I am absolutely shocked by this turn of events. I did not see this coming at all. In fact, with the influx of money in the PHF (even though I never liked the new name), it seemed like this league was well on its way to becoming the only legit pro league for women's hockey in North America. This isn't what I had hoped for between the two groups. I had hoped for a merger that would he mutually beneficial, not a cold-hearted corporate buyout by the group that seemed like they couldn't get their act together to form a proper league rather than a barnstorming schedule each year. This feels cold and ruthless, and I've lost a lot of respect for the buyers who have apparently just taken over women's pro hockey, and I've lost all respect for the people in charge of selling the league at this time when it definitely seened they didn't need anyone from the PWHPA to make the PHF become legit. This feels like a sad moment, not a celebratory moment. Maybe down the road I'll feel differently, but not tonight. Tonight, I'm disappointed and saddened by this news. Finally, they better find a better name than either the PWHPA or rhe PHF. Both of those names suck!! They should.make it a public survey or contest to come up with the best name. I propose either the WPHL (Women’s Pro Hockey League) or something similar. I'm open to alternative suggestions.
There are some rumors going around -- from legitimate women's hockey sources -- that the PHF was in financial trouble, and about to declare bankruptcy. Looks like the whole thing was a house of cards. Or maybe more like a house of mirrors.
Before I give my opinion, I should state that I have always been on the side of one league is the only way you can grow any sport, anywhere. And the history of professional sports have shown that to be true. So, I have always insisted women's hockey has to have one league with all the players eligible to play, to start being a success.
Having said that, I agree with what you posted. The way this went down, was as sleazy as sleazy gets. And to reiterate, it was obvious the PWHPA was incapable, after many years of promising, to be able to put together a league of their own. So, they did the Bill Gates/Steve Jobs method -- buy out your competition to put it out of business. In this case, they did that and then some -- use it as a foundation to build a business you were incapable of building.
I've read the signed PHF players are getting some severance and extension of benefits. But after that, it's SOL. (Also, all the front office workers on every team and the league have been laid off as well.) Some people are saying, "Well this is just like when companies buy each other out and layoff a slew of people because of duplicate jobs." Sure, but that doesn't make it any easier for those going through this right now. You don't tell someone who lost a loved one, "Well, I lost a loved one too, so suck it up."
Plus, this is a contraction. We go from seven PHF teams and potentially (planned) four PWHPA teams to just six teams (being reported everywhere) in this new league. From 11 to six. At least one PHF team will be totally wiped out, and potentially others depending on where they put the six teams.
Like you said, the PHF players stepped up to play hockey in a league, and are now being told, too bad, we (PWHPA) were always better, and you don't deserve to be where you are, even though we didn't do sh*t to help create a bona fide professional women's hockey league.
Yes, in the long run, it's for the better. But I just wonder, whether this means truly justifies the end. Because it's just so sleazy.
I'd love to hear Lindsay and Nicole's take on this.
(BTW, apparently the new league will be called the PWHL -- Premier Women's Hockey League.)
