DAY 82 Of The NHL Lock Out Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

Greetings Caniacs! What a dramatic week that has unfolded in the NHL. If you are a social media guru or if you have satellite radio you know exactly what I am talking about. You can pretty much logon to twitter and get a play by play of the CBA. Now I understand there are frustrated Caniacs out there that have stopped following the madness, however it is comical to read the tweets such as “Donald Fehr left the room and appears to not come back…wait he was just using the restroom.” Really? I guess this is what we can expect now that a majority of the public has or follows a twitter account or Facebook account.

The NHL and NHLPA have had several meetings this week with some positive momentum along with the much feared Board of Governors meeting that many thought would interfere with the current negotiation process. The negotiation committees for the owners and players are scheduled to meet later today and continue to end this dreadful lockout.

I admit I have been a teeter totter regarding the CBA. I understand both parties wants and needs, however what I have continued to struggle with is how they will make things right with the fans. If they even attempt to do so. This is all about the money and money can show the true emotions of all, even our beloved Hurricanes.

If you have followed the CBA lately you have heard the words “traction”, “crucial moment” and “critical meeting”. It shows that we are approaching a decision if we will have a season and if so when it will start. If there is a CBA that both parties agree on in the next few days Caniacs can expect a 50-60 game schedule however all of this will be determined when both parties look at the deal and agree on it.

It is my cautious opinion that we will have hockey by the end of the year. I could very well see the season starting as soon as the 22^nd of December. With that being said, that is my hearts opinion, my brain tells me it is more likely that the New Year will be the start of the season. We should know more soon due to the fact that the NHL has officially cancelled games through December 14^th. You would think that a deal is in the works otherwise the NHL would be cancelling another chunk of games in the next few days.

Caniacs, keep your fingers crossed. If you haven’t wrote your letter to Santa please do so… and while you are at it tell him you want NHL hockey for Christmas.

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Caniacs would be very thankful if the Lockout ended soon.

Happy Holidays Caniacs! If you have been following the NHL negotiations (or lack of) I am sure you are like me and already stuffed from all the bologna that both parties are serving. The NHL and NHLPA met Monday night briefly to get clarity on player contract issues however the NHL chose not to discuss the matter. Instead they recommended the NHLPA draw up a proposal on core economic issues thereafter they would discuss player contract length as well as restricted free agency issues.

Union Representative Donald Fehr and Commissioner Gary Bettman need to stop. They need to stop the finger pointing, the public jabs they continue to make towards each other and work at getting this deal done before it is too late. Easier said than done right? Especially when Mr. Fehr lacks the passion for the sport and the players he is representing. As far as Commissioner Bettman goes, the owners need less of him and more of Bill Daly.

So we can expect that on Wednesday the NHLPA will put together a full proposal and present it to the NHL. That being said, I would expect if there is any traction to be gained they will reconvene on Friday. If there is nothing that grabs the owners interest than expect most of December’s games to be cancelled on Monday.

Take your time boys, it’s only been 67 days! What these two parties are neglecting is the fact that they continue to make this lockout an embarrassment to all that are involved. The players are starting to open up more and express their feelings, there are rumors that owners are getting antsy with Commissioner Bettman, and then there are the little guys who are pushed to the curb. The fans, the little guys that put gas in their cars, pay to park at the arena, save money so they can buy a few tickets to watch the sport they love.

Caniacs, as Thanksgiving is just a few days away there may not be much to be thankful for right now in the hockey world. I am thankful for you that take the time to read my articles and share your opinions with me. I want to wish all Caniacs near and far a Happy Thanksgiving and as far as Bettman and Fehr go, I already have your Christmas shopping done. Coal isn’t cheap but it is well deserved for both of you.

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