Locked-out NHLers get taste of what they’re missing during upbeat charity
game
- By Chris Johnston, The Canadian Press |
December 20, 2012
39 locked out players, including Steven
Stamkos, got back to the ice in a charity game on Wednesday at the former Maple
Leaf Gardens. The fans wore jerseys that have been out of use during the NHL
lockout since June; represented teams included The Habs, Red Wings, Maple
Leafs, Oilers, Bruins, Devils, Penguins, Flames and, naturally, a few Lightning
jerseys emblazoned with “No. 91” and “Stamkos.” The players were thrilled to be
back in the game, and while not all passes were perfect and “some guys were
coming back to the bench huffing and puffing,” the love of the game was strong.
All those involved in Wednesday’s game, fans and players, had a great time
together; Players threw sticks over the glass in the warmup and fans threw hats
and shirts onto the ice during stoppages in play.
“The Stamkos side came out on top of P.K.
Subban’s team 14-10, but the only number anyone was concerned about afterwards
was the $100,000 raised for the NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams Fund and RBC’s Play
Hockey initiative.”
It clear the lockout has been tough on both
fans and players alike. With the NHL locked for almost a hundred days, some
players have not been on the ice as much as the others and work will have to be
done to get back in shape for the game. With Christmas just around the corner I
know a lot of people would think the best present would be if the lockout could
end. It’s great that they’ve gotten the opportunity to play in a few charity
games since the lockout but it’s clearly not the same. Hopefully some of the
flimsiest reasons of all time to hold a lockout will eventually fall and we can
get back to the game.
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