Why Al Strachan was fired by HNIC
October 21, 2009 · 25 Comments
The inside story of how Al Strachan lost his job at Hockey Night In Canada shines a bright, not so pretty light into the world of sports television and how decisions are made.
Strachan refused to comment on his sudden ouster as a regular on Hockey Night’s Hotstove intermission segment, but publishing sources confirmed today that his departure is tied to a book he wrote with the no-so-subtle title of Why The Leafs Suck.
The book, released a few weeks ago by Harper Collins, apparently incensed the CBC, because Strachan was identified on the cover as being “from Hockey Night In Canada,” despite the fact permission had not been given by the network for the show’s name to be used on the cover of the book.
“Scott Moore (the head of CBC Sports and also head of marketing and advertising for the network) went ballistic,” said one insider.
Moore’s response seems out of character and raises more questions than it answers.
Why wouldn’t the CBC want its leading brand displayed on the cover of a book? Wouldn’t it be good publicity?
Was the content of the book a problem for the CBC? Apparently not. At least, that’s what sources told us.
Was the CBC pressured by the Toronto Maple Leafs to punish Strachan for writing a book that would embarrass the organization? Again, the answer seems to be no.
The principal title is: Why The Leafs Suck, but the book comes with the more hopeful subtitle: And How They Can Be Fixed.
That said, the book takes a tough look at arguably the most incompetent NHL franchise of the past 40 years.
In one chapter, Strachan comes down hard on Leaf general manager Brian Burke, who was hired last winter and is viewed by most in the Toronto hockey community as a top hockey guy.
Given the Leafs are winless and in last place early in the season, Strachan’s assessment of Burke might be worth reading.
But Strachan’s dismissal is only part of the story.
The CBC’s lawyers also demanded that Harper Collins cover over the Hockey Night reference on the book’s front with a non-removable sticker for all future copies leaving the warehouse. Book sellers were also required to cover over the name on the books that they had in stock.
Strachan, for his part, would say about his dismissal only, “The decision was made by Hockey Night In Canada, so you would have to ask them why they made it. But it involves a copyright issue and not an on-camera or production issue.”
Strachan, who lives in the small town of Saint Andrews, N.B., flew to Toronto weekly to appear on the Hotstove. He was paid in excess of $500 a show.
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Love it. He gets fired for using a copyright that he didn’t have permission to use, but it’s really about the Leafs. Sure. Whatever. Can we just cut to the chase and blame the Leafs for world hunger, cancer, etc?
“It was noted for strong reporting and sharp edged commentary.” Ha! Noted by whom? William Houston?
Umm, arguably the most incompetent franchise in the last 40 years? Really? You forgot about Chicago? They’re still incompetent in every aspect of management except for drafting. They haven’t won since 1961, which is further back in time than 1967. Also, the Hawks weren’t even on TV until last year (or was it 2 years ago?) because of their dumb owner.
Chicago is so incompetent, that they’re going to have probably the shortest window to win a Stanley Cup that any franchise with this much talent has ever had. There’s a chance that one of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith won’t be playing for the Hawks next year because of the contracts given to Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien, Cam Barker, Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet.
If losing young, still growing superstars isn’t incompetence, then what is?
I would say not having young, still growing superstars to lose would be worse.
Arguably doesn’t mean indisputably. Which is why one can argue, and you just did. This article isn’t about good ol’ Dollar Bill Wirtz, but the point you made would instill fear in me if I were a Blackhawks fan.
The Leafs had their best chance in “recent memory” in 2002, 1994 and 1993, making it to the conference finals. The Hawks just made the conference finals and were humbled in the Finals back in 1992.
All in all, many teams have been much better since that time, but some have had worse results (like Winnipeg/Phoenix).
Many unanswered question, hmmm?, Mr. Houston. You neglected to mention the full name of Al Strachan’s book, “Why The Leafs Suck and How They Can Be Fixed’, btw.
Scott Morrison’s 2 books on hockey [just plain 'ole hockey, mind you] have the cbc/HNIC logo on the cover….
It strikes me as rather odd, that Al Strachan wouldn’t clear the use of the phrase ‘from HNIC’ with HNIC. It’s not like he hasn’t been around and has no lawyer advising him. *cough*
Something smells around here.
This Scott Moore seems to be wearing many hats. Too many for mere mortals.
Does this mean HNIC don’t think the Leafs suck and don’t need any fixing? If it’s HNIC, why is it so much the Leafs all the time anyways?
Pardon me, more questions. lol.
You’d have to be incredibly naive to believe the Houston/Moore spin here.
If the book has been out for a few weeks, why has STrachan been allowed to continue. Did Moore “go ballistic” and then forget Strachan would appear on HNIC the first 2-3 weeks?
Strachan hates Bloviating Burke back to the Canucks days.
Burke comes as close as anyone to running the league without actually working in Bettman’s office.
