Post by Yar on Mar 6, 2005 22:34:13 GMT -5
Gretzky not keen on WHA, replacements
TSN.ca Staff with Chicago Tribune files
3/6/2005
There was once a time when Wayne Gretzky played in the World Hockey Association, but you won't find The Great One too keen on it nowadays.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, Gretzky his voiced his concerns - or lack thereof - about players possibly using the 'revived league' as an alternate destination during the NHL lockout.
"Guys are talking now about starting up the World Hockey Association again?" he told the Tribune.
"That's the same WHA with the $10 million salary cap? And some players took jobs in the Eastern League, with a cap of $500 a week? But they don't want one in the NHL? Boggles my mind. If you believe in no cap, then how can you play in a league that has one? Besides, the union already has said it will accept a cap."
Gretzky also brought up his displeasure with the state of the league during the work stoppage and the idea of using replacement players.
"Absolutely disgusting," he told the Tribune, referring to the lost season.
"And now that our season has been canceled, what's the likelihood of reaching a settlement this summer, before we lose even more money, more sponsors, maybe ESPN? Wish I knew. I have no idea."
The commissioner, Gary Bettman, promises a season starting in October," Gretzky added. "If that means replacement players, I don't like it. The real players, I think, won't cross the line. You know hockey guys, how proud they are, how united. But in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, they'll fill the buildings, even for replacements. Fans are mad. They want hockey. Other cities, I'm not sure."
The Great One was also quick to defend NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, saying an American commissioner shouldn't offend Canadians because, "Bettman is fighting hardest for franchises in Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa."
Gretzky, part owner of his own smaller-market franchise - the Phoenix Coyotes - added that he didn't think franchise would fold despite the cold climate involving the league and players' association.
"That never has been held over the union's head," Gretzky told the Tribune. "If a deal is made, 30 teams will be able to make it."