Rory Boylen's Column

No reason to believe mediation will break NHL lockout

No reason to believe mediation will break NHL lockout

by Rory Boylen - November 28, 2012 9:45 AM EST

The federal mediators are a welcome addition to the NHL labor negotiations, but will unlikely be able to break the deadlock.
There have been a few up and down moments during this NHL lockout. For one, the players’ acceptance of a move to a 50-50 revenue split with honored contracts caused a bit of a buzz – only to be met with an out-of-hand dismissal from the nonsensical owners.


Brampton Battalion relocation proves Toronto isn't a hockey town

Brampton Battalion relocation proves Toronto isn't a hockey town

by Rory Boylen - November 6, 2012 3:54 PM EST

Toronto has proven incapable of supporting major junior teams and that big-league hockey is all that sells.
The Toronto St. Michael’s Majors of the Ontario League used to play games in Maple Leaf Gardens. I remember making the hour-plus journey with my dad and brothers into the city to catch one of those games in the afternoon.


NHL lockouts undermine efforts to grow in United States

NHL lockouts undermine efforts to grow in United States

by Rory Boylen - October 31, 2012 3:23 PM EDT

The NHL has talked about growing the game for the past two-plus decades, but each lockout derails those efforts.
A major struggle the NHL has faced in its history is transitioning from a niche sport to a big-league show that attracts fans from markets that can’t sustain an outdoor rink.


J.C. Lipon driven to become NHLer

J.C. Lipon driven to become NHLer

by Rory Boylen - October 23, 2012 3:55 PM EDT

Nobody sticks in the NHL on skill alone - determined drive is what keeps them there. That's why scouts are closely watching the Kamloops Blazers scorer.
“He’s paid his dues and got here with hard work and compete and a lot of teams respect that and appreciate guys like that.” – Kamloops Blazers GM Craig Bonner on J.


Where is hockey's inspirational leader?

Where is hockey's inspirational leader?

by Rory Boylen - October 9, 2012 4:50 PM EDT

Doom and gloom clouds the ongoing NHL-NHLPA battle, but at some point the two sides have to get serious.
I’m not optimistic. The league I’ve loved since childhood and the players I follow haven’t given me any reason to be. Two weeks of the season have already been cancelled and when the NHL and NHLPA met recently, it wasn’t to discuss the core issues that are driving a wedge between them.


Barrie Colts' Gregg Sutch stuck on the sidelines

Barrie Colts' Gregg Sutch stuck on the sidelines

by Rory Boylen - October 2, 2012 1:37 PM EDT

The overager decided to not attend training camp after being informed he'd be traded, but five games in and he's still waiting at home.
Ontario Leaguer Gregg Sutch is caught between a rock and a hard place. The Barrie Colts right winger, who hasn’t taken to the ice yet this season, is at home while the major junior squad tries to work out a trade to send him elsewhere.


Overbearing parents ruin minor hockey for kids

Overbearing parents ruin minor hockey for kids

by Rory Boylen - September 11, 2012 5:15 PM EDT

When parents let their emotions get the best of them and clash with coaches, it does nothing to help the children.
There’s nothing quite like the start of a new season for a minor hockey player. It’s like the first day of school, except you’re eager to get it started.


Bring sanity to CBA outrage

Bring sanity to CBA outrage

by Rory Boylen - September 4, 2012 4:48 PM EDT

Fans, rightfully, are riled up because of the threat of another lockout, but beware of misleading information.
That the NHL is on the cusp of sinking into its second lockout in seven years is disgraceful and hockey fans are fed up with the business end of the sport.


Penguins and Hurricanes predictions, CBA talk and Taylor Hall's contract

Penguins and Hurricanes predictions, CBA talk and Taylor Hall's contract

by Rory Boylen - August 28, 2012 3:31 PM EDT

Why did THN pick the Penguins to finish first in the East? The reason is simple. Plus thoughts on the CBA negotiations and Taylor Hall.
Still trying to be optimistic we’ll have at least part of an NHL season, but if not, that means more sojourns to Ontario League towns and trips to the Ricoh Coliseum, home of the American League’s Toronto Marlies.


Analyzing both sides of the Rick Nash trade

Analyzing both sides of the Rick Nash trade

by Rory Boylen - July 24, 2012 2:00 PM EDT

The New York Rangers picked up an elite goal-scorer, while the Blue Jackets started a brand new rebuild.
The hockey world received a jolt when news of the Rick Nash trade broke Monday afternoon. Another of the league’s small-market franchises took a beating, days after Nashville cornerstone Shea Weber signed an offer sheet with Philadelphia (though it was matched Tuesday by the Predators).


Beware the unproven goalie, Mike Green risk and the Winnipeg Jets

Beware the unproven goalie, Mike Green risk and the Winnipeg Jets

by Rory Boylen - July 17, 2012 3:35 PM EDT

Why you can't always count on first-year starters; defending the cap hit for Mike Green; and how good are the Jets?
Got some good feedback on this three-pronged style last week and one reader on Twitter (@Jetzky18) came up with the #ODG hash tag, so if you have anything you’d like to see appear in one of these spaces, drop it there.


Overrated Lightning, hard-headed Flames and Mason Raymond

Overrated Lightning, hard-headed Flames and Mason Raymond

by Rory Boylen - July 10, 2012 6:00 PM EDT

Why Tampa's GM and coach need to achieve consistency; loving the Flames' tactics; and what will Mason Raymond be?
I wanted to attempt something different in this column space and will try it out at times over the summer. We’ll break it into three sections: offense, defense and goaltending.


Who should the Vancouver Canucks hire as their new head coach?








"Probably not. Their depth and our play right now...it doesn't look too good."

- Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, when asked if his team could come back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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