There were numerous parties involved, of course, from the NHL league itself, to the fans, creditors, and the courts. Officially, it was the National Hockey League vs. Jim Balsillie, who wanted to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario Canada. However, there were several other parties involved in the conflict that often don't come into mind. First were the fans. Yes, there are hockey fans just as passionate and devoted as any fanatic football or basketball fans, and with the judge's decision, they were robbed of their favorite sport. Another contingent that doesn't get much press are all the people that work either full-time or part-time for the hockey teams across the country. These people, the ones you don't think about when you attend any athletic event, are the backbone of the fan experience. Ticket takers, announcers, fan store clears, food vendors, and the maintenance crews, all depend on the sports season for their income or extra income. With no games comes no pay, and these low-paid, part-time people may have been the biggest victims of the judge's ruling, and received the least recognition. Also, the team owner and team coach were not considered creditors for some reason, and did not receive their pay, another interesting twist to the story.

But, I digress. The issues at hand here were all to do with money and budgeting. The main issue at play in the conflict was the bankruptcy of the team, the payments to creditors, and where the team would end up. The league wanted to take over the team, and probably leave it in Phoenix. The judge ruled that the league's offer did not go far enough, but left the door open for them to make another offer. On the other hand, he closed the door on the businessman, saying that the court would not hear another offer from him. So, the team my still stand a chance of surviving, if the NHL ups the ante and comes back with a stronger offer the judge approves.

What tactics did these parties use in their negotiations? Well, they weren't exactly nasty, but they were firm. At first, both parties said they had absolutely no intention of backing down. The NHL said they had actually been in control of the team since November 2008, and that the team owner did not have the right to declare bankruptcy. The judge's ruling seems to back up the NHL in their claims, and makes it clear that moving the franchise to Canada, no matter how big the offer, is simply not acceptable. The two sides allowed the court to make the decision, and it clearly did not end the way any of the parties anticipated it would. Currently, the Coyote players are in training camp for the upcoming season, while the fate of the franchise is still up in the air. So, are you enthralled yet? Are you on the edge of your seat? Good, my job is done. Now, here's how the situation resolved itself..