|
 |
 |
|
New Jersey senators fight for NHL agreement
Sens. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) called for an agreement between the National Hockey League's (NHL) owners and players on Monday in order to avoid the current lockout continuing into the regular season.
In a letter to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players’ Association Executive Director Donald Fehr, the senators expressed concern that the cancellation of games would harm their state’s economy as well as the entire country.
“A delayed or canceled regular season would be a major setback for Newark,” the letter stated. “It could mean millions of dollars in lost economic activity, and more people out of work when our state unemployment rate is already at a 30-year high. As you consider your next steps, we encourage you to keep in mind the communities, workers and families that would be hurt by a further disruption in the season.”
“Businesses, workers and hockey fans played no role in causing this dispute, and it is unfair for them to have to bear this burden,” the two senators wrote. “The Senate has jurisdiction over interstate commercial activities, including professional sports, and will keep a close eye on your negotiations with hope that you will work diligently and quickly to resolve this matter.”
Newark, N.J., is home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils.
Most Viewed RSS Feed »
