Does anyone miss the NHL? I am really starting to. Their cancelled season finally became a reality when scrolling through channels on Saturday night I landed on CBC, and the guy who usually hosts Hockey Night in Canada announces that tonight’s TV lineup is going to be Lilo and Stitch (which I watched) followed by Legally Blonde. Is there any hockey hope in sight?
Joe Thorton (Boston Bruins) and Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets) seem to be humbled by the lockout experience, both playing for HC Davos of the Swiss Elite League. Bus trips through the Alps lasting up to six and half hours, packing their own bags, and stowing their sweaty gear on the bus themselves can be a real eye opener for players that get flown from city to city and have multiple staff members packing their bags and stowing gear. Rick Nash sums it up best:
"I think we get spoiled in the NHL," said Rick Nash, the first player picked in the 2002 draft.
The NHL and the Players’ Association have decided to go back to the table, but I am not hopeful that the season or league can be saved, especially with Gary Bettman in charge. Both sides are scheduled to meet next week. But with arenas booking 45 days out at this point, no games could be played before the middle of January.
If the league and season are saved, I think we might see a better game. Players are keeping their skills sharp by playing for minor league teams or in Europe. Hopefully, it will be a wake up call and many will return to the place where they first fell in love with the game, where they were carrying their own bags and riding the bus.
