The NHL and Players Association’s tentative agreement allowing players to get back on the ice means good news for more than just hockey fans.
In Lethbridge many sports retailers and pubs are just as eager to see the season get underway.
Owner of Scores Sports Club & Grill, Trevor Reid tells Global News there’s a change in atmosphere when BHL games are on TV.
“People love hockey right? People love coming out and watching the game with their friends and it has affected business. I’m just glad the lockout is done and back to normal,” he adds.
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The lockout has been tough on local sports retailers as well.
Justin Malec with Jersey City says the deal couldn’t have come soon enough.
“It’s going to be huge for us here. I mean over Christmas it’s been a little slower. We’ve only moved NFL, MLB and NBA, but with hockey coming back it’s going to be great. It will bring more product in and I think it’s really going to bring business back,” he adds.
The announcement has received mixed feelings from hockey fans.
Scott Davis says it’s just the news he’s been eagerly awaiting the last 113 days.
“This morning I woke up and checked my Twitter and it was like Christmas all over again,” he says.
Meantime James says he’d rather see players on the ice for the love of the game.
“It’s sad. I’d like to see some of these pro-players try and get by on 70 or 60 thousand dollars a year at a real job. They’re just squabbling about millions and billions of dollars and it’s just frustrating,” he adds.
It’s believed the season could start at the earliest January 15th.
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