WHA draft pushed back to July 17 and 18

[dave the world]

Originally Posted by http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net

WHA draft to commence July 17

The Board of Governors of the World Hockey Association has rescheduled its two day draft weekend. The draft, originally scheduled for July 10 and July 11 has been pushed back one week to July 17 and July 18.

The extraordinary number of NHL Free Agents following the July 1 deadline is the major reason for the switch

“Our hockey operations departments were not expecting to find almost 200 unrestricted free agents available”, said Board Chairman Mario Frankovich. “With as many as another 200 Type 2 Free Agents having until July 15th to accept offers on the table it would have been redundant to draft before that date”.

The new date also avoids a "media” conflict with the Toronto Indy.

The WHA draft will take place at the new Fallsview Casino Niagara. WHA teams will select 30 NHL/AHL Free Agents on July 17 and 30 Entry Level Free Agents on July 18.

The public is welcome to attend.

Are these players actively entering the draft somehow? Or will there be surprise phone calls?:

"Hello, Peter Forsberg? This is the Dallas Americans. Welcome aboard."

"Eric Lindros, what's shakin'? Hey, this is the Detroit Gladiators. We've been tinkering with this extra-padded helmet that we think you'll find pretty interesting."

"Pavel! Hey pal, I'm calling from the Toronto... well, from Toronto, at any rate. How would you like to play hockey in a four-team league? We're guaranteed to make the playoffs, should they indeed happen."

[Jason]

I think their just force entered in. Just to make it so that all the players just don't go to one team. Basicly possession rights it seems

[danson]

it's on my birthday. anyway should be interesting to see who signs on for this league.

[PLG]

Originally Posted by dave the world

"Pavel! Hey pal, I'm calling from the Toronto... well, from Toronto, at any rate. How would you like to play hockey in a four-team league? We're guaranteed to make the playoffs, should they indeed happen."

[SlapShot]

Not a good sign - pushing back the draft. Hopefully the extra time allows them to sign on two more teams.. I think some random WHA official said they were trying to get 8 but somehow I doubt that.

I wonder if the draft will be on TV.

[imported_Patman]

el foldo?

[Korczyk]

Originally Posted by Patman

el foldo?

if they want to avoid embarrasment, it's the only way to go =/

[SnowyCanuck]

I think the CBL will have done better when all is said and done lol

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SnowyCanuck

I think the CBL will have done better when all is said and done lol

Except for the fact I never did get paid for the last half of the season

[Helix]

Uh. This is a GOOD thing. Why is everyone so negative and saying it's a bad sign? Right...

And, by the way, there's 6 teams, not 4.