Georges Laraque leads NHLPA/World Vision team to Haiti

Georges Laraque and Nashville Predators defenceman Dan Hamhuis enjoyed some ball hockey with some Jamaican children Tuesday – Photo: NHLPA

Former Montreal Canadiens tough guy Georges Laraque arrived in Haiti on Tuesday as part of a joint delegation from the NHLPA and World Vision’s Hockey for Haiti program.

The program, initiated by Laraque, benefits the victims and families of the January 12 earthquake that devastated a large section of the country. The majority of the projects funds will support the Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince. The hospital is now operating an outpatient clinic from tents in the yard.

"To me, this is what life is all about,” said Laraque, who’s parents are from Haiti, in an NHLPA press release. “It's about people coming together to help those who are in need. It's unbelievable what the NHLPA has done. They know what is going on in the world and they know this initiative is very important."

Joining the delegation is Nashville Predators defenceman Dan Hamhuis, who leaped at the chance to help out.

“When the call from the NHLPA went out asking if players would be interested in traveling to Haiti for this initiative, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Hamhuis. “I’ve always wanted to visit a third-world country and to do it in this way, a chance to do a small part to help, makes it very special.”

Laraque and Hamhuis took part in a road hockey game with local kids on Tuesday.

The delegation will also visit the hospital, and announce progress on an auction of game worn jerseys from the 2010 Winter Olympics. The auction runs until the end of June. Information on how to bid can be found at www.ebay.ca/nhlpa or www.nhlpa.com/auctions.

Laraque and Hamhuis are scheduled to appear on a live chat with Yahoo! Puck Daddy on Wednesday at 2:30pm, to discuss their efforts.

When Player Agents Cross a Line….

Well I’m sure you’ve all read or heard about the story about a certain player agent’s online escapades Saturday night on Twitter.

I’m choosing to keep the individual’s name out of this post as I don’t want to give him one extra hit on Google Search.

It’s pretty much been picked up by every hockey blog and website since it came up, even getting national exposure on HNIC.

Basically the agent questioned the win-loss record of his client’s teammate, Carey Price, and it snowballed from there.

An online and national television frenzy enveloped and the agent has since done a 21st century Oliver North and deleted his Twitter comments.

The client, Jaroslav Halak, knew nothing about his agent’s remarks going into this morning’s practice.

As if the Canadiens had enough to deal with with goaltending problems this season, this genius stirs the pot furthermore, despite claiming it to be a tongue-in-cheek remark.

Apparently this is not the first time this person has made remarks on Twitter, so clearly he was well aware of his actions.

It has to hurt Halak who while on a four-game win streak, received praise from Price for playing well. Price even suggested Halak remain in net. Then his agent does this.

Now granted we do live in a society where freedom of speech is strongly encouraged, and I am not a player agent, but I feel a serious sense of ethics has been breeched.

You don’t call out a teammate of a player you represent!

Last I checked, an agent speaks on his client’s behalf for his/her actions, promotions or business interests and not the actions of others.

More than likely it will frustrate other players, agents and GM’s in the NHL looking to do future dealings with him and his clients.

The agent is certified by the NHLPA and so I figure there’s one good way of dealing with your opinions.

Those opposed to the individual’s actions can easily fill out this contact form and submit your thoughts directly to the NHLPA.

I am also adding a poll to gauge opinion if the individual was right to do what he said.

Update @ 9:00pm: Dave Stubbs’ article on the situation from the National Post/Montreal Gazette