Continued from WORLD WIDE HOCKEY TOUR –
Instead the new circuit had a philosophy of more offense or
a faster paced, more offensive game which is better for the fans. Mekkar called
it “A different, rarely seen approach in the Western
Hemisphere at that time, up-tempo mode of play on the ice.” He,
along with others, mainly saw it as due to the infusion of extensive outside
talent from overseas and the States. That is, outside the confines of the
Canadian border.
Mekkar liked the WHA for the main reason was that it created
more opportunities to make a potential career out of hockey for him. If, he
ended up getting that far. It wasn’t just some type of pipe dream for him as
some scouts had told Mekkar that he had the potential to reach that level. The
P-word. Potential, what? He hates that term. To Mekkar saying a person has
potential in an area is like a person has the promising capability to intake
air. To him, everyone has potential to accomplish great things in their life.
The issue is whether an individual gets a chance to use that potential to
succeed in a particular endeavor, is a different matter altogether. It is
rarely what you know, but more so who you know that truly counts on advancing
upward on the social scale.
Lasse’s best friend, Mekkar welcomed more position openings
for hockey players to further pursue their craft and stick it - to the man. In
the manner of breaking down the draconian stranglehold of recent earlier times
and limits for athletes. Mekkar felt that the upward glass ceiling was being
smashed through during this era. Restrictions were readily unlocked much
quicker on player compensation and the negation of the minimum age limits.
Also, successful legal destruction of the modern slavery inducing reserve
clause which automatically tied an individual to a specific club indefinitely.
It was previously renewed when a player’s contract ran out. Particular wording
in the document didn’t matter; standard practice was just instituted as before.
The times were changin’ baby! Player movement was now in full swing. On one
hand it was positive, but it did also create instability for teams in some
cases. Pro baseball was at the forefront in its free agency infancy stage, which
affected the whole realm of the sports marketplace too! [Wikipedia;
whahockey.com; billsportsmaps.com; Playing Hockey The World Over… wha.htm]
He thought it was cool to change things up a bit in relation
to items that are really in essence for the fans. For example, the all-star
game formats. In most of the years these special activities were anything but
set in stone. Mekkar was glad that the WHA was willing to put some pizzazz into
those matchups to keep the league followers always guessing as to What comes
next? [whahockey.com] In Mekkar’s mind, this shows bravery and a creative out
of the box mentality. On the other hand, that type of thinking can also be a
pain to prepare and plan for, as well as, setup the final details.
Some change is beneficial and reasonable to Mekkar as to
prevent staleness and inertia. However, constant change on a day-to-day basis
with no structure or consistency-base whatsoever creates a dilemma for Mekkar.
He is like most people in that he also likes to get settled into his
environment, at least for a bit. To him variety is good as long as he is not
always in the middle of it and the ever changing eye of the storm. Thus, gradual
change stance creates a direct inner conflict for Mekkar. Maybe in spite of
himself, like most individuals Mekkar is, at the same time, a creature of habit
and routine whether he admits it or not.
Moreover in his native culture and reflective upbringing one
had to be always aware of surprises and sudden change. Those situations could
be very dangerous and life threatening. They could easily get out of hand
resulting in a negative outcome, such as costing a person their life. Mekkar
often repeats a certain quip, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first
impression with a polar bear because he might look at you as a snack!” In
reality, bear attacks upon people are not as common as many believe, but who
would want to take that chance?
This new brand of hockey brought about a more wide open game
and higher scores which, let’s face it, fans in North America seem to prefer.
Possibly, that is only Mekkar’s conviction with regard to people’s sport
choices. That is why he believes basketball is so popular due to the increased
numbers on the scoreboard.
Since Mekkar is a defenseman, he understands and appreciates
good defensive play in many sports. Plus, to him higher scoring matches show
weaker protection of your own goal capability. Mekkar has participated in
basketball, but it was not his cup of tea. So, he feels that he can
authoritatively speak with regard to issues such as this.
Alf’s older sibling, Mekkar gravitated to and engaged in
more of the physical contact or collision athletic pursuits. Undertakings such
as Rugby, Australian Rules Football (Footy), American (Gridiron) Football –
which by the way was introduced in 1861 in Toronto, Canada, Hockey of course, Boxing,
Lacrosse – which has more battles than most conclude, and others. Not only
that, Mekkar has also dabbled in additional sports like Wrestling, Soccer,
Volleyball, Surfing, Sailing, etc.
It makes sense to Mekkar that if a side controls the ball,
puck, and tempo of a match that squad should have more turns to notch scores or
points.
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