Although hockey fans are praying to the sporting gods that NHL owners and players come to a deal and avoid a NHL lockout, such a pro hockey work stoppage may be beneficial to other leagues.
The two sides are currently locked in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks, with a mid-September deadline looming for NHL training camps.
The Alberta Junior A Hockey League Camrose Kodiaks, who have groomed many players into NHLers, are in the midst of pre-season and with the NHL season in possible jeopardy, it may mean more fans turn to junior hockey for their fix.
“We have talked about that, and it should (help),” said Kodiaks GM and head coach Boris Rybalka, who said his squad has had a lot of success over the years and built a fan base, but there are still those who have yet to give junior hockey a try.
“They come and they say, ‘you have been here for 15 years?, this is amazing hockey.’
“But junior hockey is great across the board. What should be happening is the Edmonton Oil Kings should be getting tones of people, the Kodiaks should be, the Red Deer Rebels, everybody should be benefiting.”
Full Story from Camrose Canadian