NHLPA Continues To Face Allegations Of Tampered E-Mails

Players, Agents Accusing Saskin Of Tampering With E-Mails

Toronto police yesterday completed an investigation into whether NHLPA execs accessed and blocked e-mails from players, and player agents Ritch Winter and Neil Sheehy, who have questioned the hiring process of NHLPA Exec Dir Ted Saskin, “have also allegedly had their [e-mail] interfered with,” according to sources cited by Allan Maki of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL. There is “no word yet whether criminal charges will be filed” as a result of the investigation. Winter and Sheehy both said that they were unsure if their e-mails had been read. In a statement that did not mention the allegations specifically, Saskin said, “We remain confident that there have been no illegal activities at the NHLPA” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/6).

REAX: In Toronto, Stephen Brunt writes, “Those challenging [Saskin’s] leadership and asking uncomfortable questions about how the union operates appear to be gaining ground.” By “refusing to answer members of the NHLPA who have asked, by circling the wagons instead of truly opening the books, Saskin may have made a mistake fatal to his leadership” (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 3/6). Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove, Canada’s “most recognized labour movement executive,” said of the allegations against the NHLPA, “Unions are supposed to be about promoting democracy and responsibility and full disclosure. ... This is incredibly shocking if it’s true.” Former NHLer Shawn McEachern added of the allegations, “It makes sense to me. I remember last year getting a call from Ted out of the blue. I had never spoken to him in my life, but I’d just sent an email to people like [former player and NHLPA VP] Trent Klatt who were challenging his hiring. I was wondering, ‘Why is he calling me?’” Klatt was involved in a group that sought Saskin’s ouster (TORONTO STAR, 3/6).

FUND HOUSE: The GLOBE & MAIL’s David Naylor reports Saskin has been asked by attorney and former player agent Patrick Ducharme to “explain the union’s handling of tens of millions of dollars in player funds.” While the NHLPA “insists some of those funds are about to be dispersed to past and current players,” Ducharme said that he has “received no response from a letter he sent to Saskin on Dec. 21, 2006, about the union’s accounting and monetary management practices.” Naylor notes “similar letters were forwarded to the union” in December from Red Wings D Chris Chelios and former NHLer Ed Olczyk (GLOBE & MAIL, 3/6).