I am actually not missing hockey as much as I thought, but that's because up here north of the border, we still constantly hear about the minors.

But I was looking for wrapping paper tonight and came across a couple of hockey books. In my opinion, I believe what Chris Pronger has said-hockey will not return until 2006. I think if they call off the season, both sides will bad mouth each other and let their anger increase, and we will be in the same situation next year at this time.

But looking through my books, I saw many players that may not get the proper "farewell tour", so to speak. Stevie Y., Hasek, Mario (I hate the guy, but still), Chelios, Stevens, some guys like Brett Hull may choose to retire.

Also, something I was looking forward to was seeing Brodeur break Roy's win record, and 1 and 1/2 or 2 full seasons takes away what, 60 or 70 potential wins closer?

I hope for Christmas the sides put aside their harsh feelings and come back to the table to actually work on resovling this issue. Many people still don't know hockey is gone.

I tend to agree with Pronger.

I also have to say it is so good to "see" you. Hope all is well.

Misto

_________________

If you can't play with the big dogs,stay the hell on the porch

Maybe missing a season or two will be good for the game in the long run.  The current "superstars" in the system seem to think they're entitled to mega-million dollar contracts, even when they're playing to half-full stadiums and lagging behind Poker on ESPN.  Hockey is not a very popular sport in the states and doesn't warrant the big bucks.

Hope the new kids on the block like to play for the sport and not just the money.  I'm fine if Mario, Hull, Hasek, Chelios, etc. just fade off into the sunset.

Laney
Hope all is well.

I am missing the NHL but not as much as I thought I would have.Going to my nephew's games has greatly helped eased the pain of no NHL.The last game I saw(on Tuesday)they played the "Hip" and AC/DC before the game and during the timeouts and one team was wearing the home St Loo Blue jerseys while the other had the Blues away jersey on.It was just like being at an NHL game(but without the beer!).