I write this with mixed emotions on what you’ve done to the game of hockey. Entering the lockout, I believed you would eventually come to your senses and reach agreement on a new CBA by Thanksgiving.
In my heart, I didn’t think you’d drag this out to the point where you’ve put another season at risk. I thought that lesson was learned.

Unfortunately, you’ve disappointed the loyal fans passionate about the sport we truly love. When it finally looked like you were ready to get it done this past week, you did the impossible. Playing with our emotions. I never got excited over the rumors on Twitter and in the blogosphere because you’d already lost me. I lost expectations of there ever being a season. For many great hockey fans and writers who would give anything to see NHL hockey again, you broke their hearts. They celebrated believing the nightmare was finally over. Instead, you toyed with them and did further damage.

We’re now in December with no resolution close. The bickering and blame game you play doesn’t matter. The truth is you’re both at fault. If your intent is to ruin Christmas for everyone, you’re worse than Scrooge. The loyalists know how great hockey is and will continue to follow the sport no matter what. That was proven in Atlantic City and at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion for great causes. It’s also been on display as we shift to college hockey weekends, junior games of the week, AHL and the KHL. Wait till the WJC hits. You’ll be up in smoke in our rear view.

You can’t take the heart out of us. We will always love the sport. That’s what makes us hockey fans. As long as there’s good H-O-C-K-E-Y to be seen, we will follow it. By continuing to fiddle around, you’re only hurting yourselves. We are saving hard earned money that you’ll never get back. When you finally come to your senses, you may be in for a rude awakening. Not every fan will return. I won’t drop everything to be back at Madison Square Garden even though I love the atmosphere at Ranger games and miss our section. The only way to send a message is to not go. You don’t deserve a penny. That includes the outrageous costs for jerseys.

I realize it’s hard for us to give up something we love. I have no problem staying home and catching games on the tube. Just don’t expect me to catch every second. You’ve cause this. It hurts to speak the truth about the coolest sport on Earth. A phrase you once coined when things were much better. We enjoy the fast pace, end to end rushes, breathtaking goals, sweet dishes, ridiculous dekes, ferocious hits, jaw dropping saves, hair raising penalty shots, sacrificial blocks and breakaways that get us out of our seats. It’s what makes the sport so special. That’s what it’s all about. The game on ice.

You could be playing right now and we’d be much happier. Talk would be about our favorite teams and players along with intense debates against rival fans. Who’s leading in scoring and who’s the biggest surprise. Which player has put himself into early Hart consideration. All things we like to discuss. Nobody cares about the CBA. It’s like watching paint dry. We just want you to do the right thing. It’s time to get back to playing! The longer you wait, the bigger risk you’re taking.

Sincerely,

Loyal hockey fan for life:

Derek Felix