President Obama wants NHL owners and players to remember the fans
Amidst questions about the looming fiscal cliff this past Thursday, President Barack Obama took the time to answer a question about his thoughts on the ongoing NHL lockout. Frank Vascellaro, a reporter from Minnesota snuck the question in, hoping to get support from the Commander and Chief for an end to the arguments and failed negotiation.
“Minnesota’s known as the state of hockey, and we’re under the NHL lockout right now. Would you be willing to intervene in that lockout?” Valscellaro asked.
Obama came back with a wise answer to the players and owners: remember who it is that puts money in your pockets.
“You can figure out how to spread out a bunch of revenue that you’re bringing in, but do right by the people who support you. And I shouldn’t have to be involved in a dispute between really wealthy players and even wealthier owners. They should be able to settle this themselves. And remember who it is that’s putting all that money in their pockets,” said the President.
At this point in the lockout, 90 days in, truer words have yet to be spoken. Both the players and owners need to realize that the real victims of the lockout are the fans. The fans who are there win or lose, no matter what. The fans who are willing to pay their hard earned money to see the team they love. The fans who are dealing with serious hockey withdrawals, thanks to their favorite players going overseas. Sure, college hockey is great on the weekends, but we want to see the NHL play four nights a week.
Owners and players, it would do you well to listen to President Obama. Please remember us fans next time you head into that board room. Last year, the NBA came up with a resolution right before Christmas and it was a great treat. This year, all I want for Christmas is an NHL season.
