Lockout Decision Reached: 2014/2015 Season to Go Forward

After just nine days of simple resolution discussions, the EASHLPA and the EASHL Commissioner were able to reach a tentative agreement that allows the 2014/2015 EASHL season to go forward as initially planned; the only caveat being that the league must re-sign it's contract with the original company that supports the popular hockey clubs.

Instead of playing their upcoming 2014/2015 games under the new XBX1 contract as originally intended back in 2013, the EASHLPA has agreed to continue playing under the existing contract with XB360 company - the primary source of cash flow for the EASHL since 2009.

"We found the relationship with XB360 to be slightly stale. But when it came down to it, and we were faced with the potential of a lockout - well it's just better for the boys. Not to mention the fans." remarked Captain of the Canadian Cowboys Michael the Magic (Georgetown, ON).

Given the nature of the contract, the EASHLPA agrees to play out their entire 2014 season with support from the XB360 stock, with no potential for alteration or renew
al with the XBX1 - that is, pending any further cash infusion with XBX1. Should the new contract come under further scrutiny, it may prompt the CEO of the XBX1 contract Sean Ramjangsingh to reformat the outstanding contract with the EASHL.

"As a company, we’re 100% committed to the EASHL. While we can’t deliver EASHL in under the terms of the XBX1 contract, we have huge plans in future iterations of the outlined terms. We will be putting together a small EASHL committee to ensure that we deliver a contract that is bigger and better than any of us would have imagined when we first introduced the league in 2009." commented Ramjangsingh, affectionately referred to as "Rammer."

Rammer goes on: "Decisions like this are never easy, nor do we take them lightly. We know that there is a passionate group of fans that loves this leauge and is no doubt disappointed with this news; but we also know that this same group of fans expects a high quality  experience above anything else. We’re a franchise built on quality, so crafting these contracts without confidence in their quality wasn’t something that we were willing to do."

While many teams in the EASHL are unhappy with the decision, it would seem that the overall consensus has been positive. The league was waiting on the Canadian Cowboys to consent to the agreement, as many of the players were reluctant to sign any deals under the XB360 terms and conditions. Cowboys Captain Michael the Magic was the last to sign on behalf of the hundreds of EASHL teams this morning - and the fans could not be more thrilled.

"This is who we are. I won't even deal with the XBX1 contract until it's up to par with our expectations" commented tough-guy defender Bean Squeeze (Burlington, ON). "I'd rather go to Schindler's birthday party and eat Christmas Ham than sign that deal." 

The 2014 season comes to a close on September 6, and the 2015 season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday September 9, 2014 - two weeks from the signing of the new agreement.

Cowboys Do It Again - 1 Goal Differences Make the Difference

In light of the recent disappointment facing the Cowboys and the rest of the EASHL, last week's playoffs were among the most heated events to date.

The Canadian Cowboys were faced with unique circumstances for the majority of these playoffs. En route to their first game, the Cowboys' second team bus broke down - arriving to the arena in time for the game were veteran D-man Jacques Bonjour (Montreal, QC) and All-Star RW Soup Is Yum (Hong Kong, CH). With the referees pressing for puck drop and millions of fans tuning in world-wide, Bonjour and Yum had no choice but to call up their minors and play on, with Bonjour stepping into the center position.

Game 1 held it's share of ups and downs for the Cowboys. With a burning passion to win on the tips of their sticks, Yum and Bonjour were able to find eachother on the ice at every point. Late in the second period, Yum found Bonjour all alone out front and he was able to secure a 1-0 lead heading into the third period. Unfortunately, the news of the lockout seemed to have lit a fire in the bellies of their opponents, as the third period (which would turn out to be their last) brought with it an early game tying goal for their opponents.

1-1.

Late in the third period, Bonjour sent a pass right up the seam through a forest of lumber to the stick of Yum who wasted no time and went what has come to be known as "Classic Bumbai," feeding the puck through the five hole to send the Cowboys to the second round.

On their way to the second game, Bonjour and Yum received a call from their teammates who had just arrived at the previous arena - it seemed as though they would be flying solo - together - for game 2. Bonjour and Yum were able to hone their combined defensive prowess to shut out their opponents. A quick goal early in the first was enough to send the boys to the semi-finals; another 1 goal game for the Cowboys.

Continued bus troubles forced the two heroes to play the semi-finals with the assistance of their minor-league compatriots. Fortunately, the synapses were firing for the two veterans and the intimidation of playing without the rest of their boys was wearing off - something particularly important for Jacques Bonjour, who has played a total of 19 games up front; a pitiful statistic given the outstanding talent the Cowboys were up against.

"It is a...it is a good hockey game when we play with Soup. Soup is tres bien. J'aime beaucoup la soupe."

