NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr "believes the NHL is entering an era of growth across North America and beyond," according to John Wawrow of the AP. The league's potential growth "is reflected in the NHL's international ties," with 25% of its players coming from Europe. Though the first World Cup of Hockey "will feature only eight teams, five made up of European players, the NHL is considering expanding the format" after '16. There is also a proposal "to establish a regular Ryder Cup-style tournament, pitting European players against North Americans." Fehr: "What we have to be able to do is basically demonstrate, explain, show to sports fans and non-sports fans what this game is all about, and what the people who play it are all about. And if that doesn't produce significant movement and attractiveness to the game, we're in big trouble. But I think it will." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "shares that vision and credits Fehr's arrival with providing the game -- and union -- much-needed stability." Bettman: "The fact that we're now in a situation where there's a strong union, which I believe is important and a good thing, we can pursue mutual goals and objectives to build the game." Wawrow noted the World Cup "is projected to bring in" $120M. Labor peace "has also allowed the league to reach long-term broadcasting contracts," including a 12-year deal worth about $5B with Canada's Rogers Communications. There is even "talk of expansion." Fehr "has the respect of the NHL and earned the trust of players, who were initially uncertain how his baseball background would translate to hockey." Wild D Ryan Suter said of Fehr, "Him bringing that experience was reassuring to us as players because we just want to play. If he can get another major league sport going with no stoppages, that's pretty important" (AP, 2/8).
