LETS GET BACK TO HOCKEY!!!

Hockey Is  Back, But Are The Fans Back Too??

If you are like me, Sunday was a day to celebrate.  When I woke up around 7am I immediately checked the many sites that I check for my NHL news.  I knew that the discussions were still ongoing when I went to bed and was curious just how long they went and whether anything was accomplished.  The joy I felt when I read the headlines "Lets Play Hockey - NHL and NHLPA Agree To Terms Of Deal"...well if you are a big hockey fan you know EXACTLY what that feels like.  It was awesome to get onto Twitter and see my timeline filled with nothing but hockey fans rejoicing and enjoying the simple fact that the game they love, the teams they root for, and the sport that brings them joy is returning.  Even if its only for 48 games, just think of the drama that each and every game will bring when if you hit a 4 game losing streak you could be seeing your playoff hopes dashed. 

The biggest question that I see is how many fans are going to "get back to hockey" and how many have had enough are willing to turn their back on the product?  Some people are extremists...no matter what they do.  These are the people who created Twitter accounts and Facebook pages asking people to sign petitions to boycott the purchasing of everything NHL-related.  I will admit, I "unfollowed" the NHL and NHLPA (along with thousands of other angry fans) on Twitter, but even I realize that does absolutely nothing.  Do you think the NHL cares if @BnGBlitz "unfollows" them on Twitter....if you think they do you are delusional.  This is a league and a players association that has allowed HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of dollars go directly down the proverbial toilet and did NOTHING until the last minute.  Nonetheless, there are fans who are saying they've had enough.  I am an emotional person, and I am an emotional fan.  If I were to take that stance, it would only take on magical Sidney Crosby goal, or one dazzling Evgeni Malkin "dangle" to have me glued back to the TV set watching my favorite team.  So what does the NHL need to do to show the fans that they truly are sorry for crapping on them since mid-September?? 

The owners and GMs of NHL teams have already released apology statements to all fans for the lockout.  Anyone else getting that warm and fuzzy feeling inside after reading one of those?  Nope?  Me neither.  So I ask NHL fans, what is it you would take as an apology from the NHL that would actually make you say "Alright, apology accepted...I'm back"  Would it be Free NHL Center Ice for DirecTV?  What if you don't have DirecTV?  Would it be to have the fans to have a platform in front of NHL and NHLPA brass to answer tough questions from the people who keep the game going?  Would it be as simple as Gary Bettman handing in his resignation?  That is what I want to know from those hockey fans that have turned their back on the sport...what will it take to get you back "in the fold"?  Or is it too little too late?  Leave a message in the comment section below or mention me on Twitter (@BnGBlitz).  Looking foward to hearing what fans think...