Everyone – websites, athletes, owners – wants to get into the “social space.” It is fun and exciting! A terrific way to reach out to the coveted young demographic of fans! Also, risky. Witness Jim Devellano, a Detroit Red Wings front office guy who, during a Facebook chat, stepped in it and has been fined $250k. From Sports Business Journal:

In the interview with Scott Harrigan — the owner of the 3-year-old website based in Victoria, British Columbia — Devellano said, “The owners can basically be viewed as the ranch, and the players, and me included, are the cattle.” He also said, “The owners simply aren’t going to let a union push them around. It’s not going to happen.”

As the Journal reported, “NHL bylaw 17.17 prohibits owners or team officials from discussing collective bargaining. Only Daly and Commissioner Gary Bettman are permitted to speak on the subject.” There appears to be zero positive news to report about the NHL lockout. The preseason has been cancelled. [SBJ]