KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
The end of the NHL lockout sparked many different emotions from hockey fans across Canada.
NHLer Jordin Tootoo of the Detroit Red Wings puts the big hook on Papak Kabvitok during a Team Tootoo Hockey camp in Rankin Inlet this past month. Many fans have mixed feelings about the return of the NHL. - photo courtesy of Team Tootoo
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Many welcomed back the NHL with open arms, while others had mixed feelings, and Rankin Inlet is no different.
Maple Leafs fan Justin Merritt said if the players are happy, he's happy they came back.
He said if he was an NHL player, he wouldn't have.
"NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was trying to screw them," said Merritt.
"But 48 games are worth playing, especially for NHL cities that wanted their hockey back.
"The NHL couldn't afford to lose any more games with its new NBC TV contract.
"I wasn't surprised the fans came flocking back, especially in Canada."
Merritt said he wants his Leafs to make the playoffs, not miss for a high draft pick.
He said a real fan never wants his team to lose.
"If they do miss the playoffs and get a high draft pick, that would be fine too.
"It's not like they're ready to contend for the Cup.
"L.A. finished eighth and won the Cup, but that was because of the great trades they made at the deadline.
"I don't watch as much as I used to, but that's because I don't like the way they play today -- like soccer players falling down whenever they're touched -- not because of the lockouts."
David Tulugak is like many NHL fans in that part of him was happy the lockout ended, and part of him wished they'd stayed out all year.
A big Habs fan, Tulugak said he hoped they'd work at the collective bargaining agreement all summer and get it right.
"I didn't mind what the NHL was trying to do, but I wasn't happy with the NHLPA," said Tulugak.
"(NHLPA executive director) Donald Fehr was stalling the deal and I really can't stand that bugger.
"The players are overpaid now for what they do, and don't need more from hockey-related revenues."
Tulugak said he's been watching the games since the puck was dropped and is just happy hockey's back.
He said Montreal got a high draft pick this past summer, so now he wants to see them make the playoffs.
"Playoffs are the most exciting hockey to watch.
"But if there's another lockout in eight years, I will stop watching NHL hockey all together.
"I'll stick with hockey here in Rankin, which is pretty good hockey anyway."
