HOCKEY!!!!

Those of you who know me know that I am a truly die hard fan (part of what kills me about living in the south). Anyway, with no hockey on the horizon, I've been watching the proceedings very closely to try and decide if the players are becoming as responsible as the owners in keeping me from seeing my favorite sport. If that becomes the case, then hockey will go by the wayside for me just like baseball has.

This week, there has been a large change in the situation. The players union (practically begging) asked the owners back to the table and offered to take a 24% paycut and other very good incentives to get the bargaining agreement back in place and allow hockey to be played. It was, in my opinion, a great step. Add to that, all of the players I've heard interviewed have made excellent points in that the lockout is not hurting their wallets - they have money. It does however hurt the hardworking folks in concessions and the like and nobody is doing enough to help those people.

The players will find a place to play and will make money doing so. However, they feel a commitment to the groups who have been providing for the fans at their games. The players are being reasonable and are ready to go - so what's the problem? Gary Bettman. This guy needs to go. He has expanded the league creating many teams which were destined to lose money for years (2 teams in FL, 2 in CA, 1 in NC, ATL and other cities - not exactly part of the good ole boys hockey network there...).

So, we'll see what happens, but in any case - PRESSURE BETTMAN TO GET OUT AND BRING BACK HOCKEY!!!!