The Vent Pipe

First they steal our technology, then Bill Clinton gives them our secrets, then they send us less-than-quality goods. And now this: “San Jose Sharks Lend Helping Hand to Chinese Namesakes.” From NHL.com

The Asia League of Ice Hockey (ALIH) recently began its fifth season of play. The circuit, featuring teams from Japan, South Korea, and China, has yet to fully establish itself, especially in China. The Japanese teams, which feature a sprinkling of former NHL players and one-time prospects, have dominated to the point that games against the Chinese entries have often been lopsided affairs decided by double-digit margins.

[...]

This season, in an effort to make the Chinese a little more competitive, the two Chinese clubs were merged into one. Under the management of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, the top players from the two clubs were chosen to form the new Beijing-based team.

Enter the San Jose Sharks. The NHL club has agreed to send five minor-league players and three coaches to the Chinese team as well as lending financial support to the continued development of Chinese youth hockey. With the transfer of the team naming rights from former sponsor Hosa Sports to the Sharks, the team’s name has become the China Sharks.

Well, ok, so maybe it’s not that big of a deal…Maybe, just maybe, it’s even a good thing? What do you think?

tags technorati : China Hockey NHL