'They are scabs'
Hirsch blasts NHLers in Europe
By Corey Hirsch
Calgarian Corey Hirsch attacks NHL players for going to Europe during the NHL lockout.
Calgarian Corey Hirsch, 32, was tending net for the Langnau Tigers of the Swiss 'A' League when the NHL lockout hit. His life has been affected by the influx of locked-out NHLers to Europe.
Hirsch and Sun columnist Chris Stevenson have been exchanging e-mails about the situation facing players in Europe who have lost their jobs since the arrival of the locked-out NHLers. Hirsch is one of them. His is the story behind the headline every time you read another NHLer is Europe-bound. Here is his story, in his words:
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The NHL lockout has affected many people on a variety of different levels -- but every time an NHL player signs in Europe, another life is affected.
As of yesterday, 236 NHLers are playing in Europe.
One of these lives affected is my own.
I came to Europe two years ago to get away from the NHL.
For whatever reason, like many of my North American colleagues over here, I didn't make it in the NHL. Europe was the next best option to keep my career going.
Once again, though, the NHL has me in its grasp. It's like a chokehold I can't get out of but this time it's different.
It's my fellow players who are doing the damage.
NHL players are coming to Europe in droves and are bumping off, one by one, players who actually need the money.
While I understand some players feel they have to play or they may become lockout casualties themselves, the lack of compassion and understanding of what they are doing to many of the players in Europe is extremely unnerving.
Every day, I read another arrogant quote from someone coming to play in Europe for no other reason than to stay in shape. Where is the logic in not negotiating a CBA that will still pay a player more than he'll need but instead come to Europe to play just to stay in shape?
Some of these players should have a talk with my pregnant wife and kids who moved their lives to Europe, only to watch me sit in the stands game after game because I have been bumped by an NHL player (Martin Gerber of the Carolina Hurricanes). There's a good chance I may not play a game this season.
The NHL lockout will end and a strong majority of these players will go back to the NHL.
They will have careers making great salaries but the damage they will have left in their wake will be irreparable.
While they are back playing, myself and many others will be fighting for jobs that pay minute salaries compared to the NHL.
Without playing the previous season due to this mess, many players in Europe may have to retire.
I wonder if any of the NHL players understand the repercussions of their actions.
When the topic of NHL replacement players comes up, it is met with anger and resistance.
Do NHL players not realize this is exactly what they are doing by taking jobs in Europe?
They are scabs over here, replacement players, basically rented to put fans in the seats.
All these players they are stepping on over here will now be the first to stand in line if and when the NHL needs replacement players.
I understand my views will probably not change anything.
They will, however, give NHL players an understanding it is not OK to bring their lockout mess to Europe and believe they are doing no harm.
We are now at 236 lives and counting, not to mention the families that have been affected.
So before NHL players come to Europe, I suggest they take a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are coming?
Other than to stay in shape, they will be playing for little money and will be destroying the job security of others.
Is this not exactly what the NHL players are fighting against back in North America?
Hirsch blasts NHLers in Europe
By Corey Hirsch
Calgarian Corey Hirsch attacks NHL players for going to Europe during the NHL lockout.
Calgarian Corey Hirsch, 32, was tending net for the Langnau Tigers of the Swiss 'A' League when the NHL lockout hit. His life has been affected by the influx of locked-out NHLers to Europe.
Hirsch and Sun columnist Chris Stevenson have been exchanging e-mails about the situation facing players in Europe who have lost their jobs since the arrival of the locked-out NHLers. Hirsch is one of them. His is the story behind the headline every time you read another NHLer is Europe-bound. Here is his story, in his words:
- - -
The NHL lockout has affected many people on a variety of different levels -- but every time an NHL player signs in Europe, another life is affected.
As of yesterday, 236 NHLers are playing in Europe.
One of these lives affected is my own.
I came to Europe two years ago to get away from the NHL.
For whatever reason, like many of my North American colleagues over here, I didn't make it in the NHL. Europe was the next best option to keep my career going.
Once again, though, the NHL has me in its grasp. It's like a chokehold I can't get out of but this time it's different.
It's my fellow players who are doing the damage.
NHL players are coming to Europe in droves and are bumping off, one by one, players who actually need the money.
While I understand some players feel they have to play or they may become lockout casualties themselves, the lack of compassion and understanding of what they are doing to many of the players in Europe is extremely unnerving.
Every day, I read another arrogant quote from someone coming to play in Europe for no other reason than to stay in shape. Where is the logic in not negotiating a CBA that will still pay a player more than he'll need but instead come to Europe to play just to stay in shape?
Some of these players should have a talk with my pregnant wife and kids who moved their lives to Europe, only to watch me sit in the stands game after game because I have been bumped by an NHL player (Martin Gerber of the Carolina Hurricanes). There's a good chance I may not play a game this season.
The NHL lockout will end and a strong majority of these players will go back to the NHL.
They will have careers making great salaries but the damage they will have left in their wake will be irreparable.
While they are back playing, myself and many others will be fighting for jobs that pay minute salaries compared to the NHL.
Without playing the previous season due to this mess, many players in Europe may have to retire.
I wonder if any of the NHL players understand the repercussions of their actions.
When the topic of NHL replacement players comes up, it is met with anger and resistance.
Do NHL players not realize this is exactly what they are doing by taking jobs in Europe?
They are scabs over here, replacement players, basically rented to put fans in the seats.
All these players they are stepping on over here will now be the first to stand in line if and when the NHL needs replacement players.
I understand my views will probably not change anything.
They will, however, give NHL players an understanding it is not OK to bring their lockout mess to Europe and believe they are doing no harm.
We are now at 236 lives and counting, not to mention the families that have been affected.
So before NHL players come to Europe, I suggest they take a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are coming?
Other than to stay in shape, they will be playing for little money and will be destroying the job security of others.
Is this not exactly what the NHL players are fighting against back in North America?
No need for me to live vicariously through the over-hyped, overpaid prima donnas masquerading as hard done upon worker-Joes.
