SueNJ97 Posted August 13, 2004 Share Posted August 13, 2004 http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...tacodalogin=yes It's no play, no pay for NHL's officials Kerry Fraser and wife will turn to real estate Veteran ref says `future of game at stake' KARA YORIO TORONTO STAR Referee Kerry Fraser is working out every day as if he'll begin his 30th NHL training camp on time. But he knows there is a strong possibility he won't. Fraser remains hopeful that NHL owners and players will get a deal done before the Sept. 15 deadline, but faith in Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow won't pay his mortgage or feed his family. During a work stoppage, NHL referees keep their benefits, but "we don't get paid," Fraser says, adding that officials can borrow as much as $3,500 (all figures U.S.) a month from future wages. The loans must be repaid when the paycheques return. So Fraser has what he calls a "provisionary plan." He and his wife have real estate licences in New Jersey. If Sept. 15 comes and goes without a new collective bargaining agreement, the Frasers will turn their focus to selling homes in southern New Jersey. Fraser is not alone. He says he thinks every NHL official has lined up a job. "We don't make the kind of money that would allow us to take a year off," he says. "It just isn't possible." Three years ago, it was the on-ice officials' union and the NHL that were at the bargaining table, trying to replace a deal that paid a referee with 10 years' NHL experience $162,500. They reached a four-year collective bargaining agreement in late August. The next day, the league cancelled a scheduled training camp for replacement officials. Finding other employment options isn't easy for most officials. It must be a job that allows them time each day to stay in top physical condition for whenever the season resumes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AddictedToHockey Posted August 17, 2004 Share Posted August 17, 2004 I saw Fraser's son in several USHL (junior) games a few years ago... as a 21-year-old rookie ref, the players voted him to be the ref for the all-star game. He was clearly the league's best ref (and there were several good ones that year), and I see him being every bit as good as Kerry Fraser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 If Kerry sells real estate in NJ he can't be doing to badly. The market has been, well, you all know about the property market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammyk Posted August 18, 2004 Share Posted August 18, 2004 If Kerry sells real estate in NJ he can't be doing to badly. The market has been, well, you all know about the property market. Why yes, I made a killing selling my little condo there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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