I was just sent a text from a guy I have been talking to since the last lockout. A current NHLer who has always been centered and always been real. Today the NHLPA is hard at work putting together a deal which may indeed give the needed traction to bring back the sport we love. The sides are not meeting until tomorrow officially (although I am hearing a meeting later tonight could happen for some 'clarification' purposes.)

I was writing a blog about all of this...when I received the following blog...from a player asking me if I would mind posting it...so more from me later, but this blog is far more important today...it shows us why we love these players...still love them..


Instead of Focusing on the Ugly
By a current NHLer living through his second lockout...

In this moment of NHL history the game and love of hockey has taken a back seat to the business side. Although it is a time to fix the so called economics of the game. Hopefully we don't get so lost in this ugly side of the game that we forget why we fell in love with the sport in the first place.

Doubtful any player or owner grew up wanting to be involved in this great game because of the paycheck. We got into the game because of the passion. Because of how this game in a moment can bring us to our feet in joy or bring us to our knees in agony. At one point or another we were all fans. And although we have been blessed to become more than that for a mere moment of our lives. Eventually we will all return to the stands cheering for the very game which we fell in love with as kids. With nothing more invested than the pure love of the game.

It is our obligation as current members of this great sport to not lose sight of the game itself. To not take the privilege of playing or owning a part of this game lightly. It is important that what ever purpose this lockout serves that it solves the problems once and for all.
It is my sincere hope that we can get this great game back on the ice soon and leave it on the ice where it belongs.

Never again to be taken from the cheering hands of our great fans!!!

Join the Discussion: » 257 Comments » Post New Comment

» Mike Mathesson Suddenly Hot Commodity. These 8 teams interested..

» Rumors a Plenty on Monday.. Rangers, Sens, Penguins, and More..

» Name One Top 6 O or Top 4 D From Your Team that You Want to Trade.

» Are the Bruins Waiting for Sullivan? Should they be?

» Is Evan Bouchard Worth 11M per? Ovechkin Out 4-6 Weeks.