NHLPA warns player agents about allowing players to play for Hockey Canada amid new protocol
Hockey Canada has been under fire for some time now, and that is nothing new; however, there seems to be a new protocol in place, and it is just the latest reason for controversy.
According to The Athletic, there is cause for concern over a new policy that was implemented for the players that wanted to play for Canada at the World Hockey Championship, so much so the National Hockey League Players Association sent out a memo to agents, take a look:
In the memo, obtained by The Athletic, the NHLPA general counsel told agents late last month about their "serious concerns" with Hockey Canada's new approach.
Players being considered for Hockey Canada's roster at the 2023 World Hockey Championship were required to complete certain forms and authorize a criminal records check and social media screening. The memo reads, in part:
�The screening process is extremely broad and includes the required disclosure of anything that could negatively impact Hockey Canada's reputation. We asked Hockey Canada to clarify how players were to respond to this question, but they were unable to provide any useful guidance."
The broadness of that question is an issue for the NHLPA. The memo also states: "Given the breadth of the screening and the lack of guidance, we believe it will be impossible for players to fully understand their obligations. This is particularly troubling given that Hockey Canada may impose sanctions for a player's failure to disclose the requested information.'
Players being considered for Hockey Canada's roster at the 2023 World Hockey Championship were required to complete certain forms and authorize a criminal records check and social media screening. The memo reads, in part:
�The screening process is extremely broad and includes the required disclosure of anything that could negatively impact Hockey Canada's reputation. We asked Hockey Canada to clarify how players were to respond to this question, but they were unable to provide any useful guidance."
The broadness of that question is an issue for the NHLPA. The memo also states: "Given the breadth of the screening and the lack of guidance, we believe it will be impossible for players to fully understand their obligations. This is particularly troubling given that Hockey Canada may impose sanctions for a player's failure to disclose the requested information.'
The NHLPA has a point here to an extent in that if they posed a question and Hockey Canada didn't answer said question they have a right to be concerned.
At the same time I can understand Hockey Canada wanting to be cautious, especially after the turmoil they've rightfully been put through.
At the end of the day, it all depends on how extensive the paperwork is, but if the NHLPA is trying to step in, it must be pretty bad
| POLL | ||
MAI 14 | 135 ANSWERS NHLPA warns player agents about allowing players to play for Hockey Canada amid new protocol Do you think the NHLPA is justified? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 41.5 % |
| No | 58 | 43 % |
| Hockey Canada's screening is excessive | 21 | 15.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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