Bob Goodenow Resigns

[gunnar hendershow]

Thursday, July 28, 2005

NHLPA leader Goodenow leaves after 15 years

Associated Press

TORONTO -- Bob Goodenow is stepping down early as head of the NHL Players' Association, less than a week after the union and league approved a new labor deal to end a lockout that wiped out the entire 2004-05 season.

"With the conclusion of the negotiations and the ratification of the new agreement, the parties concur that this is an appropriate action for the future," Goodenow said in a statement Thursday.

"I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the players over the past 15 years and to have had the support of a tremendous staff at the NHLPA," he said.

Ted Saskin, the union's senior director of business affairs and licensing, will succeed Goodenow as executive director and general counsel.

Goodenow had several years left on his contract. But many observers thought Goodenow was not thrilled by the labor deal, which included a salary cap.

NHL players overwhelmingly approved the labor contract last Thursday. Still, many of them were unhappy that a full season was lost and the union ended up accepting a salary cap anyway.

"This decision followed discussions between Goodenow and members of the executive committee about the organization's future," the NHLPA said in a statement.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman vowed clubs would have "cost certainty" -- a hard salary cap tied to league revenues -- before the lockout began last September. Goodenow promised that he would never agree to either. But when the deal was signed, he was forced to accept both.

Goodenow, however, led the union during a time when player salaries skyrocketed.

NHLPA president Trevor Linden spoke warmly of Goodenow in the statement announcing his departure.

"Every NHL player has benefited enormously from Bob's leadership and dedication. He has been a tireless advocate for the players and he dramatically improved the players' situation in every respect," Linden said.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2118641&type=story

I can't say I find this surprising at all. I am surprised that it came so soon after the lockout ended however.

[The Third Dukes]

One down, one to go!

Good news for hockey fans everywhere. Not sorry to see him leave.

[naiwf]

There was no way he could stay around after basically being raped in this bargaining session. I don't think any sports union leader has ever failed so spectacularly before, so at least he will be remembered for that. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bettman get an extension for leading the owners to what amounted to a FLAWLESS VICTORY

[sahyder1]

One down, one to go!

Good news for hockey fans everywhere.  Not sorry to see him leave.

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[The Sultan of Swank]

I'm glad to see him go. I really want Bettman out of there also, but that won't happen anytime soon as the owners probably love him over this deal.

[CKN]

I didn't expect him to stay after he was as naiwf said got raped in the bargaining sessions. I think Bettman did what he had to do and kept the owners together so I don't see him leaving anytime soon.