The United States of Hockey

The last few days have been bizarre, to say the least. Bizarre, but probably really important. Because the CHLPA does not yet exist as a certified players’ union, what is currently being waged is nothing more than a public relations battle.

When it comes to quests to acquire favorable opinion from the public, some are more impactful than others. What makes this one important is that there are important questions being raised to the public and since the CHLPA cannot enact anything just yet, the public will have to be the ones who dictate what happens next. Will it be status quo or will public scrutiny bring about change in the Canadian Hockey League?

The CHLPA may never reach its full potential as a full-on players union, with immense legal hurdles to overcome and more importantly, a potentially unwilling player base. That said, it has forced a public debate surrounding the Canadian Hockey League, how it operates and how its players are treated. It’s not the first time the CHL has faced questions, but never has the organization received such widespread examination.

It doesn’t hurt that it’s a slow news period for hockey with little movement in the NHL CBA negotiations. That only gives more time and attention to the issues that the CHLPA raise.

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Is this real life? That’s the question I keep asking myself with each new revelation regarding the fledgling Canadian Hockey League Players Association.

With each revelation comes more mystery surrounding the CHLPA. (Photo: USofH)

Brandon Sudeyko of “In The O Radio Show” obtained the document the CHLPA has sent to an unknown number of Canadian Hockey League players. The document was acquired from one of the players that received it. The document informs players about the benefits of a CHLPA and unveils its proposed constitution. It can be read in full here.

There aren’t any shocking revelations beyond what has already come out in the press, however it is interesting to note the language within and where the CHLPA plans to acquire the funds from to reach its goals of stronger education packages and increased player benefits.

Coming up after the jump, a look at some of the most intriguing pieces from the document as well as a look at the CHL’s first public statement on the matter.

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Georges Laraque gets named as executive director for an entity that might be something somewhat resembling a players’ union for those competing in the Canadian Hockey League… maybe.

News began trickling out about this apparent players’ union when a press release appeared on a site called The Junior Hockey News on Aug. 17. Then a story appeared in the Peterborough Examiner Monday, lending a little more legitimacy to this apparent union forming. Next, the Toronto Star picked up the story, filling in a few blanks later Monday. The snowball of information continued, but most in the media, CHL front offices and many players seemed skeptical.

Despite the reports, many CHL players contacted by various news outlets had been completely unaware that such an entity was in development. I contacted a few player agents myself, with only one responding, saying he would have to look into it having not heard anything himself.

Reports continued swirling, bringing more confusion than facts.

Then, earlier Tuesday, the apparent CHLPA broke news that longtime NHL enforcer Georges Laraque had been named its executive director. Laraque later confirmed via Twitter that he was indeed named to the post.

Today I’m proud to have been named the executive director of the new players association of the Canadian hockey league. #chlpa

— Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) August 21, 2012

OK, so this is a real thing? Isn’t it? Well, it appears to be legitimate, but will it ever reach its desired potential of forming a legitimate player union?

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It appears the drama between the Kitchener Rangers and The Michigan Daily has reached its anti-climactic end as the two sides have reached a settlement according to the Rangers.

Steve Bienkowski, COO of the Kitchener Rangers, explained the settlement in a statement today.

The Michigan Daily has removed the article that caused the Kitchener Rangers to commence legal proceedings against the newspaper and the reporter, Matt Slovin.  As they have acceded to what was from the outset the Kitchener Rangers’ primary demand, we are discontinuing the legal proceedings as against the newspaper and Mr. Slovin.

The Kitchener Rangers remain gravely concerned about the ease with which a source hiding behind the cloak of anonymity was able to spread the false allegation that our organization offered Jacob Trouba financial compensation.

We are not discontinuing the action against the anonymous source. Although truth would be a complete defence to the libel action, we fully expect that the source will not have the courage to step forward, as there is not a shred of truth to the allegation, as the Ontario Hockey League investigation has now confirmed.

It is unfortunate that there are individuals so intent on harming our organization that they would fabricate and disseminate harmful lies. It is particularly unfortunate that they chose to implicate Jacob Trouba and his family, who should not have had to answer to the baseless allegation.”

Thoughts after the jump.

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