Just get it done NHL

This is really getting ridiculous.  I, for one, really cannot find much sympathy for millionaires taking on billionaires, and vice-versa.  I’m just not a part of that world in which they live in.

Or am I? 

I’m talking about the current work stoppage of the National Hockey League.  Having seen strikes and holdouts in football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and now hockey once again, it’s really getting sad, especially the current situation with the NHL.

The sides have agreed on a 50-50 split in hockey revenues, which seems like a good compromise if there could ever be one, but of course there are some other particulars.  

And some are certainly worthwhile seeing as some players are going to be seeing paychecks changed from their current signed contracts, etc.

But it’s now almost December and while minor league hockey and college hockey, a favorite of mine, have their seasons off an running, the NHL has now cancelled 422 games thus far, including the popular “winter classic” and the 2013 NHL All-Star game in Columbus, Ohio.

But the real losers during this, is not the players or owners or team front office staff.  It’s the fans. The ones who have showed loyalty and support by buying tickets and merchandise and started to come back in droves, showing a sign of recovery from the previous dispute. 

It’s also the parking lot attendants, the vendors and ticket sellers who can only look forward to an occasional concert or rodeo in town to get some hours.  It’s the owners of the local pubs and restaurants next to the league’s arenas.  Places that are (were) full of hockey fans looking for a pregame meal or post-game celebratory beverage with their fellow fans.

Labor disputes are common in today’s business world.  Insulting to the fan was the comment coming from commissioner Gary Bettman and his suggestion that the two sides should take a couple of weeks off from negotiating. 

How about both sides going into a conference room, locking the door and not emerging without a deal in hand.

I think we’ve had enough. Time to drop the puck.