The AHL’s Pacific Division is set to get underway with their postseason tournament on Tuesday, but those most crucial to the playoffs don’t actually want to be there: the participants. Agent Allan Walsh of Octagon Sports revealed that the Pacific Division players were surveyed about their thoughts on playing a postseason this year, as all other AHL divisions opted to end their seasons with a simple regular season champion. The result: 133 of 141 responses (over 94%) stated that they did not want to participate in a playoff.
Given the logistical issues of holding a full league postseason this season, the AHL had opted not to award the Calder Cup this year. Instead, they let each division decide how they would handle crowning a champion. With the AHL broken down into small, regional divisions this season due to the Coronavirus, the Pacific was one of five divisions and one of only three with six or more teams. Yet, the other two – the North and Central Divisions – did not decide to extend their seasons with a playoff tournament. Only the Pacific decided to move forward, despite heavy opposition by the players.
The major issue for the players is that they are not paid for postseason participation. This is true for athletes in all North American pro sports, as contracts only cover regular season performance (aside from postseason bonuses), but usually players have something worth fighting for besides money: a league championship. The Calder Cup is not at stake here and clearly the players do not feel that “2020-21 Pacific Division Champion” on their resume is worth the time and effort. Nor the risk. Health is another major concern, as worker’s compensation will not cover any injuries sustained in the postseason.
The players, with valid reasoning and the backing of their players’ association, did not support the Pacific Division postseason. Yet, the teams proceeded with implementing a playoff structure anyhow and one that includes all seven teams playing at least one game at that. To date, no player has backed out. Why? “That’s career suicide,” one AHL player told InsideAHLHockey.com. With contracts pro-rated for the shortened 2020-21, many AHL contract players are already having a difficult time making ends meet financially and cannot risk blacklisting themselves when they are desperately in need of continued employment next season. As for those on NHL contracts, they are not going to go against the wishes of their organization, either because they are also a veteran who needs another contract or they are a young player trying to stay in their team’s good graces to earn opportunity at the top level. The Pacific Division team had all the leverage in this situation and they used, despite the wishes of the lifeblood of the game. If you’re planning to enjoy the upcoming playoff, just keep in mind – no one wants to be there.
Coal miners don’t want to mine coal.
I’m not sure why the Pacific division is doing this, but they are, so play some hockey. It will be OK.
I know youre saying this from a fan perspective and we like it when we’re able to watch hockey, but it literally says in the article why they are resistant to playing, and why the pacific division is doing this. The division is doing it because more hockey = more money for them.
For the players, there’s no pay, no cover for injuries, and the “championship” isn’t even a legitimate championship because there’s no Calder Cup, there’s no stakes, no reason to play but they’re being forced to.
You wouldn’t want to be forced to work at your job for no pay and no insurance if you got hurt, along with having no incentive to work in the first place.
These guys aren’t millionaires, they’re trying to make ends meet like you and me. Think of them rather than yourself.
You need to take a huge step back and use some empathy!
Do you think I’m going to spend even one second watching AHL hockey when the Stanley Cup playoffs are on? Thinking of them…
Why do people play minor league hockey? On the off chance that they catch a scout’s eye.
Why do they go to international tournaments after their season is over (for free)? On the off chance that they catch a scout’s eye.
There is so much glory in a Calder Cup win that that is worth risking injury for free?
They aren’t being asked to do anything they don’t normally do or that they didn’t agree to do contractually. The ONLY difference is the name of the meaningless trophy.
Thanks for the post Zach. Crazy that they are going through with this farce. I know the players won’t do it, I hope they just drop their sticks at center ice and skate off…
@rugrat907 – I so love that idea! If I could give it TWO thumbs up, I would! So here’s one to start.
The AHL has a players union. They should find out if a player gets hurt .can the player sue the AHL? If the AHL is not giving a cup the stats won’t count for contract incentives!
fans suffer yet again
though to be fair it’s outrageous if they arent being paid for it, and even more so that the teams wouldnt cover their injuries.
Not saying anyone would do this… but say hypothetically someone self-reports that they came into contact with someone who had Covid. Wouldn’t that flip the tables on the organization if they made them play?
If the players aren’t paid during any playoff format during any season, why is this any different? And why wouldn’t a players injury be covered during this Pacific division playoff format when it is covered during a conventional playoff format? Do you really think a team would not cover the medical expenses of one of its own players who is under contract?
With all due respect, the reason the players don’t want to play in this tournament is because their brethren in the other conferences aren’t doing so. And how much money are the owners making off of this when attendence is either limited or non-existant in many of these rinks?
I don’t care whether they play or not, but let’s at least look at the situation objectively.