NHL Lockout: A Simple Way To Say Thanks

The UTSC boys celebrating a 'duck hunt' win. 

     With no NHL to cheer for, and it seems to be staying that way for the unforeseeable future, playing hockey has took on a whole new meaning for me.

And for that NHL, I thank you.

Before, when the NHL was on basically every night and I could immerse myself in highlights every morning, hockey was all around me. Now, it is nowhere to be seen.

Heading to the rink with my bag slung over my back and two sticks in hand brings a whole new sense of excitement.

I always knew that hockey needed to be a part of my life. I never quite realized however, just how big of a part it actually plays in it.

Pavel Bure: The Rocket Has Landed

I got to see him play once, my childhood idol.

Pavel Bure was playing with the Florida Panthers at the time and they were visiting the Air Canada Center in Toronto. This is the only game I remember going to that did not involve the Leafs playing the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Bure was the reason why.

No other player in the league has ever excited me the same way Bure did. Every time I stepped out on my backyard rink I suddenly transformed myself into "The Russian Rocket". Constantly practicing his toe-to stick-to the back of the net deke (see video). 

Brandon Saad: A Second Round Steal

Yahoo! Sports Canada

Taken by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 draft, Brandon Saad has become a dominating offensive force and a true top prospect.

That offensive skill was shown in his first season with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League where he finished with 55 points in 59 games. Totals good enough for the 'Hawks to select the dynamic winger in the second round (43rd overall).

Last season with the Spirit however, Saad took his game to another level. After making the 'Hawks roster out of training camp, Saad was sent back down to junior.

He did not let the decision bother him though.

He ramped up his play and ended with 76 points in only 44 games.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville recognizes Saad is a special talent, he tells Dan Rosen of NHL.com.

"He's a good hockey player. The puck just follows him around. He's the key (to our prospects)."

The Blackhawks Blog

 The whole Balckhawks organization seems to be very excited about Saad, and so to do many fans. He is a player who could contribute as soon as he steps into the lineup and that will be expected of him.

Saad will look to continue to impress this season with Rockford in the AHL. And when the NHL gets going again, be it sometime this year or next season, expect Saad to be a lock in the lineup.