Isles&Yankees
08-12-2004, 07:43 AM
Fraser hoping for 30th season on ice
Officials, league staffers lose paychecks, jobs if lockout happens
By Kara Yorio
(http://register.sportingnews.com/subscriptions/index.html?sourceid=subscribe)Updated: 5:39 p.m. ET Aug. 10, 2004
The referee's decision: It's time to prepare for the worst
Referee Kerry Fraser is working out every day as if he'll begin his 30th NHL training camp on time. But he knows there is a strong possibility he won't.
Fraser remains hopeful that NHL owners and players will get a deal done before the September 15 deadline, but faith in Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow won't pay his mortgage or feed his family. During a work stoppage, NHL referees keep their benefits, but, "We don't get paid," Fraser says, adding that officials can borrow up to $3,500 a month from future wages. The loans must be repaid when the paychecks return.
So Fraser has what he calls a "provisionary plan." He and his wife have real estate licenses in New Jersey. If September 15 comes and goes without a new collective-bargaining agreement, the Frasers will turn their focus to selling homes in southern New Jersey. Fraser is not alone. He says he thinks every NHL official has lined up a job.
"We don't make the kind of money that would allow us to take a year off," he says. "It just isn't possible."
Finding other employment options isn't easy for most officials. It must be a job that allows them time each day to stay in top physical condition for whenever the season resumes — and a job they can leave at that time.
A delayed or canceled season would hit the Fraser family particularly hard. Fraser's son-in-law, Harry Dumas, is an NHL contracted official. Dumas mostly works American Hockey League games, but Fraser expected Dumas to join him in the NHL full time this season. Fraser's son, Ryan, is an AHL and East Coast Hockey League official. At least he will be working, getting paid by the game as he was last season, but Fraser says his son is a top prospect who was in line to be among the next group of officials hired. No new officials will be hired any time soon.
For now, Fraser works on his house, stays in shape and hopes for the best. He is more optimistic than most, talking about the intelligence of the negotiators involved and his respect for them. He's trying so hard to believe they will get a deal done, get it done right and get it done for the season to begin on time.
But Fraser looks at the half-full glass and also sees reality. He has a plan because he must. He watches and waits and knows how severe the impact can be on the game and those around it if there is no agreement and no one takes the ice in mid-September.
"This is about the future," Fraser says. "The future of the game is at stake, and all of our futures are at stake. It has far-reaching effects on people. At the various buildings we play in, people rely on the 41 home games. The people who take the tickets and pop the popcorn. The economy just isn't about the dispute between the players and the league. A lot of people are very hopeful that we get this done and get it done right."
If the two sides don't get a deal done in time, we'll keep tabs on Fraser and check in with others who would be affected significantly by a work stoppage. This is not simply about Bettman and Goodenow, owners and players. League staffers have been told they will lose their jobs in September if the season doesn't start. Trainers, equipment managers and team personnel are standing by, wondering whether they will be without work and wages — and for how long.
They are the dominoes, waiting and hoping they won't be toppled.
Officials, league staffers lose paychecks, jobs if lockout happens
By Kara Yorio
(http://register.sportingnews.com/subscriptions/index.html?sourceid=subscribe)Updated: 5:39 p.m. ET Aug. 10, 2004
The referee's decision: It's time to prepare for the worst
Referee Kerry Fraser is working out every day as if he'll begin his 30th NHL training camp on time. But he knows there is a strong possibility he won't.
Fraser remains hopeful that NHL owners and players will get a deal done before the September 15 deadline, but faith in Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow won't pay his mortgage or feed his family. During a work stoppage, NHL referees keep their benefits, but, "We don't get paid," Fraser says, adding that officials can borrow up to $3,500 a month from future wages. The loans must be repaid when the paychecks return.
So Fraser has what he calls a "provisionary plan." He and his wife have real estate licenses in New Jersey. If September 15 comes and goes without a new collective-bargaining agreement, the Frasers will turn their focus to selling homes in southern New Jersey. Fraser is not alone. He says he thinks every NHL official has lined up a job.
"We don't make the kind of money that would allow us to take a year off," he says. "It just isn't possible."
Finding other employment options isn't easy for most officials. It must be a job that allows them time each day to stay in top physical condition for whenever the season resumes — and a job they can leave at that time.
A delayed or canceled season would hit the Fraser family particularly hard. Fraser's son-in-law, Harry Dumas, is an NHL contracted official. Dumas mostly works American Hockey League games, but Fraser expected Dumas to join him in the NHL full time this season. Fraser's son, Ryan, is an AHL and East Coast Hockey League official. At least he will be working, getting paid by the game as he was last season, but Fraser says his son is a top prospect who was in line to be among the next group of officials hired. No new officials will be hired any time soon.
For now, Fraser works on his house, stays in shape and hopes for the best. He is more optimistic than most, talking about the intelligence of the negotiators involved and his respect for them. He's trying so hard to believe they will get a deal done, get it done right and get it done for the season to begin on time.
But Fraser looks at the half-full glass and also sees reality. He has a plan because he must. He watches and waits and knows how severe the impact can be on the game and those around it if there is no agreement and no one takes the ice in mid-September.
"This is about the future," Fraser says. "The future of the game is at stake, and all of our futures are at stake. It has far-reaching effects on people. At the various buildings we play in, people rely on the 41 home games. The people who take the tickets and pop the popcorn. The economy just isn't about the dispute between the players and the league. A lot of people are very hopeful that we get this done and get it done right."
If the two sides don't get a deal done in time, we'll keep tabs on Fraser and check in with others who would be affected significantly by a work stoppage. This is not simply about Bettman and Goodenow, owners and players. League staffers have been told they will lose their jobs in September if the season doesn't start. Trainers, equipment managers and team personnel are standing by, wondering whether they will be without work and wages — and for how long.
They are the dominoes, waiting and hoping they won't be toppled.