Fans may not return to watch NHL

After 113 frustrating and contentious days of the NHL Players Association being locked out by the NHL owners, a tentative deal for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been made. At approximately 5:00 am on Sunday, January 6, a very tired and weary NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and an equally exhausted NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr addressed the media together to make the announcement after a 16-hour negotiation session in New York City. While the CBA still needs to be ratified by the Players Association and the NHL Board of Governors, it is believed that a 48-game regular season schedule will begin January 19.

As expected the news has come with mixed reactions from hockey fans, particularly in Canada. I took to Facebook to gauge the feedback from hockey fans. Gino D’s post speaks for the diehard fans (me included) that will not only watch, but also relish in the return of NHL hockey: “I guess a shortened season is better than no season.”

However, many believe that the NHL will need to work very hard to gain back fans who believe they were alienated by the owners and the players, as it became a battle between “billionaires and millionaires.” John M believes a new CBA notwithstanding, the league has still left the fans out to dry. “A short NHL season means nothing and the players and owners could care less about the fans that love the game and will pay almost anything to watch a game.”

Kevin C likens his ill feelings towards the NHL after this work stoppage to those towards Major League Baseball after that league’s players went on strike for 232 days and eliminated the 1994-95 season. Kevin writes: “If you ‘lost interest in baseball because of the 1994 strike’ now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. The NHL is going to have to work hard for my love and attention.” Dwayne S echoes those sentiments and thinks he’ll need to wait until next season starts to enjoy the sport again: “I hear that hockey is back,” Dwayne writes in a post. “I'm going to spend the next 7 months pretending it isn't…call me when there's an 82 game schedule again.”

Others are calling for some form of boycott – if only temporary – of NHL games and merchandise. Natalie L posts: “Yeah the lock out is over but doesn't mean fans can't protest! Empty arenas for the first couple games, I think?” Sheldon C is happy that the lockout is over, however feels that a fans should stay away from the rinks for the first ten games of the abbreviated schedule: “Dear NHL”, Sheldon writes on a Facebook page dedicated to protest the lockout, “I have missed you, and I am glad you are back, but I must take this time to remind you who pays your salary, and who lines the owners pockets!!!! Us! 10 game boycotte (sic).....I can do that.”

But while fans like Kevin, Dwayne, Natalie, and Sheldon may eventually return to the sport, apathy has taken over some fans who have lost interest and may never return. Ian M writes: “I doubt I'll ever again give a fuck…” and Shawn B offers a simple two-word post: “Who Cares.” William M is more direct in his feelings: "Goodbye NHL forever!"

Only time will tell how the league will fare after its third work stoppage since 1994-95, when that season was also reduced to a 48-game season. It seemed the NHL was gaining tremendous momentum – on the ice, in the boardroom, and public opinion – after a lockout cancelled the entire 2004-05 season. That momentum has certainly been all but lost. And, if you believe what you read on Facebook, so have many of the NHL's fans.