I've been playing hockey for nigh on 55 years. I like that part of it, the playing.
However, the professional leagues have little appeal. The players are ruthless, and mean spirited with little or no regard for good sportsmanship or each other. There are few personalities any more. Sean Avery showed some individualism and was quickly punished and labeled "unstable". If Eddie Shack played today, he'd be medicated.
Therefore, the drama that's unfolding in Phoenix Arizona is the best hockey I've seen in years. The upstart hockey fan, Jim Balsille (RIM) battling the soulless suits from the NHL head office with no one having any idea who is going to win. If this could be televised, it would be more exiting than Crosby and Ovechkin any day of the week.
I've been trying to find a real estate metaphor in all of this but it escapes me. There is ruthless behavior in this business of course but it pales in comparison to the Balsille/Bettman battle.. This is war and it is for keeps.
Somehow, the gleeand relaxed manner than Balsille exhibits is compelling. Bettman is playing with other people's money and he's pissed and performing in a desperate manner. Balsille on the other hand is risking his own money and he's relaxed.
I'd say if this was a chess game, Bettman would be in trouble.