Hi to all 13,066 members of the NHLFA.
First of all – and we don't do this very often – we want to acknowledge Wayne Gretzky's contributions to the game of hockey and recognize his elevation to the Hockey Hall of Fame, without the usual three year waiting period. There aren't too many players cut from his cloth.
Still Waiting on the NHLPA
We have made numerous attempts to meet with Bob Goodenow, Executive Director of the NHL Players' Association. We feel it's important to acquaint him with our Association and its objectives in the same way we have with Gary Bettman. So far though, no luck in getting in to see Goodenow. We've been speaking with his staff but haven't received any firm commitment. There may be an opportunity to meet briefly with him over the All Star break.
On a related matter, Jim Boone received a call from Matthew Barnaby (Pittsburgh Penguins) as a result of the letters we sent to all the players a couple weeks back. Barnaby was calling on behalf of the players. Unfortunately, he didn't have too much to say, nor did it appear we could expect any support from them (NHLPA) regarding our request for some action from the players on the issues affecting small market teams. He did point out players in Canada already pay a high rate of income tax...don't we all?!
The NHL did not respond to the letter.
Sponsorships and Fundraising
We'd like to be able to do more for members and the Association to help ensure its continued growth, but to do so requires some source of revenue. If you know of anyone or any company who would consider sponsoring the NHLFA, please pursue it and let us know.
We are also trying to raise funds via the new additions to our Store on the Web site. Until we find a sponsor, it's really up to all of us to support the NHLFA by buying something from our Store (http://www.nhlfa.com/thestore/thestore.asp). If just 2% of the 13,000 NHLFA members bought something it would provide us with an operating budget for the next six months. Please seriously consider supporting the NHLFA – we need your help. Our thanks go out to the 13 members who have bought something so far! – we appreciate it.
We want the NHLFA to survive and grow, but the two of us cannot continue to provide all the financing on our own.
Chapter Update
The trial-run of the Ottawa Chapter is going well and the people who have taken it upon themselves to run the Chapter are doing a super job. The Chapter has already held a couple meetings and recently sent out a survey to local members to find out what direction they'd like to see the Chapter go. They've also put together a press kit for local media.
NHL Enterprises
We are still negotiating with the NHL over the use of the trademark "NHLFA". We'll keep you informed as these negotiations proceed.
Sincerely,
Jim Boone
boone@nhlfa.com
and
Jim Spendlove
spendlove@nhlfa.com
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