NHL Staal Brothers Arrested in Minnesota

Two of the youngest, and best, NHL players were arrested for disorderly conduct, obstructing the legal process, and under age drinking. The Staal brothers, Eric and Jorden, were attending a bachelor party at a Minnesota resort. The first player, in the NHL, has tested positive for drugs. Have good guys gone bad?

Eric Staal, who is 22, plays with the Carolina Hurricanes. Jordan Staal, age 18, is one of the young stars on the Pittsberg Penguins. The two were drinking, and having a good time as any would do at a bachelor party. It wasn't just any bachelor party, Eric Staal was celebrating his last night of being a single man.

The two were given a warning to keep the noise down by the Cook County police. As the two were off to bed, the hockey star's friends kept the party going, which led to another unwanted police visit. Eric and Jordan were awakened and taken to jail, but not before harassing nearby motorists.

Not something you'd expect from the highest-paid player on the Hurricanes and an all-star rookie. "I didn't expect it would be any more serious than it is -- they're noise violations," said Rick Curran, the agent for both players, on ESPN. This can't be compared to actions of other sports athletes like Michael Vick, Pac Man Jones, NBA officials gambling issues, or various other boys behaving badly.

It seems everyone is being put under the microscope. Sean Hill is the only player out of 3,000 random tests, in the NHL, to test positive for anabolic steroids. The New York Islander's recent test has sparked a debate among sporting officials. To test or not to test, that is a good question. Dick Pound, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, told ESPN.com last week, "It's a sham." Pound referring to the role and testing of performance-enhancing drugs in the NHL.

The National Hockey League is known for its lockouts. Players and officials have had a hard time agreeing on set rules, pay, and other issues. The performance-enhancing drug-testing program was instated during the lockout of the 2004-05 season. Of course, before the lockout, players were tested during events, such as the World Cup of Hockey, World Championships, and the Olympics, but never for regular season play. No one has ever tested positive to performance-enhancing drugs until now.

With all of the other sports developing a bad reputation, the NHL is seeking to shine in the spot light. Now is the National Hockey League's time to make a move into the mainstream. Just last season, the NHL started broadcasting games on a local American TV station on weekends. With new teams in in the South and Mid-West, the NHL is bound to be the center of attention. As long as lockouts can be avoided.

"It's the year in which the league is going to turn the corner, if at all," Edelman said to ESPN. "If things do not turn positive this year, it is possible hockey will never be able to retain its brand equity in America." Soccer and hockey are more popular in Europe, if only American fans can see the potential. Soccer is gaining popularity, since David Beckham moved to the US. Martial Arts is another sport that has taken off. MMA is the best new sport around, but hockey has something to offer. There is competition, violence, skill, and heart embedded within the NHL. And don't forget to mention some rebellion.

Source:ESPN.com