Something pisses off the Fat Blowhard, he gets Strachan fired.
Sometimes, the easiest explanation is the right one.
Leafs suck due to a multitude of organizational problems including extreme impatience of fans(I suppose myself included) for a bottom feeder record, and wish by organization to be “seen ” doing things.
Staying with say the last ten years, let’s trace part of the current funk right back to the Pat Quinn era where in the spring of 2003 Quinn traded for a back injury prone Owen Nolan for a former first round draft choice(Brad Boyes) and the 2003 of that spring to San Jose. Players picked after that particular trade(erroneously noted on Wikipedia going to Boston) pick in 2003 draft include present players such as Mike Richards , Corey Perry and Patrick Eaves all in the latter part of round 1. Wouldn’t Boyes 42 goals last year(even half assuming less talent put around him), and Mike Richards determination, grit and skill at least help in getting Leafs into playoffs last year? Wouldn’t their presence as Leafs even this year at least result in a few more goals and at least a little more optimism?
Moving to the JFJ era where for three straight years Leafs purposely drafted non Canadians(3 out of 30 in those three years) Leafs in 2006 for example drafted Jiri Tlusty and Nicholai Kulemin ahead of rugged power forward Milan Lucic of Vancouver Giants. All Lucic did that year was stay in one more year of junior, captain the Gold medal winning World Juniors, captain his Giants to the Memorial Cup winning the MVP of the tourney along the way. He also took on just about every opposition tough guy in the Memorial Cup(check youtube if you want to see evidence).
Now move on to the Burke era where after announcing to all that would listen that the Leafs would contend for a playoff spot, he traded for Phil Kessel a fine 21 year old , giving up two consecutive first round draft choices, and a second rounder. Assuming that one of the three will not pan out ever, and he could recoup part of the trade by getting either a first or second rounder by the end of this year by trading say Kaberle(teams would rather have Ian White I suspect who at least has a bit of sandpaper). Alternatively he could take on a struggling team’s underperforming high priced forwards or defense, and ship him to the Marlies , all relieving other team cap space/cash flow problems- all for a coveted draft pick.
Trouble is that with Burke’s undisclosed plan(read- my interpretation instead) is that not everyone likes to see a blowhard become successful and be cooperative with him. Latter Kessel trade may not affect Leafs immediately but could do so in next 2-5 years for player development. More to the point it forces his charge Wilson and team waiting to achieve its’ “gel” , into an embarrassing corner that could result in extra pressure/negative vibes to make it a skittish unconfident team for the rest of the season.
Bottom line, with the benefit of the 20/20 retrospectoscope, Leafs have since 2003 have created a milieu in poor talent grooming/acquisition of draft players that will continue to leave bare cupboards for a number of years.
BTW, many of us cranked as soon as the Nolan trade happened, just as we are doing with the Kessel trade. Difference of course is that Kessel is a young player with loads of future potential. But did Burke really have to give away that much to a team(Bruins) that were over a salary cap barrel?
The wish as an organization(MLSE) to be “seen” as trying to be a winner has undermined the ability for Leafs to actually do the things other successful organizations have deemed necessary.
I actually like Brian Burke despite his blarney and seemingly high opinion of his own strategies. I hope I am wrong but I see him selling programs outside of Fenway park before I see him riding in a car down Yonge Street with a Leaf Stanley Cup.
If we’re going to blame the Leafs for this, then they should be proud. Playing a role, no matter how indirect, in the firing of Al Strachan is probably the only positive thing to come out of Toronto this hockey season.
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
500 bucks a show? shewt, they got him cheapo.
The title of a show cannot be “copyrighted.” There might be a complaint about trademark dilution or false commercial attribution, but that’s not what you reported.
Scott Moore going “ballistic” is actually very much a part of his character. This is not the first time I’ve heard of it. CBC should look into addressing his actions, not Strachan’s….
Меня это не беспокоит.
An number of question about Al Strachan being fired from HNIC.
Was the title of his latest book Why the Leafs Suck etc his or the publisher’s?
Wasn’t Strachan fired from HNIC a few years ago after crticizing one Mr Brian Burke when the latter was GM in Vancouver?
Just wondering.
Интересно, развейте..! )
ни че се коментов
Конечно, никогда нельзя быть уверенным.
Ну и чё с ними делать… Меня достали на моём блоге я устала вычищать…
Прошу прощения, что вмешался… У меня похожая ситуация. Приглашаю к обсуждеиню. Пишите здесь или в PM.
I usually dont post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. Kind regards from france
Funny how nothing is said about strachan's running feud with Burke and that he may have used this as a vehicle to trash Burke. I dont see how an person like strachan can diss Burke so quickly. Name me 1 gm that has turned around a team in less than 1 year ! Strachan was a pig headed stubborn guy who thinks he's ALWAYS right. Well i, for 1 am glad he's gone !