The semi-finals turned out to be yet another nail biter for the Cowboys and Cowgirls of the audience. Early in the first period, they were down 1-0 to what seemed to be a team of fierce competitors."It's okay man. Don't worry. We just have to go out there, make some slippery passes, and everything will be soupy sammy sossa slurping salmon smoothies" said Bumbai during intermission in a classic attempt to bring up his team mates. Make no mistake, these words of wisdom worked. The Cowboys came on strong in the third, tying the game midway through the period - a goal that would result in overtime. In the overtime period, Bumbai scored a goal on a partial breakaway, shielding the puck from the defenders and jamming it five hole - Classic Bumbai. The Cowboys were on their way to the Elite finals.

Although Yum and Bonjour were able to bring their team this far on their broad shoulders, they were elated to see the second Cowboy bus finally pull up to the arena for game time. Out of the bus came Elite left winger Michael the Magic (Georgetown, ON) and Legendary centerman I Always Come (Oakville/Burlington, ON) - and come they did.

The Cowboys were operating like a well oiled machine, every cog moving brilliantly through the motions. With an 81% pass completion statistic, coupled with 11 SOG from Magic and 8 more from Yum and Come combined, the scoreboard read Magic Come Yum and Yum Magic Come more than once. Taking an early 2-0 lead seemed like child's play for the Cowboys. Although their opponents were able to net two against the Cowboys, they weren't about to ruin the hard work of their teammates - the Cowboys would take their final game by, you guessed it, 1 goal.

With their 3-2 victory, the Canadian Cowboys were Elite Champions once more.

"It's really a great feeling every time" remarked Captain Magic following the game. "Our bus troubles were really getting us down, but to arrive in the Saddledome with towels spinning and fans crying - it's really something special time and again."

"I can't really explain it - our fans just go crazy. (laughs) I had a girl come up to me after the game and ask to take me out to breakfast." said I Always Come in the dressing room.

Regular season play resumes this Friday night where the Cowboys hope to hear more about the pending lockout discussions.

EASHLPA Discusses Lockout

In past years, September has brought with it exciting new seasons in the EASHL - bigger hits, bigger crowds, bigger Cowboys. But this year, with the commissioner's announcement that the EASHL will be locking out the EASHLPA pending further financial discussions, September is looking more cloudy than ever.

"We can't justify implementing a league of such magnitude without the support of fans. It seems that one of our many teams has a massive following, and [the Cowboys] have a monopoly on the fan base. The league has it's hands tied. We can't move forward like this."

The Canadian Cowboys have been in the EASHL since the league's debut in 2010, collecting what appears to be a cult-like following among fans and players alike.

"It's everyone's dream to be a Canadian Cowboy. To wear that jersey and play alongside Cowboy greats like Stinky Mitts and Michael the Magic...there aren't any words" said NHL legend Wayne Gretzky.

Unfortunately, it seems like the EASHL is going to be putting a lock on the league until their financial issues have been resolved. While the league seems to be placing a monopolizing label on the Canadian Cowboys, the saddle-backers have quite another tale to tell...

"How the league can blame us? I do not see. When we play, people love watch. Why do league care if we make more money? We love the hockey, we play the hockey - we don't need the money. Viva les Cowboys" said veteran defenceman Jacques Bonjour in a recent press interview.

Fans express their distaste at an EASHL game last night

Whether or not the Cowboy season will continue is unclear. While the rumors of lockout have been confirmed, there are ways that the Cowboys may refresh their 2014/15 season. The EASHL has agreed to open the league in a different setting - the Cowboys and the rest of the EASHL would have to move their stadiums and their games to a more remote location where the finances would be cheaper, thus affording the league enough resources to continue to support the EASHL.

As anyone could imagine, some of the players have a lot more to say about the league's decision than others.

The Saddledome, Closed

"I think we should not support the [league] and publishers with [unspecified amount] from each player. Instead let's just continue playing our game. I realize I'm probably alone with that idea. Just wanted to throw it out there"

"SERIOUSLY?! WHAT A BUNCH OF (profanity)! I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE THOSE (profanity)! They're probably from Canada! What a stupid country! MURCA. WHOWHOWHOWHAAAHAA! MURCA! THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN IN MURCA. WE HAVE SUBS. WE CAN BOMB CANADA. 1 SUB. WE WILL BLOW UP THE EASHL. I SWEAR TO (profanity profanity) and (profanity) right up the (PROFANITY)!"

These are just a few of the comments that have been released regarding the league's recent decision to lockout. Other players have been more passive about the lockout. One thing can be sure - the EASHLPA is disappointed with the league's decision. The sight of locked doors on the Saddledome this season will bring fans to their knees, begging for their Cowboys to gallop back onto the ice.

Some of the Cowboys have decided to play in other leagues in the interim, hoping that their lackluster attitude will spark a flame in the hearts of the EASHL commissioners. Only time will tell.

Diehard fans can see Jacques Bonjour in action this Sunday in Oakville, Ontario in what promises to be an exciting non-league match-up.



Regular season play is scheduled to continue until September 9th, when the Cowboys will decide to agree to the EASHL's terms and relocate, or to lay their iconic bandit logo to rest.