Bob Goodenow is stepping down as head of

the NHL Players' Association, less than a week after the

union and league approved a new labor deal to end a lockout

that wiped out the entire 2004-05 season.

 

??With the conclusion of the negotiations and the

ratification of the new agreement, the parties concur that

this is an appropriate action for the future,'' Goodenow said

in a statement Thursday.

 

??I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the

players over the past 15 years and to have had the support of

a tremendous staff at the NHLPA,'' he said.

 

It is widely believed that the new labor deal, with its

salary cap and linkage to league revenues, was not favored by

Goodenow, who had several years left on his contract.

 

??This decision followed discussions between Goodenow and

members of the executive committee about the organization's

future,'' the NHLPA said in a statement.

 

Ted Saskin, the union's senior director of business

affairs and licensing, will succeed Goodenow as executive

director and general counsel.

 

Source: AP

Funny, I was about to post this and then my computer froze. Get back and I think this is my post but its not.

 

Anyways, another great day for hockey!