Quick Hits on a Slow Day

The National Hockey League has canceled the first two weeks of the regular season, which pretty much was assumed a few weeks ago.

Here's the reaction from Donald Fehr of the NHLPA:

“The decision to cancel the first two weeks of the NHL season is the unilateral choice of the NHL owners. If the owners truly cared about the game and the fans, they would lift the lockout and allow the season to begin on time while negotiations continue. A lockout should be the last resort in bargaining, not the strategy of first resort. For nearly 20 years, the owners have elected to lock-out the players in an effort to secure massive concessions. Nevertheless, the players remain committed to playing hockey while the parties work to reach a deal that is fair for both sides. We hope we will soon have a willing negotiating partner."

And we sometimes try to be fair, so here is a statement from Bill Daily of the NHL:

"We were extremely disappointed to have to make today’s announcementThe game deserves better, the fans deserve better and the people who derive income from their connection to the NHL deserve better. We remain committed to doing everything in our power to forge an agreement that is fair to the players, fair to the teams and good for our fans. This is not about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’ a negotiation. This is about finding a solution that preserves the long-term health and stability of the League and the game. We are committed to getting this done.”

The NCAA Division I regular season begins Saturday with a few games. Some are playing exhibition games against Canadian colleges and universities. Either way, more games are a good thing.

Craig Custance of ESPN.com has selected 10 American players as top prospects for the 2013 NHL Draft.

They are:

1. Seth Jones -- D -- Portland Winterhawks -- WHL
2. J.T. Compher -- F -- US Development Program -- USHL
3. Adam Erne -- F -- Quebec Remparts -- QMJHL
4. Ian McCoshen -- D -- Waterloo Black Hawks -- USHL
5. Steven Santini -- D -- US Development Program -- USHL
6. Michael Downing -- D -- Dubuque Fighting Saints -- USHL
7. Ryan Hartman -- F -- Plymouth Whalers -- OHL
8. Hudson Fasching -- F -- US Development Program -- USHL
9. Justin Bailey -- F -- Kitchener Rangers -- OHL
10. Ryan Fitzgerald -- F -- Valley Junior Warriors -- EJHL

And the final note concerns the NHL's 2013 Guide and Record Book, which was made available to the media in a PDF. The cover has the Kings surrounding the Stanley Cup. I wonder if this book will ever be opened. I have the 2005 Guide with the champion Tampa Bay Lightning on the cover. It's sitting on my shelf, still in the original shrink wrap.

We shall see. But, just for fun, notice whom you do not see anywhere in this picture? The owner, because he doesn't play the game.