NHL seeing red Wirtz says little after hearing report on league's dire financial situation.(Sports)

0 Comments | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), February, 2004 | by Sassone, Tim

Byline: Tim Sassone Daily Herald Sports Writer Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz sat in a United Center suite with reporters Thursday and watched via satellite the independent auditor hired by the National Hockey League predict catastrophic results for the league if the economic landscape doesn't dramatically change in the new collective bargaining agreement.

When it was over, Wirtz refused to answer questions even though the media were told he would do so and issued only a brief statement for fear of being fined $1 million by the league for speaking of the labor situation. "This report shows a screaming need for a new economic system in which to run the league which is for the players, owners and fans," Wirtz said. "To reduce these losses, if you figure it...