|
Goodenow resigns as NHLPA boss
I figured this was coming after the lock out really didn't accomplish anything for the player, and he said he'd never accept a cap and then had no choice but to accept it. I wonder if Mr. Bettman will be the next to go.
Quote:
Toronto — Bob Goodenow resigned Tuesday as the NHL Players' Association's executive director and general council.
In a prepared statement, the NHLPA said Ted Saskin, its senior director of business affairs and licensing, would take over where Goodenow left off.
"With the conclusion of the negotiations and the ratification of the new agreement, the parties concur that this is an appropriate action for the future," Goodenow said in a news release. "I wish the players every success under the new (agreement)."
The hard-nosed NHLPA executive director had three years remaining on a contract that reportedly paid him $2.5 million (U.S.) a year.
Goodenow did not sound like a man about to quit when he sat alongside commissioner Gary Bettman last Thursday at a news conference in Toronto announcing the players' ratification of the labour deal.
"There's been some reports and speculation (about the future) and that goes with the territory," Goodenow said at the time. "But I enjoy my work, I have a contract and I intend to abide by it certainly."
NHLPA president Trevor Linden thanked Goodenow, who had worked with the players' association for the past 15 years.
"Every NHL Player has benefited enormously from Bob's leadership and dedication," Linden said in the press release. "He has been a tireless advocate for the players and he dramatically improved the players' situation in every respect. Bob built the NHLPA into a first-class organization and we are all very grateful to him."
Saskin also thanked Goodenow for his service to the association.
"I know how dedicated Bob has been to the players. I plan to continue to serve them by building on the strong base that Bob created at the NHLPA," Saskin said.
Linden added that he was happy to see Saskin take over. "Ted has worked closely with Bob every step of the way and has done an excellent job for the Players in our recently concluded CBA negotiations. We have every confidence that he will be able to lead our association well in the years to come."
|
__________________
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
|