The lock-out is over — and after three months of informal practices — the NHL players who live in the Central Okanagan are getting ready to return to their professional teams, but not before one more practice at Prospera Place in Kelowna Monday.
“Gonna get back to work, sooner than later. Finally it’s happened. We’re very excited and ready to go,” says Keaton Ellerby of the Florida Panthers
Although talks broke down several times, and the entire season appeared to be at risk, most of the players remained hopeful.
“You know, I tried to stay optimistic. That’s what I had to do in order to get up every morning, work out, and go to the ice. Even on days where it wasn’t looking too good. I always had the optimism and tried to stay positive,” says Blake Comeau of the Calgary Flames.
“I always figured something would get done, but there were times I thought it didn’t look good. I’m happy to see that they figured it out,” says Wade Redden of the New York Rangers.
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Some players, like Jordin Tootoo, are on their way to new teams.
“For me personally, I’m excited to put on the jersey of the Detroit Red Wings. There’s a lot of history there. It’s a new start.”
There are concerns that fans, especially in non-traditional hockey markets, may not come back — but Keaton Ellerby of the Florida Panthers doesn’t think that will be a problem.
“I don’t think so. I’ve already talked to some fans down there on Twitter. They are excited for us to come back. And after the year we had last year, hockey has never been more popular in the state and the city. I think the fans are excited and will be coming out in full force.”
However, some of the other players aren’t so optimistic.
“It’ll hurt for sure. There will be a lull, I think. It’ll take some time to get the excitement back to where it was,” says Redden.
Tootoo says the players will have to work harder to promote the game.
“We have to make sure we do everything we can to get all our fans back. Part of that is doing a lot of public appearances and making sure we have time for the little things like that.”
This is the last time the NHL’ers will be informally scrimmaging in Kelowna. The ones who haven’t already left for training camp will be leaving in the next day or two.
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