Always Outspoken Jeremy Roenick Blasts the NHLPA

Jeremy Roenick, recently retired and yet always one to speak his mind, has publicly criticized the NHLPA for their actions in the recent firing of Paul Kelly and the subsequent resignations of several high ranking officials.

Appearing on AM 640 in Toronto, Roenick was extremely critical of the back-handed way the executive board handled the firing, and suggests there may be more behind the firing than first meets the eye.

“I feel bad for Paul. I think that the way that they treated him was not right, and not fair,” said Roenick. “They had him sitting out drinking coffee until four in the morning while they pow-wowed. I think the disrespect to Paul was very evident.

“There is sort of an underlying power in the NHLPA that wants to take over,” continued Roenick. “I don’t think Paul Kelly was doing a bad job, he was obviously very well qualified. Is the PA nervous about whether he can handle maybe a future lockout or a future strike, if that’s the case? This has been very premature.”

This is quickly becoming a public relations disaster for both the player’s association and the NHL itself. With the league still rebounding from a season long cancellation just five years ago, there is now widespread speculation that the NHLPA could be setting itself up for another faceoff between players and the league that would result in yet another lockout.

With several teams struggling financially and the NHL working to preserve one of its of flailing franchises, it’s doubtful the league could survive another lockout. With tensions within the NHLPA itself reaching an all-time high, and accusations of conspiracy and lies being spread, the NHL is facing a very uncertain future.