The NHL lockout could not come at a better time and present a greater opportunity to form a new league, the IHL (Independent Hockey League).
I propose that this new league be made up of 12 teams starting with the original six and add to that six other teams, being Vancouver, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Calgary, Pittsburgh and Winnipeg.
Why these teams? Several reasons: First, all of these teams are profitable and in markets that obviously support hockey (with the exception of Winnipeg but it has only one year of results and I suspect the Jets will become profitable as well); Second, it is a well-balanced league with six Canadian and six American teams; third, Gary Bettman, the destroyer of hockey and the NHL, would not have anything to do with it.
It is time, it is an opportunity, let's save Canada's game.
Ron Grant
Victoria
