The NHL 2011-12 Season Is Under Way

Puckheads, you know what you've all been waiting for. Those long summer days of just waiting for a pond to freeze up or taking a whack at the goal in that backyard. But now that it's started, we can all get back to our usual daily lives...the ones with HOCKEY.

Sorry, football fans, move over for the fans who the teams love best. And that means it's time to share my new opinions and matters for the upcoming season. Ready? Well, let's get started.

So, as you know, it's not exactly the regular hockey season yet, but it is the preseason and it IS hockey, so there's that component. I know, I know. The preseason doesn't really matter. I understand it. But people love seeing the players they'll eventually find in regular season games one day and that's one of the good things about the preseason. These players need to test themselves against some real hard-working teams like Boston, Detroit, or San Jose. Getting these players some actual time with the big teams helps them prepare for their future and you know what? It actually allows the team to see the future of the team and I think that's what important about sharing the preseason with a bunch of other players.

There's more to a preseason than just the game. One thing I like about the NHL preseason, and actually preseasons in particular, is that it gives cities that don't have hockey markets, like Las Vegas or Orlando, a chance to host an NHL game for the fans of the teams in their cities. I will be taking another trip up to Vegas to see the Avalanche vs. Kings game. (sorry Galaxy fans) And every year, it turns out to be one of the best things that hockey can give. Out-of-market cities give themselves a chance to bring in more revenue and allow the city to one day become part of the great expansion of the NHL. Perhaps if the Coyotes can't stay in Phoenix, how about Las Vegas or Quebec City? Ha ha.

This is how I like to enjoy my preseason. Sitting up on the terrace levels of arenas like Honda Center, HP Pavilion, Jobing.com Arena, and Staples Center and really enjoying the view from up there as well as munching down on some chicken tenders, onion rings, or POTATO SKINS!!! (my favorite) There's also just seeing fans enjoy the sport like they should. These people manage to get out of their social and family lives and enjoy a little bit of time of watching their favorite game. Sure, it may not be the regular season but it gives them a chance to relax and see some hockey, even though it might not be competitive hockey, and I think that gives hockey the thumbs-up all year round.

The preseason is here. Hockey is back. Puckheads, get ready. Tie up your skates, grab those sticks, and start wacking the pucks away at the net. Hockey is back...and puckheads love it!!