While we all become completely disgusted with the NHL itself, we have to remember that it's a love for the GAME and not the league that has made us such passionate fans. It is our passion for the sport that has given the league that 'pie' they are fighting over.

But the situation that is keeping us out of the rinks should not take away from the sport itself. That is why the "Try Hockey for Free Day" for 2012 is slated for November 3rd. That would be the day after the NHL would have to start in order to have an 82 game season.

"Try Hockey for Free Day" is part of the NHL's Come Play Hockey Month. A little ironic since they're not playing it.

The Islanders will be hosting a one hour long program at Iceworks for kids between 4 and 9 who would like to check out the sport. This session is for kids who have no hockey experience and equipment will be provided. It is limited to the first 50 children to enroll so check out the main website to register.

Tomorrow the Islanders coaching staff will be instructing some bigger kids. Okay, really big kids in their adult hockey clinic. I imagine this is a way to get out of the house for most of them. But it's a great way for our locals to learn a thing or two they can use on the ice in their beer leagues.

This is what it has come to.

And it is sad.

Meanwhile, Don Fehr and the NHLPA called the NHL and requested a meeting today. Supposedly the answer from the NHL, such as Bill Daly and Gary Bettman who said they were willing to meet with the NHLPA 'any time', was 'NO.'

Now, that could be because they are not ready and are working on additional concessions or it could be because this is nothing but a war of egos and now the NHL is playing Don Fehr's game of "I don't do what you say. I work on my own time-table."

If everyone is working on their own schedule, nothing will ever get done.

Also, Calvin deHaan is once again undergoing shoulder surgery. Perhaps this will be the kid's swan song

Join the Discussion: » 6 Comments » Post New Comment

» Boychuk for Seven

» Good Ain't Good Enough NYR 2 - NYI 1

» The Return of Isles' Capt. America

» The JT Show in TO in OT

» Kennedy's Debut