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Game involving Canadiens organization players canceled amid ECHL strike
A game involving players from the Montreal Canadiens organization has just been canceled, and we now have an announcement to that effect.
Let's say this is a rather rare and unique situation.
On Friday, the Trois-Rivières Lions were supposed to play at 7:00 p.m. against the Adirondack Thunder. However, a notice sent to fans mentions that the game has been postponed due to a strike affecting ECHL players.
"We wanted to share a statement from the ECHL regarding collective bargaining negotiations with the PHPA and the union's decision to initiate a strike for all ECHL players. The union's decision to force a work stoppage for our players requires us to postpone tonight's game against the Adirondack Thunder as well as tomorrow's game against the Maine Mariners. Please be advised that we are working to be able to field a team on the ice for our next game scheduled on the calendar." - Trois-Rivières Lions
Wow. The context has been clear for the past few days. The Players' Association served a strike notice effective Friday, while collective bargaining negotiations continue.
For its part, the ECHL publicly acknowledged that a work stoppage could lead to postponed games across the league.
"Unfortunately, union leaders deprived players of the opportunity to vote on our last, best, and final offer - an offer that would dramatically raise player salaries by 20 percent in the first year, boost the per-diem rate, guarantee more off days, and expand the top-of-the-line equipment available to players. We did everything possible to avoid this outcome, and hope that the union leadership will drop its unworkable scheduling demands, let the players vote on our offer, and make it possible for players to return to work."
- ECHL
- ECHL
The league also states that its latest offer includes an immediate 19.8% increase to the salary cap this season, in addition to other proposed improvements. There is also talk of elements such as mandatory days off and adjustments related to travel, according to the ECHL's version.
Players and prospects from the Montreal Canadiens organization find themselves caught up in this situation and whirlwind
On the ice, the Lions had momentum heading into the holiday break.
After 23 games, the team holds a record of 12 wins and 8 losses, with 67 goals scored and 59 goals allowed.
Individually, Anthony Beauregard leads the offense with 20 points in 19 games. Joel Teasdale already has 7 goals in just 9 games. And Riley Kidney, who is on an entry-level contract with the Canadiens, has 11 points in 15 games, with an annual salary of $902,500.
In net, Hunter Jones has posted 8 wins in 12 games, with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage.
For the Canadiens organization, every missed game lower on the ladder removes a showcase opportunity, especially when the team is set to play on Saturday and the schedule is not slowing down.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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6 HOURS AGO | 270 ANSWERS Game involving Canadiens organization players canceled amid ECHL strike Do you follow the activities of the Trois-Rivières Lions and the Laval Rocket (teams affiliated with the Habs)? | ||