In reading through the NHL's released emails and disclosed documents, it appears -- quite unrelated to concussions -- the league had planned two big events that never came to pass.

One was a World Cup in 2011, the other was a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins -- or maybe the Leafs or Senators -- that would have been played at Olympic Stadium as part of Montreal's centennial season.

Both events are referenced in the minutes of a June 25, 2009 meeting of the competion committee, made up of league officials, players and members of the NHL Players' Association.

The first to be referenced was the Habs centennial game, as an outcropping of a conversation about the Winter Classic. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman telling the players that Montreal had wanted something special as a "finale" to their centennial celebration. By then, the "Stadium Series" -- which now follows the Winter Classic had not been invented.

The exchange went like this:

-Bettman remarked that the event was not likely to produce substantial revenues, but was a way to thank the Montreal fans and to give the team's beer sponsor, Molson, a major event, Mr. Bettman asked the NHLPA members if they felt that this event would undermine the Winter Classic.

-Bob Gainey (then the GM of the Canadiens) stated that the hope was to play the game in early December and noted that the demands on the League were less as Olympic Stadium was not an outdoor venue.

-Jeff Halpern (then a player with the Lightning) asked if the Olympic Stadium game would be nationally televised in the US. Gary Bettman responded that it would likely be a Hockey Night in Canada Saturday night game and against the Boston Bruins, who had not yet been brought into the discussions.

-Mathieu Schneider (then a Hab) commented that this might be a nice event for Canada.

-Paul Kelly (then executive director of the NHLPA) remarked that perhaps Ottawa or Toronto would be a better opponent, as Boston was already likely to be involved in the Winter Classic game rumored to be at Fenway Park.

-Bob Gainey commented that the Montreal Alouettes had tried playing multiple games at Olympic Stadium but that it had really only worked for them the first time.

-Paul Kelly asked if the Olympic Stadium game could be held earlier in the season, to create more separation from the Winter Classic. Bob Gainey responded that the Montreal Canadiens were flexible.

-Ryan Miller (then with the Sabres) stated that Montreal was a franchise rich with history and that it was a good idea to allow them an event to honor this history. Jason Spezza agreed, adding that it would also be good idea to give an event to the Canadian fans.

-Jeff Halpern stated that an indoor game in Canada was completely different from the Winter Classic and agreed that it was a good idea to play a game at Olympic Stadium.

-Gary Bettman concluded that the League would establish guidelines for an Olympic Stadium game and follow up with the team. Mr. Bettman stated that the game would be played before December, the appropriate opponent would be chosen, ticket prices would be limited, and the game would only be held if the League decided against a second outdoor game out of the Olympic break. Mr. Bettman added that he was not in favor of regular big venue games, as this would start to dilute the event quality of the Winter Classic.

-Paul Kelly stated that the NHLPA was in favor of the League pursuing the Olympic Stadium game in Montreal on these terms.

As for the proposed World Cup of 2011:

(Glenn) Healy (then with the NHLPA) asked where the League was on a 2011 World Cup of Hockey. Gary Bettman responded

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that everyone was in favor of a World Cup and the League and NHLPA business should get together to start working on the specifics. Mr. Bettman reiterated that commemorating September 11th sometime during the World Cup was an excellent idea.

GOT A QUESTION? Email me at askkevinmcgran@gmail.com and I'll answer it in Friday's mailbag. That is, unless you're asking about whether I think Mitch Marner should play in Europe next year and isn't it unfair he can't play in the AHL. If you're asking that question, check here, here and here first.

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