by: Gene Koprowski.
The National Hockey League (NHL) is
poised to move its annual awards ceremony to Las Vegas. Can removing
remaining restrictions on wagering on hockey games online and in-person
be far behind?
A league source is telling reporters the NHL is looking to create another "signature event" for the league. Changing the locale of the awards show, traditionally held in Toronto right after the end of the Stanley Cup finals, to Las Vegas should be more alluring to sponsors, team officials and players.
The NHL has been in talks with the Palms Casino and Resort about hosting the awards gala; settling on a date is believed to be the last hurdle to make the move official.
The awards ceremony generally comes sometime between the end of the NHL playoffs and the player entry draft, but it's believed by hockey officials that the league is looking to push the event beyond the draft to make it more popular across.
The 2009 new player draft is set for Montreal on June 25-27. In the NHL's official guide and record book, the awards show location is described as still "to be announced."
The NHL has long been thought to be interested in exploring the idea of a franchise in the gambling mecca. Perhaps moving the awards show there will give a sense of what draw the sport might have in Vegas, as well as the potential of opening up wagering for hockey games from its current sports book niche, lead by firms like MadduxSports.com.
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