These last few weeks have been brutal for NHL fans. looking on as the pre-season was cancelled, then watching as the first night of regular season games came and went without a single NHL puck hitting the ice. With the prospect of yet another collective bargaining disagreement claiming an entire season, NHL fans everywhere are left to their own devices to numb the pain of hockey withdrawal. Luckily, I have solutions on just how to do that:
1. While not quite the same caliber of hockey as the NHL, other professional leagues such as the AHL, CHL, and KHL are viable options for the hockey-starved population. Because of the NHL lockout, there will be many familiar faces in both overseas and domestic professional leagues.
2. Publicly denouncing the NHL and NHLPA for costing us NHL for the third time since 1994. Personally, I would suggest following @UnfollowNHLsept15, @NoHockeyLockout, and @OccupyNHLStore on twitter, and unfollowing the NHL, players, or any other NHL/NHLPA representatives (Bettman, Fehr, etc.)
3. Watching the highlights of games you will never forget (Hello, Canucks vs Blackhawks, game 7, 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.)
4. Get into other sports. Though it may seem like a betrayal of hockey, it helps in a pinch!
5. Watching lockout songs and videos. They can offer some comic relief or even get you excited about vetoing NHL purchases to show NHL owners, executives, and players who’s really the boss. (I have posted some of my favourite videos below)
