Lettre ouverte à la LNH

June 12th, 2008

Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston
National Hockey League
1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Lord Stanley,

We watched with the usual excitement the last game of the 2008 NHL playoffs which took place last week and were very confused with the conclusion of this incredible season. In fact, we are worried about your trophy, Lord Stanley. About what's happened to it and how its meaning seems to have changed.

Why does a team from eastern United States, representing the Western Association of the NHL, can win the Cup that is supposed to be awarded to the best canadian team (as was your wish) and sends in a european captain to receive it? That my friend, is quite confusing for the average hockey fan. We would be thankful that more simple fan-friendly situations should ponctuate the following seasons and playoffs of the NHL.

On another matter, we were gladly impressed by the performance of the Pittsburgh Penguins during these playoffs. Their speed and strenght reminded us of last year's Anaheim Ducks (no longer Mighty, should we remind). Sticking on that thought, we realised... Bird names. Penguins, Ducks… Wings (Red, might they be)!

More teams should inspire from this ornithology. Here are a few suggestions of new team names that we would like to become effective as the start of the 2008-2009 NHL season:

- Phoenix Pigeons
- Columbus Ostriches
- Tampa Bay Turkeys
- Minnesota Woodpeckers
- Uniondale Seagulls
- Buffalo Sparrows

Should these teams follow the right flying path, success shall be theirs. Oh and one last thing. Please impose a moratorium on Chris Chelios. For God's sake, please do.

Yours truly,

Three North-American hockey fans