NHL cancels first two weeks of regular season
Posted October 4, 2012 5:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK, NY (NEWS1130) – The National Hockey League has announced the cancellation of the first two weeks of the regular season due to the current lockout. This scraps a total of 82 games scheduled between October 11th and 24th.
The two-week block of cancellations includes seven Vancouver Canucks games beginning with the scheduled season opener in Calgary October 11th and home games against Carolina and Edmonton. The Canucks were to open with five of their first seven games on the road.
“We understand the concerns of our passionate and loyal fans, especially at this time. Our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and reciprocate your unwavering support is stronger than ever,” said Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis in a team news release.
Dr. Sport Greg Douglas calls it disappointing, pointing out people had been holding out hope that it would just be the preseason games. He points out a lot of people behind the scenes are going to suffer.
“All the people that are involved in presenting a game at Rogers Arena… like the concessionaires, the ushers, the parking attendants,” lists Douglas.
“It’s a very important second income to them; they’re going to suffer. Of course, now we’re going to hear [it] from the restaurants downtown,” he points out.
“It’s really too bad for the fans, who are A) prepared to pay [and] B) love the product,” he adds.
The lockout is into its 19th day and the two sides currently don’t have any negotiating sessions scheduled.
As expected, the fans News1130 spoke to are not reacting very well to the news of no hockey for two weeks.
Many of them are blaming the players.
“They already make too much money as it is, they should just figure something out so we can enjoy watching games.”
“It’s unfortunate that everything comes down to money in the end.”
“It’s devastating.”
Another fan says this lockout is just getting in the way of Vancouver winning the cup.
A few men did admit their wives are pleased because it means more family time.
These fans say there is no doubt about it, this isn’t going to deter them for when, and if, the season does finally start.
