Dear NHL players' union: Hire someone like Bob, then.

[Guest Richard McBeef]

Report: Wirtz could sell

BLACKHAWKS | New union leader likely key to his decision

 

April 21, 2007

BY LACY J. BANKS [email protected]

Has Bill Wirtz decided to hold his 41-year ownership of the Blackhawks up for the ransom of a desirable replacement for former NHL Players Association president Bob Goodenow?

 

According to a report Friday by the Toronto Star, Wirtz is waiting to see who will be selected to lead the players union this summer before he decides whether to continue his association with the league or sell the Blackhawks.

 

''If the union hired someone like Bob, who just says you're lying whenever you say you're losing money, I'd put the team up for sale,'' Wirtz told the Star. ''And I think that might cause other owners to look at their own investments.''

 

Attempts to reach Wirtz on Friday were unsuccessful. But according to the Star report, the Hawks, who finished out of the playoffs for the fifth straight year, lost $31 million this season and $191 million over the last 10.

 

It's suspected the struggling union, which still is trying to recover from the lockout of two seasons ago, may select a new leader this summer, the Star reported. Executive director Ted Saskin is on paid suspension and is unlikely to come back.

 

Goodenow was NHLPA executive director for more than a decade before a group led by Suskin revolted in 2005 and ousted him.

 

Depending on who might buy the Hawks if Wirtz sells, it could result in more efficient management and better success on the ice. The Hawks are a highly valued franchise in the NHL because they're located in the third-largest media market in North America.

 

Only five of 41 Blackhawks home games were televised in Chicago this season because Wirtz believes showing too many home games on local television will short-circuit attendance at the United Center. Nevertheless, the injury-riddled Hawks, who were forced to change coaches early in the season after a poor start, still finished second-to-last in attendance this season, averaging 12,727 per game, according to the Star report.

 

It's a start.

[Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0]

Dear Mr. Goodenow,

 

Please come back. Gary misses you.

 

PS. Save the Hawks.