ON THE MARK.

WHY HAVEN'T NHL PLAYERS APOLOGIZED?

I know they want us to believe the lockout wasn't their fault.  I know they want to point the finger of blame at the owners exclusively.   I even understand the NHLPAs mentality in not accepting any blame for the work stoppage.  But come on!   No apologies from the players?  Not one?    I'm not talking about "We're sorry this had to happen".  That's not an apology.   At least Gary Bettman apologized.   And several of the owners have as well.  Most seem to be truly sorry, and want to make it up to the fans by offering special deals on tickets and merchandise.  Not the players.   Several of them tweeted thanks to the union and the mediator in the hours after a deal was done.  But none of them spoke directly to the fans by saying "I'm sorry", and that's a shame.  Maybe they truly aren't sorry for what has transpired.  Maybe the players think they did everything they could.  They wanted to play hockey, but the big bad owners locked them out.   Well, guess what?  That doesn't wash with me.   You guys are heroes to many.  Yes, you're the reason we watch the NHL, not the owners.  So why doesn't somebody have the balls to stand up and say, or tweet, an apology to all hockey fans for putting us through this nonsense?   You want me back?   Say you're sorry.  Show some class.
     While we're on the subject of hockey, why is it that just about every NHL team except the Maple Leafs is allowing the public to watch training camp practices?   The Leafs have a lovely little practice rink called the "Mastercard Centre" on Kipling Avenue near the Lakeshore in Toronto.   When training camp opened yesterday, the media was allowed in, but the fans were forced to stand outside the rink and try and catch a glimpse of their heroes through the windows.  Why?   Wouldn't it be a nice gesture to welcome the fans back by allowing them into the practice?   With Brian Burke now gone, shouldn't the new guy, Dave Nonis step in and change the rules so that the Leafs appear a little more fan friendly and a little less corporate?   I mean, really, are they worried some fan is going to video the workouts and then sell the footage to other teams?   You've already kept the most ridiculously loyal fan base in all of sports waiting for four months.  Why not throw them a bone?  It certainly would go a long way in mending fences.   Mind you, the Leafs never did care much about their "fans".  They charge outrageous prices for tickets and concessions and merchandise and people STILL pay through the nose, despite all the losing.   Hey Leafs, why not hire a few more security guards, let the fans into the rink and acknowledge their presence?  Maybe, just maybe, the players will appreciate it and actually talk and listen to their loyal supporters.
     How about that Brian Burke news conference on Saturday?  I was stunned to see that MLSE actually allowed Burke to host this little going away session.  You just fired the guy's ass and now you're letting him get in the last word in YOUR OWN BUILDING?   Who does that?  It gave Burke a chance to tell everyone how shocked he was and also allowed him a few parting shots at members of the media who had gotten under his skin during his four year tenure.   We learned absolutely nothing from this conference, except to confirm that Burke still harbours many grudges.  And as far as his new role as "Senior Advisor", somebody must've made that one up at the last second.  Burke will have absolutely NO say in the hockey operations.  He says he'll start looking for another job in the NHL, but I'm not sure any team is ready to jump at the chance to hire him.   Maybe USA hockey needs a guy like Burke.  At least this time he won't be distracted by his NHL job.