0
QUOTE
"Eliminating obstruction is not just a point of emphasis. Now, our credibility hinges on delivering, and I think we will," said Brian Burke, general manager of the Mighty Ducks.
"I sense the appetite at the ownership level, the league level and the managers' level. Players will have to adapt."
...
Burke said he's excited about the rule changes and the league's alliance with OLN, which will telecast its first game Wednesday. He compared it to the NHL's being broadcast on ESPN2 when that ESPN offshoot was new.
"Everyone laughed when we went on the 'Deuce,' saying it was a second-tier network, it was in only 30 million homes," Burke said. "We built that network on our shoulders, and we can do it again and at a quicker rate, because of the rule changes, because of parity and because the shootout is going to help the TV product. And [high definition] is going to help. It will help all sports, but it will especially help us."
"I sense the appetite at the ownership level, the league level and the managers' level. Players will have to adapt."
...
Burke said he's excited about the rule changes and the league's alliance with OLN, which will telecast its first game Wednesday. He compared it to the NHL's being broadcast on ESPN2 when that ESPN offshoot was new.
"Everyone laughed when we went on the 'Deuce,' saying it was a second-tier network, it was in only 30 million homes," Burke said. "We built that network on our shoulders, and we can do it again and at a quicker rate, because of the rule changes, because of parity and because the shootout is going to help the TV product. And [high definition] is going to help. It will help all sports, but it will especially help us."
<link>
{click on images for readable versions}
