NHL training camps opened two days ago and most players have viewed a
DVD presentation prepared by the League. The DVD describes the new
rules and most importantly gives detailed examples of what constitutes
obstruction going forward.

Players I have spoken with are uniformly enthused with the
presentation. IF the NHL sticks to the plan, skill and speed will be
returning to the game at an NHL arena near you...Granted, that's a big
IF.

It should be pointed out that some players remain skeptical (with good reason). They have seen and heard it all before.

With all the pain and acrimony of a season devouring lock-out finally
behind us, with all the new marketing plans being worked on at a
feverish pace to grow the game...many players feel the correct first
step begins with simply calling the rules as they were written well
over 50 years ago.

» Back in a big way