THN Article

[sherwood21 0]

In the latest hockey news, on the very last page there was a really well written article by one of the editors (can't remember name) about how they aren't that greedy, he gave a few examples of players donating and raising money for various charities. I just thought that it was a really good article, wondering if you guys caught it.

[MDE3 0]

Counterpoint:

While there is no doubt that some of these players act altruistically towards some less advantaged individuals, unfortunately this promotion of NHL hockey players as "some of the nicest guys around" does not ring my reality button very hard...I keep having the words "contractual obligation" and "community image" run through my head whenever I hear this...

We have all known some talented players as we grew up playing the sport. Were the one's you knew too busy to go out and have a few beers because they had a hospital visit to attend to? Could not make the poker game because they had to go feed the homeless somewhere?....."Let me just pull my "Daytona" over to the curb..that ol' bag lady looks like she may need a hand" .....screeeeeeechhhh.....ooops...damn!.

Sorry but the percentage of successfull hockey players that will voluntarily share some of their time and money with others, is no less, nor no greater, than that of the general population. While I agree these sorts of activities are great for the sport, I personally think the promotion of this image smacks of pandering, and collective self-agrandizement, particularily when this image is being so heavily promoted right now, as an obvious damage control response......

[Dangles 0]

It was good, wasn't it?

By Mike Brophy. Hockey players as a group are some of the nicest atheletes around who show their generosity in many ways.

Brophy cited all the charities that they give time to, and how modest many are in their efforts. In most cases we don't hear about all the things these people do.

Brophy is on the of the best hockey column writer's in the business these days.

[hip check 0]

A charity golf tourney or a casino night isn't much of a stretch for a lot of people. I'd love to play another golf tourney with a bunch of NHLers. I'd jump at the chance. It's not quite the same as going to the shelters or soup kitchens on your own and working with those less fortunate because you love people and care about thier well-being.

The teams can contribute bundles of cash to a charity because it is good exposure, it certainly does help, and creates good community awareness for the charity and team. I don't expect to see tons of pro athletes working away in those places, but the ones that do garner a bit more appreciation from me.