Don’t throw those hockey jerseys in the garbage just yet—the season’s back in action.  The National Hockey League has been in a lockout since Sep 15. 113 days later, with endless hours of negotiations, the NHL finally came to a deal Jan. 6.

Before the NHL season was scheduled to start the NHL Players’ Association and the team owners were supposed to collaborate on a contract regarding labor management issues, called a collective bargaining agreement.
Some of the issues holding up the negotiations were regarding the players’ percent of hockey related revenue and the changing of the number of years players could sign contracts for.

The results of the new lockout agreement include seven-year limits on contracts and eight years for contract extensions. Each team can only spend a maximum of $60 million on player salaries and a minimum of $40 million.

When die hard Blackhawks fan ,senior Megan Johnson, heard about the lockout she was less than thrilled.
“I was heart-broken. Hockey is a huge part of my family. The main reason we go so into hockey is because my oldest brother works for the Chicago Blackhawks. We go to many of the games throughout their season.”
Another hockey family of EGHS is the Ritondales.

Junior Joey Ritondale, a hockey player since the age of four, has a true love for the sport. “I was upset at the beginning of the lockout because I look forward to watching and going to the games.”
Hockey is his family’s favorite sport plus they’re season ticket holders.

The last NHL lockout was the 2004-2005 season and that one resulted in the cancellation of the whole season. At least this time around, the NHL came to a decision before 50% of the season was over.

By: Christine Juhas