It's just a coincidence, but the morning after Ted Saskin temporarily stepped aside as executive director of the NHL Players' Association, one of his strongest supporters, Flyers' player representative Robert Esche, resigned his post as well.
Saskin stepped aside Monday night to allow the players' union to conduct a secret-ballot vote on choosing its new leader. On Sept. 1, Saskin was voted in by conference call instead of secret ballot, over the objections of players. He received a four-year contract and two-year option.
"I don't blame Ted for doing it," Esche said yesterday of Saskin's stepping aside. "You don't want guys being upset if you're taking over; you want things done the proper way. I really don't care. Now it's hockey time.
"I've stepped aside. I don't want to be a player rep anymore. I have too many things to worry about."
In a statement late Monday, Saskin said "that it was in the best interests of the membership to conduct a secret-ballot vote amongst our player representatives and executive officers so that there are absolutely no questions regarding my election."
The union's constitution calls for an election by secret ballot.
Saskin, 46, had served as the union's interim executive director since Bob Goodenow resigned on July 28, after the 310-day lockout that wiped out last season.
Keith Primeau or Mike Knuble will likely replace Esche.
"If it's me as player rep, our vote will be for Ted Saskin to represent this union," Primeau said. "He's the best qualified."
Tickets on sale. The Flyers said individualtickets for the 41 regular-season home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.