VOICE OF THE NATION - Kiss My CBA!
Vintage Flame
September 03 2012 09:30AM
When Gil Stein ended his tenure as the NHL’s last President, the owners hired Gary Bettman as the league’s first Commissioner. His mandate included four major tasks: sell the game in the U.S., complete the league’s plans with expansion, modernize the views of the owners and, most importantly, end labour unrest.
On December 18th, 2010, Donald Fehr was voted in as the executive director of the NHLPA by a consensus of the entire membership. Within the description of his new position, Fehr vowed to focus on the “collective bargaining agreement, revenue sharing and the economics of the game”.
Great, two representative leaders on both sides of the coin with common ground in a major league issue that had been in a tailspin for almost the last twenty years. The NHL was bound to be set on the right track finally, right?
CURTIS GLENCROSS: 30 Something?
Vintage Flame
August 19 2012 03:35PM
Today is sort of a milestone day for me. It was a year ago this very day that I went from commenter to contributing writer here at Flames Nation. It has been a phenomenal experience and the responses I have had from everyone over the past 365 days has made it all that more of a rush. Not only have your comments been appreciated, but your concerns as well, when I had to take a leave of absence.
I also want to thank Robert Cleave and Pat Steinberg for their guidance over the past year, in writing, style and general advice. Most of all to Kent for, without him, none of this would have ever been possible in the first place Thanks Boss!
In keeping with this theme today, I wanted to talk about another milestone or goal that is hopefully achieved this year within the Calgary Flames. Recently Curtis Glencross stated in the media that he would like to set his sights on a season of 30 goals and 30 assists. Last year, Scoreface (Sorry Justin) managed 26 G and 22 A while playing only 67 games. Is it out of the realm of possibility for him to hit a 30/30 campaign this year provided he stays healthy; and well provided we have a season this year?
STOKING THE FIRE - In Search of a Hot Ember...
Vintage Flame
August 10 2012 08:13AM
It hasn’t been the highly active off-season most fans were hoping for, but there have been a few items that have crept into the news for Flames-land.
While some of the news reaching the fan base has brought about smiles, there are also the ones that have left people still shaking their heads wondering if anything will ever change or worse yet saying, “What now?”
FLAMES PROSPECT CAMP: Day 4
Vintage Flame
July 13 2012 07:04AM
I had the chance to take in the scrimmage game between Group A and Group B yesterday afternoon for the Flames Prospects Camp. From the events of the past three days I was quite looking forward to see what the kids had to offer.
The first thing that jumped out at me was that the prospects came ready to impress. It wasn’t some half-paced pickup type scrimmage; these kids came with purpose and with something to prove. That being said, it wasn’t a good showing for some, including a few who needed to be showcasing something special if they want to make an impact on an already crowded Flames roster.
STOKING THE FIRE - From Draft to Free Agency
Vintage Flame
July 06 2012 01:48PM
While the fans sat back watching the first round of the draft go on, waiting patiently for the 14th pick overall to be announced by their beloved yet maligned Flames, the sound of 1.2 million jaws collectively hitting the floor quickly drowned out Gary Bettman before he could finish, “We have a trade to announce.”
While the Flames opting to trade down in the draft because they could still select Mark Jankowski with the 21st pick, and re-quire their 2nd round pick, may have drawn the ire of fans and hockey people all over Flamesland, the reality is we will not know the success or the detriment of the selection for at least 3 or 4 years.
What we will be able to scrutinize and evaluate is the moves made after the draft. The choices Jay Feaster and his new ensemble have made in regards to free agency are of the “here and now”. The moves are a clear statement to the players and the fanbase that the organization is still committed to the win now philosophy.
Are they any closer now than they were one year ago at this same time?
