So the lockout ended today with news that a tentative deal has been reached. A new 10 year CBA will be sent for ratification from both the players and the owners. A formality that expects to be completed quickly and games back on the ice by either the 15th (50 game sched) or the 19th (48 game sched) of January.
A FAN'S REACTION...
While I am happy to be able to watch the game I love again, I am still very bitter and frustrated with the lockout. Many questions were raised on my Twitter timeline this morning. one that I found interesting was by @oilonwhyte my former colleague over at oilonwhyte.com he writes...
Jeff Chapman @OilOnWhyte
So how does the NHL "make whole" for the fans? What should they do / offer to show that you are valued?
and I responded with this...
Grant Pegden-Wright @realoilfan
I honestly believe that if the Commissioner's job is not in jeopardy after three labour disputes on his watch, then the Ownwers / Board of Governors are not paying attention or just don't care that much about the game.
Fortunately the new CBA is supposedly a 10 year deal so, at least this won't happen again for at least 7-8 years, but if the NHL truly feels shame towards their fans, and want to make it up to us, then they need to fire Bettman today.
It may be un-realistic after a 100+ days of negotiations to ask that this happen right now, but it needs to happen!
The NHL is a gate driven league and alienating the fans with labor disputes, especially in struggling markets, is the worst possible scenario for those teams. I wonder how Phoenix will do this abbreviated season?
OILERS HOCKEY...
It will be interesting see ttraining camp start in the next few days. I will also be very interested to see if the Oilers use the rumored two buy-outs on players has been apparently agreed on with the new deal. I guees we will have to wait and see.
HOW DO YOU FEEL...
If I have any readers left from the boycott of promoting hockey by blogging that I have done the last several months, then please let me know how you feel about the lockout and subsequent return of hockey this year.
GO OILERS GO!
