Hi everyone. We weren't sure it would happen but it has. We have been
able to arrange a meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman – actually two meetings. We'll be getting together for a quick introduction
at the All-Star game in Tampa. He has also asked us to meet with him
later at the NHL offices in New York for further discussions on the
NHLFA and our objectives, The Fan Report, etc. Thanks to all of you
who took the time to write to the NHL encouraging them to meet with us.
As we just learned about this a few days ago, we have had to make some
rather rapid plans to get down to Tampa. We felt this was just too
great an opportunity for the NHLFA to pass up. Of course, we'll also
be speaking to as many media people as we can and we've tentatively set
up a meeting with Bob Goodenow of the NHLPA.
Once again, we will be paying for this ourselves because it is
important to the future of this Association... remember, we do not
charge a membership fee.
We recently sent out a message encouraging members to purchase an NHLFA
hat for $20. To date, we have sold a grand total of 24 hats, some of
those to friends and relatives; if my math is right, that means less
than 1% of members purchased a hat. Let me be blunt: Jim and I have
worked our butts off to get this Association off the ground and that's
OK, we knew it would take a lot of work. We cannot however, and this
can't be stressed too strongly, keep sinking our own money into this.
It's not fair to us or to our families.
It would be a shame to see this thing stall now, but it may if we do
not receive support from more of you. Many of you have praised our
efforts (thank you) and offered to help support the NHLFA. Here's your
chance.
Please go to the Web site, http://www.nhlfa.com/thestore/thestore.asp,
buy a hat and send your cheque. If we get enough interest we will set
up a credit card system to make it easier to make such purchases in
the future. But, if we don't hear from you, there may not be a future.
If you recall, our objective was to sell 300 hats.
We're also on the look-out for a corporate sponsor with some guts and
$10,000 to contribute to the NHLFA on a one year sponsorship agreement.
On a another note, our mini-poll regarding ties in the NHL will be out
shortly. Sorry for the delay, but we have been busy preparing for the
meetings in Tampa. Another thank you to members who sent in views,
opinions and suggestions for the mini-poll.
That all for now. We'll report back after our time in Tampa.
The Jims,
Jim Boone
boone@nhlfa.com
Jim Spendlove
spendlove@nhlfa.com
The Jims
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