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NHL: Lockout

As the last weeks of September come and go, we can take a look around and notice something is missing in the sports world, and I am not talking about the NFL referees (but yes, we are missing them too, greatly). But really, preseason NHL action should be under way, but has currently been halted due to the work stoppage underway, known to all as the NHL lockout.

The NHL and the NHLPA have not had negotiation meetings since September 12, 2012, and you have to think, how is a new collective bargaining agreement going to be reached when the are no meetings to discuss the details.

Every hockey fan is at a point where stress and worries are starting to come into play. To have a full, 82 game season, the 2012-2013 regular season is set to get underway October 11. We are rapidly coming up to the month of October, with no CBA guidelines set.

Granted the players rely less on the preseason schedule as compared to other major league sports, but I mean, someone has got to give.

The players have worries too of a lost season, hence the reason for some going to Europe to play, and if staying in NA, heading down to the minor leagues of the AHL and the ECHL seem to be the way to play the game.

Another cause for worry, the Toronto Star reported Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, already bringing up the possibility of a cancelled Winter Classic. This event has grown huge over the first few years of its’ existence, and a statement like that will cause chaos in a hockey fans’ mind.

Let’s hope for improvements over the next couple weeks, fingers crossed.

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Jackie Daly

Jackie Daly has been with In The Zone since 2012. Her contributions have been mostly in NHL and special events coverage. Jackie has been a writer, video host, and podcast host with ITZ. She currently co-hosts Tea Time with Mel and Jay. Outside ITZ, Jackie works with MLS's New York City Football Club and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
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