I believe it is time for Hockey Canada to seriously consider a professional hockey league for Canada. It is ridiculous to think that Canada has only a handful of pro teams while producing the most professional players.
The current Canadian NHL teams need to weigh the benefits provided by the rest of the NHL clubs against the cost of supporting them. I think they would be better off leaving and joining a Canadian League.
A league run by Hockey Canada can follow the framework established by the IIHF for leagues and clubs, as well as transfers and contracts, in Europe and elsewhere. Why is it that there hasn't been a strike/lockout in other parts of the hockey world?
A Canadian League can also look closely at the way the game is played:
- do players need to play 82 games a season? Should hockey be played in June? Perhaps giving players more rest between games will improve the quality of play.
- do we still need fighting in the sport? Are there other rules that should be implemented at the pro level?
- can we play more international hockey, World Cup, Olympics, World Championships, with our best players?
A Canadian League will bring hockey to more people, who have been craving the opportunity to watch top level hockey for decades.
The key is to put more teams in larger markets to break them down so that the smaller centers across the country can compete economically. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal could support more than 1 team. Other markets include Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, London, Hamilton, Quebec, Halifax, and others.
Canada already has 3 major networks capable of broadcasting games, as well as sponsors ready to get involved.
As the NHL-NHLPA dispute continues, it is time to look at alternatives. The great hockey fans of Canada deserve better.
