Michael Viola
Michael writes on the business of hockey and how it impacts the fan's enjoyment of the game. He is a PR and Marketing professional with a background in journalism and a love for hockey.
Author's Posts
The NHL Is Its Own Worst Enemy
April 3rd, 2012 There is a reason the NHL is seen as a third tier sport by most sport fans in this country. To the vast majority, the NHL is just boxing on ice. It's a sport designated for neanderthals. In order to play you are required to be missing teeth and brain cells. When hockey is discussed on networks outside of NBC Sports, or any...
Set Phasers to Negotiate - Bettman Ready to Meet With Players Union
March 23rd, 2012 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is ready, willing and able to meet with the players union in order to negotiate a new contract between the two, however, Bettman has stated that he has yet to hear from the union if they are ready or not to do so. "That's something that we're relying on the union for right now," Bettman said Thursday....
"Old-Time Hockey" is Killing the Game
March 2nd, 2012 There is an epidemic in today's NHL. Stars are dropping left and right and it is taking away from the game's overall appeal. Sidney Crosby hasn't played for the better part of two years due to concussions. Chris Pronger is out for the year, same reason. Claude Giroux was out with a concussion. Danny Briere too. Don't forget Toews...
You Don't Wear Number 66
February 23rd, 2012 Retiring jersey numbers is a ritual in almost every sport. It is a gesture by a team or league to show appreciation to a certain player for their contributions to the club, or even the game itself. In baseball, the New York Yankees have retired 17 numbers for greats such as Babe Ruth (#3) and Joe DiMaggio (#5). The NBA's Boston...
2013 Winter Classic To Be Officially Announced Thursday
February 8th, 2012 According to many sources and outlets, the NHL will make official Thursday what most hockey fans already know. That is, the site and teams of the 2013 Winter Classic. For the few that may not have heard all the speculation, next year's Winter Classic will be contested between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs....
Future Venues Of The NHL Winter Classic
January 3rd, 2012 Another Winter Classic is in the books. Now let the speculation on future venues begin. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in a post-game news conference made clear that there has been no decision made on where the next Winter Classic will be held. However, Bettman did state that there were several contenders. The contenders are easy to...
