deep freeze continues

Well the NHL's Lockout continues as we cross check our way into the winter months. The hopes of a full 82 game season were dashed last week as bargaining came to a screeching halt  As a result an entire months worth of games will be cancelled in November. Sadly the next victim of the lockout will most likely be the winter classic, which may be the final nail in the coffin of the hopes of successful 2012-2013 season.
    
The winter classic has served has one of the best promotional tools for the NHL's product. It's become a majestic way to usher in the new year. In fact, I believe in recent years it has surpassed the Rose Bowl in terms of must see sporting events that take place on New Years Day. From Fenway Park, to Pittsburgh  the winter classic has been wildly successful and had become one of the driving forces in the rejuvenation of the NHL in recent years. This year was set to be one of the biggest classics yet as the University of Michigan was slated to host this years event. The amazing sight of one of the NHL's premier events being played in the Big House would have taken the Winter Classic to new heights  However, like the rest of the NHL Season, we are left with the negative connotation of what would've been. 

Last year with the NBA in it's lockout the NHL garnered vital momentum which carried through out the season. One would have thought the NHL would have learned from the NBA's mistake last season. Not to mention, the NHL is in it's second lockout in under a decade. With most high profile players making good money over seas, there does not appear to be a deal that can end this lockout anytime soon. Sadly, we may be in danger of missing an entire season of hockey once again, which could be a fatal blow to the passion of NHL fans nation wide.

- Joe Passarelli

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