NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly warned that the Anaheim Ducks might be in line for a big fine if the league determined that they violated the CBA by holding a practice on Dec. 26. After investigating the matter though, it looks like no money will have to change hands.
“We are satisfied that the team was in compliance with guidelines and protocol previously provided by the League for ‘off day’ activities,” Daly told Los Angeles Times writer Helene Elliott.
The team wasn’t allowed to hold any activities during the league’s Christmas break, but that doesn’t mean players are forbidden from skating or even holding their own informal practice. Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf felt that three straight days off would be too long of a break and made arrangements for players to be able to participate in an on-ice workout if they wanted to.
“I looked at the schedule. I have enough trouble when I have two days off, let alone three or four,” Getzlaf said. “I can’t be off the ice that long and expect my body to react without getting injured or in trouble. Plus, with my kids, it was a nice thing to do.”
Getzlaf remembers going to skate every Christmas and he wanted to give others the same chance. He said a lot of players took advantaged of the opportunity.