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A look at some potentially interesting stories.
What will the hockey look like?
It is still not clear when players will report for training camp, or how many games they will play when they finally get rolling. Schedules still have to be released, players still have to return from Europe or be recalled from their American Hockey League teams and thrown onto the ice — sometimes with new coaches. How will that jambalaya look? "I think it’s going to be excitingly bizarre," St. Louis Blues coach Ken Hitchcock told TSN on Sunday. "There’s going to be games — I know the games from ’94-95 — no lead is safe. There’s going to be games where good teams are going to get steamrolled because you’re tired, and the other team’s rested … it is going to be wild."
Globe and Mail looks at the numbers of the lockout - and how you'll have to wait at least 18 months to get rid of Gary.
In the end, the two sides came together to do the deal for one reason alone. They understood the cost of playing under a less-than-perfect agreement was far preferable to the alternative – losing an entire year – which could have been catastrophic for both sides.
It is why both sides will now turn their attention on wooing back you – the fan – in the weeks and months ahead. Primarily, hockey remains a largely gate-receipt driven industry and thus needs bums back in the seats to make the financial numbers work.
The Denver Post has some quotes from Avalanche players.
"It's a great day for hockey," Colorado forward Matt Duchene told The Denver Post.
"I am absolutely thrilled at the chance to get to wear the Avs jersey this season. I can't wait to get out in front of our amazing fans."
P.A. Parenteau, who signed a four-year, $18 million free-agent contract with the Avs over the summer, said:
"I'm very exited to start my new adventure in Denver,with all the young good players they have. I'm coming in Tuesday afternoon."
As an aside, due to demand I've already been receiving I've started a Fantasy League for MHH. Twenty teams, email me for an invite. If there is overwhelming demand we'll add more leagues as we go.
An addition from Cheryl:
Jeff Adelsberg of Bordy's Hooligans is posting some amazing sights on Facebook, sights like Joey Hishon nailing Picard in the mask during warm ups before practice in Cleveland. Hish is still non-contact, but it's fantastic news nonetheless. UPDATE: I guess maybe the embedding isn't working. Here's a link to the video: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4122328547762&set=o.169970463014102&type=2&theater