Highest Paid Players

I pick up my local morning paper and I work my mind trying to do the crossword puzzle. Then I glance at the sports section. Most times it is not worth checking out. Lo and behold, today I see a column about the highest paid NHL stars.

Reading the column has made me think about the way we pay the people who entertain us. Lets face it, people who make us jump in our seats make an awesome amount of money. From the stars of Hollywood to the greens of the golf course to the fields of football and to finally the ice of hockey, they all make money.

Lets get real here for a minute or two. This chart I have is ranked by Forbes (who else?) and it is for the 2014-2015 season. The highest paid player based on this guide is Crosby, total earnings: $16.5M and the lowest is Kessel at $10.3M. This also includes all endorsements.

Wow! I thought there was a cap, over salaries! The amount is unsettling to me. Put it into the basic form, the players push each other over a small puck and try to guide the puck into the net via skates. Yes it is exciting to watch and I love the game but I find the value of pay for the players to be sickening.

There is so much un-justice in the world today, the public adds to it by paying high amounts for entertainment. That includes sports, movies and such. Could the players play for less? I believe they can and should. One other question keeps popping up-  does the hockey player of today play for the love of the game or for the money? I believe it is hard to tell anymore, when a few years ago the players wanted more pay. Owners and players, two groups who wanted more.

I have a nephew who loves basketball. He bounces his ball all the time even in the house as my sister gets mad at him. I encourage him, why? His aunt needs a new pair of shoes! I have a great friend who lives far from me. Her boy plays hockey in a league. His team is very good and played in the play- offs last season. Once again I encourage him. Not just for his mom but for me. Call me sly if you need too.  But I would like to retire soon!