As we enter the Post Lockout era, or P.L., the buzz in the hockey world is bright and cheery as the National Hockey Leagues prepares to re-open for business with training camps commencing early this week.

The feeling of anxiousness is apparent as players, coaches, general managers and fans alike prepare to return to the rinks and welcome back the NHL after the lengthy lockout wiped out the entire 2004-2005 season, including playoffs.

For the most part, the first ever draft lottery to determine which team would have the opportunity to draft highly touted prospect Sidney Crosby and the wild free agent frenzy during the month of August restored excitement for hockey fans and was a step in the right direction for the League, who would take any form of positive media coverage following the grim lockout.

During the 301 day-old dispute, there was a lot of talk about possible repercussions that may surface as a result of a lost season such as fan alienation, further financial despair for small market teams and forcing many veteran players into retirement.

The NHL are still holding their breath hoping the fans return to the arenas, thus creating revenue that will assist small market clubs as was the intent of the salary cap system.

However, an entire season away from the game was too long for many veteran players, namely Scott Stevens (New Jersey), Al MacInnis (St. Louis), Vincent Damphousse (San Jose) and James Patrick (Buffalo) as all four players announced their retirements this past week. Reports indicate that the League?s second-leading scorer, Mark Messier will also announce his retirement on Monday.

It was feared that a full season lost would result in a few retirements mainly due to age, injury or one year away from competitive hockey, since majority of the players who played in Europe were younger and unmarried.

Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman cleared up rumors surrounding a possible retirement on Aug. 2 when he re-signed with the Wings, the team he has spent his entire career with.

With the emergence of young talent such as Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, it is an exciting time to be a fan of the NHL, however on the same note, it is unfortunate to see veteran players take their final bow without having a chance to play out their final season on the ice.






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