from John Shannon of Sportsnet,

Some issues are big, and others are small, but they are issues. And they did fill the time for the sub-committee meetings this summer in Toronto and New York City. What are these issues? Glad you asked.

1. Player safety and working conditions: This topic is broad. From ice conditions, practice times, the length of training camps and on-ice time, as well as the conditions of the visitors' dressing rooms, hotel rooms on the road (single, as opposed to double occupancy) and beyond. One aspect of travel, that was discussed, dealt with the late night charter flights the teams all partake in, and the ensuing game day skate on those back-to-back nights. Players arriving at hotels in the early hours of day, knowing full well they have to participate in a morning skate are taking sleep aids like Ambien to get them to a rest sleep. Over the counter drugs are an issue for pro athletes, and trying to adjust daily regimes might help some get weaned off these non-prescription drugs.

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