The cancellation of the 2004-2005 NHL season has to be imminent. The owners have locked out the players and apparently even the players' union is encouraging them to look for work elsewhere. I've been asked who I support. Intellectually, it's hard for me to support anyone but the players since the owners' fundamental contention is that they need to be saved from their own recklessness. (Read here for more)
However, supporting them intellectually doesn't mean supporting them emotionally. The season's about to be ruined and I can't say I actually feel sorry for either side.
But wait, there's a third side I DO feel sorry for. Those who make their living off the millionaires and billionaires. The official manufacturer of NHL pucks has laid off half its staff due to sharply reduced demand for pucks, both gameworthy and souvenir. How much money has been lost by bars and restaurants and souvenir shops around the NHL arenas? What about the folks who sell popcorn and programs at the games? What about front office staff, like the sales crew, the equipment manager or the Zamboni driver?
As always, when the elephants fight, it's the ants who suffer.
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