortunately, there was some good news from the hockey world (aside from a wonderful game last night between Ottawa and Buffalo). Peter Puck is making a comeback after being away from the game for nearly a decade. The animated character, who was a staple during TV telecasts in the 1970s and icon to many children, will return to life after Peter’s owner/”father”, Brian McFarlane, struck a deal with Segal Licensing to produce a line of Peter Puck clothing, a DVD and memorabilia. Personally, I’m looking forward to buying a Peter Puck hockey shirt.
For more takes on Saskin’s demise, check out The Fanhouse, who dismisses Saskin as someone who acted with his own interests first and foremost. Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog offers that Saskin was “toast” even before a stinging three-page report emerged recently.
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POSTED IN: NHLPA, Television
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