Mixed Opinions On NHL Expansion To Europe
06/10/2008 01:32
Ottawa Senators owner
Eugene Melnyk has no doubt that - sooner rather
than later - the National Hockey League will be
expanding into Europe.
"There are a lot of logistical issues from arenas to how we set up the schedules," Melnyk told reporters in Stockholm over the weekend. "But it's happening and it's going to happen. Absolutely and irrevocably I am committed that my vote is in for European expansion."
However, not everyone - including NHL commissioner Gary Bettman - is as bullish on locating teams across the Atlantic Ocean.
"Mr. Melnyk was not voicing an official league position," he explained. "We want to develop a more permanent, more regular presence in Europe, (but) permanent doesn't necessarily mean franchises on the ground or ever."
By contrast, NHL Players' Association Executive Director Paul Kelly was more supportive of Melnyk's remarks, going so far as to establish a probable timeline for such a venture to happen.
More from TSN.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
As I have said on this forum before, Gary Bettman should stick to building the league and growing its fan base right here in North America, particularly in some existing U.S.-franchise cities, before he even thinks about NHL expansion to Europe.