Lockout Looming For Local Hockey Players

Usually in September, hockey players across the globe are beginning their journey toward championship trophies. This season however, with the NHL lockout looming, there are several question marks for local hockey players.

Most notibly, Chatham’s Ryan Jones of the Edmonton Oilers, and Dresden’s TJ Brodie of the Calgary Flames will be feeling the pinch this Fall if the NHL lockout keep them off the ice.

Jones, who is entering his 5th full NHL campaign, scored a career high 33 points last season, 17 of which were goals.

Brodie, an NHL rookie last season, solidified himself as one of the Flames’ top blueliners scoring 2 goals and adding 12 assists in 54 games before having his season derailed due to a concussion.

The trickle down effect of the NHL lockout however may not stop at the top. Chatham’s Jason Missiaen, who had a strong first professional season in the ECHL, and was undoubtedly slated for a longer look from the New York Rangers and their affiliate, the Connecticut Whale. However, if the NHL lockout takes place, more young prospects will be battling for fewer jobs since no players will be moving up to the National Hockey League.

Similarly, Wallaceburg product Seth Griffith, who was expecting to head to training camp with the Boston Bruins after the team drafted him in the 5th round this year, might not get a shot to impress the Boston brass in camp before his season begins with the OHL’s London Knights. Griffith attended training camp last year with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an invite, before finishing in the top 10 in OHL scoring and leading the London Knights to a spectacular playoff run.