A federal judge in Minnesota yesterday "denied an NHL motion to dismiss a case brought by retired players who accused the league of concealing from them the risks of repeated head trauma and promoting violence on the ice," and the decision "may prompt a financial settlement," according to Ken Belson of the N.Y. TIMES. U.S. District Judge Susan Nelson ruled that the NHL "had not convinced her that a statute of limitations applied to the players’ complaints, that the players’ claims of fraud should be dismissed or that there were issues of jurisdiction that applied." Her ruling "increased pressure on the NHL to reach a financial settlement rather than risk having another motion denied or eventually facing a trial" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/26). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Adam Proteau wrote it is "unlikely there will be any end to the legal proceedings anytime soon," as these are "still the early days of a high-stakes, protracted battle that almost assuredly has numerous twists and turns ahead." NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged that the case is "in its infancy and indicated the league intended on presenting a vigorous defense as it moves ahead." Proteau noted Nelson is "still considering the league’s other initial dismissal motion -- one based on labor law pre-emption -- and there was no indication when her ruling on that front would take place" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 3/25). ESPN.com's Katie Strang wrote yesterday's ruling "was just the latest in what is expected to be a bitter legal battle" (ESPN.com, 3/25).
VEGAS VISIT: In Las Vegas, Alan Snel noted the NHL BOG will meet in the city in June, "fueling speculation that the NHL might announce at that time that Las Vegas will be getting a big-league team." Prospective team Owner William Foley on Tuesday night "declined to comment on the NHL plans for Las Vegas, simply saying that he is forging ahead with his campaign to get at least 10,000 season ticket deposits of at least $150." Foley's group "hit the 9,000 ticket deposit mark more than a week ago" and is "closing in on the 10,000 goal." The BOG meeting "does not yet have an agenda, so it’s not known whether team owners will take up the issue of awarding a franchise to Foley and the Las Vegas market" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 3/26).
