Oilers practice broke NHLPA's Christmas wishes
Associated Press
EDMONTON, Alberta -- The NHL fined the Edmonton Oilers an undisclosed amount Wednesday for holding a practice on Christmas.
The Oilers announced the fine during their 3-2 victory over Calgary.
"Whatever it is, I guess I'll have to pay it," general manager Kevin Lowe said.
The Oilers played their last game before Christmas on Dec. 21, giving them a four-day break. Rather than practicing the following day, the team voted unanimously to work out on Christmas.
"We thought it'd be better to practice on the 25th," center Rem Murray said. "Nobody likes to be fined, but we were given the options, had a vote and it was pretty much a unanimous decision."
Practicing during the Christmas break is not allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement.
"It's a little bit ridiculous, quite frankly," Lowe said. "I was a player for 20 years ... I'm also a good family man, so I know what Christmas Day means to everybody. But hockey is pretty important in my life.
"Quite frankly, it's not what the league wants. It's what the NHLPA wants. But that's another story."
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Ich kenn eine Mannschaft, die es auch verdient hätte, an Heilig Abend ein brutal-hartes Training durchzuführen zu müssen...
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