In Toronto, Alan Adams writes that International Ice Hockey
Federation (IIHF) President Rene Fasel "admits his error" by not
receiving "the blessing" of NHLPA Dir Bob Goodenow before
negotiating a contract between the IIHF and the NHL, providing
NHL participation in the '98 Winter Games. Fasel: "I thought if
I signed an agreement with the NHL, it was quite clear, but we
forgot how strong the NHLPA is. That was a mistake but I accept
it." Fasel met with Goodenow this past weekend and will continue
discussions at the joint NHL-IIHF working committee meeting
tomorrow in Naples, FL (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 1/31).
PENSIONS: A court approved increased monthly payments to
former NHL players already receiving pension checks, as part of
the "complex legal process" to distribute millions in
"misappropriated league pension funds." Players will receive a
60% increase of an approximate final sum yet to be "legally
finalized" (Mary Ormsby, TORONTO STAR, 1/31).
CORRECTION: A report from Canada's FINANCIAL POST carried
in THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY last week incorrectly reported the
NHL's expenditures on its "Game On" media campaign. The league
says that it is spending around $1 million on the "Game On"
campaign.
