Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NHL fans, now is the time to rejoice! Camps will open tomorrow as expected and seeing your favorite players take the ice is going to happen in one week as the 2012 NHL lockout has reached its official end.
What took so long?
I wish that were easy to figure out but it’s not. However, it sounded like both sides had to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) after ratification voting concluded but before the season could begin.
When can teams begin manufacturing trades and/or signing free agents?
That’s a great question and–finally–one I can answer. As per TSN‘s Bob McKenzie on Twitter,
It’s business as usual – trades and signings – in the NHL starting at midnight ET
Next, when will schedules be released?
From everything I’ve heard the league has released its opening week schedule. If looking for a specific teams schedule I’d suggest checking the team website, as a few have already released it.
Now that the legal stuff is out of the way, it’s time to get ready for training camp. Those will be opening tomorrow, with some holding a Fan Fest type event to kick off the season. Speaking of Fan Fest, it’s a great way to meet players your team acquired before the lockout began.
Anyways, I know this has been a long, arduous process that pushed many of us to the brink, or frustrated us, at times. It’s over now though and we don’t have to go through this for another 8-10 years. Realizing that, I encourage all fans to take that frustration felt during the lockout and put it to good use by rooting your team on from start to finish. Last but not least, I leave you all with a few final words:
R.I.P. NHL Lockout: Sept 15, 2012-Jan 12,2013.
