Looking Forward to Major League, Life Goes On for Prospects Playing in Minors due to Lockout -NHL Special
Every National Hockey League (NHL) regular season might be exciting and thrilling in a number of ways for the major league regulars, but for the prospects working day and night to get noticed, it is that time of year in which they just might get their much
awaited big break.
That unfortunately, did not happen for a number of youngsters looking to make the transition this year, as a lockout came about, the second one in less than a decade and fourth work stoppage in just 20 years.
Despite not having the chance to move on to bigger things, youngsters continue to play in the minor leagues and work on making themselves even better so when time comes next year, they will be more than ready to assist the major league clubs in pursuit of
hockey greatness.
“It has to be (the focus),” IceHogs forward, Brandon Bollig, said according to CSNChicago.com. “You can’t take anything away from this league. It’s very talented, especially right now. And if you don’t have your mind on the game you’ll be behind the 8-ball.
It’s unfortunate (about the lockout). But there’s no room to focus on what’s going on there. I’m lucky, along with a few other guys, to be playing right now instead of sitting around and doing nothing.”
Bollig is not the only one competing for a spot on a major league roster, but he is like numerous others like Andrew Shaw, also of the Chicago Blackhawks, working towards getting a permanent spot and being a valued player at the highest level of hockey.
“In this lifestyle, you’re always fighting, always competing for something. Even here in Rockford you’re competing for power play, penalty kill and ice time,” prospect Ben Smith added.
Talks between the two stakeholders, the NHL and Players’ Association, have gone into a deadlock again and it seems like that it will be hard to get anything done as both seem not to be willing to compromise on any of their stances. This could be devastating
for some youngsters, but others definitely see it as an opportunity to learn and grow from these instances.
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