Falcons enjoy better competition during NHL lockout

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Still unable to reach an agreement, the NHL lockout continues--  which now means no "Winter Classic." But there's still plenty of action on the ice in the AHL.

The Winter Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings was scheduled for New Year's Day at the 100-thousand seat University of Michigan stadium. It's just another disappointment for NHL fans this year, but here at AHL rinks, fans and players are reaping the benefits of the lockout.

Hundreds of NHL games have already been canceled this year as the league and its players refuse to compromise on a collective bargaining agreement. That's sending many hardcore hockey fans to the only other game in town: the Springfield Falcons in the American Hockey league.

But not all of the spectators in the stands are NHL fans looking for their hockey fix. Many of them are loyal Falcons fans who are enjoying some extra competition on the ice this season.

I don't want to see the NHL In this type of position it's basically killing the sport. But at the same time I'm happy because we've got young talented guys that would be up in Columbus,” said Eric Lindsay of Chicopee.

“When you watch NHL games and you see the players that have played down here you're like wow I saw that guy when he was a semi pro,” said Nick Demaio of West Springfield.

And while the Falcons are enjoying the lockout perks for now, they want better for the sport.

“Selfishly it's good for us but for the game of hockey I'm hoping the two sides get their act together and get back to the bargaining table and get the NHL back playing. I think that's best for hockey,” said Falcons president Bruce Landon.

All NHL games through November have already been canceled; and since no new talks are currently scheduled, pro hockey in the near future isn't looking too promising.