Kariya Blasts Montreal Management -- Great White Rumour Mill

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Subject: Kariya Blasts Montreal Management

Author:
Marauders Central

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Date Posted: 21:41:01 07/30/04 Fri

Montreal, PQ - On the eve of the GWHL pre-season, the heretofor quiet Montreal hockeyscape has been rocked with controversy.

The noise began late last evening when word leaked to the media that star winger Paul Kariya had been given an ultimatum by team management. By mid-morning, Kariya and his agent had been on the phone to various radio, print and video sources.

The crux of the problem is that team GM, Sean Gallagher, had informed Kariya that not only was he not guaranteed the starting position on the top line, but that he'd probably be relegated to a lower line or even a stint in the minors, as Simon Gagne is given a chance to earn the top spot.

Visually upset, Kariya appeared in an interview with GWHL-TV personality Pierre Macguire to get his version of events into the media cycle.

"This is a monetary issue, pure and simple," said Kariya, "they don't want to honor my contract, so the only way around it is to send me to the minors. How ridiculous is that? Regardless of how this plays out, I can say that I want out of Montreal now. I thought this team was a great opportunity for me, but apparently it's not a great opportunity at all. I've made my intentions clear to management and now I'm making it clear to the league: I want out of this city. Trade me now."

For his part, GM Gallagher responded with a short press release, noting that "Paul Kariya is a fantastic hockey player and a solid citizen. It is unfortunate that he is not in agreement with us on the future of this team. We will attempt to accommodate his request, but the options for him are somewhat restricted."

An anonymous source within the organization confirmed the status of Kariya, stating that he's available for "a solid pick and a solid prospect". The source also noted that "financial aid may be available as well."

No matter how long it takes or how it ends, it definitely seems that the Paul Kariya Era in Montreal is coming to an ignominous close.

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