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.