This morning's USA TODAY examines the fears Canadian hockey
fans have after the sale of the Jets and the move of the
Nordiques to Denver. Kevin Allen writes, "In Canada, where
hockey is a religion, some of the brethren have lost the faith."
CBC commentator Harry Neale: "Some people are feeling betrayed.
I'm not saying that's right or wrong. But it has been a bitter
pill to swallow in Quebec and Winnipeg, and the rest of Canada is
worried about the future." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: "I
think the vital signs (in Edmonton and Calgary) are good. I
worry a lot about the Canadian franchises. I know how strong a
part of history and culture hockey is in Canada" (USA TODAY,
10/20). In other news, NHL Dir of Hockey Ops Brian Burke
responded to a report the NHL is considering changing the game
format to include four quarters. Burke says the length of the
game "is not a common complaint from the fans in the building as
much as it is from our broadcast partners." CBC's "HNIC"
commentator Don Cherry: "I guarantee you that this idea would
never go through because the owners like the intermissions to
sell the hotdogs" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 10/20).
