NHLPA Hires Forensic Accountant To Study Teams' Financials

The NHLPA today is expected to announce the hiring of Bob Lindquist, the "so-called godfather" of the forensic accounting industry, to study the financial statements of the NHL's 30 teams to "determine whether they've been honest about how much revenue they're generating," according to Rick Westhead of the TORONTO STAR. Lindquist in the coming weeks is expected to "meet with the independent auditor hired to review NHL teams finances."  Lindquist "represents a critical addition for the NHLPA because player salaries are tied directly to how much money the league and its teams generate." One hockey source said, "There is nobody better qualified for this job than Bob. Every dollar paid out to players is a dollar that doesn't stay in the owners' pockets, so while we hear about how there's a partnership between the union and the league, the reality is that if Bob found out some owners weren't being straight, it wouldn't surprise anyone." Former Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Ron Piers, who has worked with Lindquist, said, "I'm sure many of the NHL owners know who he is already. Believe me, if they aren't above board, Bob will find out" (TORONTO STAR, 2/4).