The NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman (pictured) confirmed reports that the league will attempt to boost its television ratings by playing football instead of hockey this season. The league is trading sticks and skates for cleats and yard lines.
"We feel there is more of a market for football and that our ratings will soar," said a gleaming Bettman.
When asked if this was a permanent change Bettman replied, "I don't know...we'll see what happens."
Many of the NHL's European players are not at all familiar with American football, as most were unable to properly grip the sports oddly shaped ball. Jaromir Jagr of the New York Rangers, appeared excited and claimed that he was "a huge Yankees fan." Dominik Hasek, NHL goaltender, said he once saw a football in his native Europe. Bettman hinted that most of the European players would be kickers and special teamers.
The NHL has agreed to lease both college and NFL stadiums in every NHL city to accommodate the change in sport. In Detroit the Red Wings will now play their home games in the University of Michigan's football stadium. Though the surface will be grass, Zambonis will be kept as a tribute to the league's roots, making appearances at halftime to "resurface the Kentucky Blue."
Simon Gagne of the Philadelphia Flyers played the game growing up in the football hotbed of Quebec Province, Canada and aims to be the quarterback of the team. Gagne and potential wide receivers Daniel Briere and Mike Richards spent part of the off season working out in Phoenix, AZ.
One rule that the NHL will keep is substituting players while plays are going on. "We will also keep the 82-game schedule," said Bettman.
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