Many hockey fans nationwide were outraged to learn their beloved sport was coming to an abrupt standstill. It has been over five years since the last lock out, but on September 16, 2012, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, declared a lock out when a new contract agreement could not be reached. There were a number of reasons resulting in this lock out including, a set maximum of a four year contract to new signing players, a reduction in the percentage of hockey related revenue that the players earn, and elimination of the signing bonus.

  During the lockout, many NHL players traveled to Europe and other leauges to continue playing. Many businesses’s surrounding arenas lost money while no games were being played. Although there are a few minor issues still to be adjusted, the majority of the problems have been worked out, and after months of negotiating, new agreements were finally reached.

  On January 6, 2013 the lock out was declared over. The NHL season schedule was adjusted, resulting in 48 games to finish out the season, which would have originally begun in October.

  Tampa Bay Lightning Fans were clearly ecstatic, selling out the first game of the season on January 19 against the Washington Capitals at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Lightning defeated the Capitals 6-3 in an exciting game. It was evident that The Lightning players had been training hard during this “off” period.

  If you weren’t able to make it to any games yet, there are still a number of home games left. Students can score the best seats available for just $20 by arriving 15-minutes before the puck drops. All you need is your student ID!