Things to do during the NHL lockout

TORONTO – The NHL and NHL Players’ Association are back in the boardroom, trying resolve the league’s fourth work stoppage in just over 20 years.

In previous lockouts, television sports channels scrambled to fill hours of programming. Texas Hold’em became a household name, darts became popular, and soccer started to take off in Canada.

What will be the next sporting trend as a result of the 2012-2013 NHL lockout? It’s too early to tell.

While you’re waiting for the next trend to emerge, Global News offers some suggested alternatives to watching NHL hockey.  

Cry
 

It’s okay to cry. Every Saturday night, take a moment and shed a few tears during the time you would  have normally been watching Don Cherry on Coach’s Corner.

Go outside! 

See the door? Use it now! Get up and walk away from your man cave and go enjoy the fall weather.
Take up a new hobby
 

Knitting, for example. Maybe knit yourself a team sweater for next year’s season. Knitting is also great exercise for your hands and fingers. It can also improve dexterity.

Sex
 

Stop the stick handling, dust off the old Barry White albums and spend Saturday night with your partner. He or she may even make you breakfast in the morning.

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Watch football 

Picture John Madden in a flamboyant suit, replace ice with grass and take away the hockey sticks and you will see that watching football can be just as enjoyable as hockey. Well, except for the fact that there’s no ice, sticks and fighting involved.

Take up an new sport 

Botaoshi anyone?

Buy a pet
 

Pets can make for excellent company. They can be just as loyal as you are to your favourite hockey team, but they will never lock you out. Oh, and they can be very competitive. 

Support the minor hockey league 

Support the minor hockey league. In all honesty, life without the NHL can be and will be rough. But there’s no need to give up on it. Go out and support the farm teams. It’s just as hard-hitting and fast-paced as the NHL level. Oh, and it’s cheaper too!