Photo credit: NHL
The threat of a strike in the ECHL is directly impacting the Montreal Canadiens organization.
However, now those games have been impacted.
Two games canceled for Trois-Rivières Lions
On the ice, this comes at a bad time for the Trois-Rivières Lions’ schedule.
They were supposed to play Friday at 7:00 p.m. against the Adirondack Thunder, then Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against the Maine Mariners. In the North Division standings, the Lions hold a record of 12-8-3, for 27 points.
“We wanted to share a statement from the ECHL regarding collective bargaining negotiations with the PHPA and the union’s decision to initiate a strike for all ECHL players.
The union’s decision to force a work stoppage for our players requires us to postpone tonight’s game against the Adirondack Thunder as well as tomorrow’s game against the Maine Mariners. Please be advised that we are working to be able to field a team on the ice for our next game scheduled on the calendar.”
– Trois-Rivières Lions
Brian Ramsay turns up the pressure
The PHPA’s executive director, Brian Ramsay, reiterates that the players have “had enough” and that respect must be at the center of the discussions. In this case, the issues involve health, safety, and working conditions, with examples affecting equipment and travel.
“Unfortunately, union leaders deprived players of the opportunity to vote on our last, best, and final offer – an offer that would dramatically raise player salaries by 20 percent in the first year, boost the per-diem rate, guarantee more off days, and expand the top-of-the-line equipment available to players. We did everything possible to avoid this outcome, and hope that the union leadership will drop its unworkable scheduling demands, let the players vote on our offer, and make it possible for players to return to work.”
– ECHL
A limit of 325 miles between consecutive games and a day off with no physical activity after three games in 72 hours are also part of the offer.
Even with the threat hanging overhead, 30-year-old Anthony Beauregard leads the team with 20 points in 19 games, and 25-year-old Hunter Jones is posting a 1.90 average and a .922 save percentage in 12 games.
Tommy Cormier, 22, already has 16 points in 22 games. If Friday’s game is scrapped, it will leave a very bitter taste for the fans.
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