AP For many young NHL players, they’re fortunate they get to still play hockey while the league locks out the players. While playing in the AHL may not be optimal for many guys, it’s something, right?
For Edmonton’s Taylor Hall, playing for the Oklahoma City Barons is an experience he totally wasn’t ready for as he tells Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun.
“There’s not a lot of fans in Oklahoma,” sighed Hall, who played to 2,064 in his first game back.
“And in San Antonio we were pretty much playing on cement, the ice was so bad. Now, we get to come to Canada and be in front of a crowd that really does care about hockey.
“There’s a lot you miss about the NHL, but being in front of the fans and scoring a big goal is definitely a good feeling.”
Don’t go thinking Hall is totally against playing in the minors. He says he’s thankful to be skating with his teammates, but it’s an adjustment, especially the long bus rides.
Still, you wonder if Hall will hear it from the fans who are showing up to watch them play.
-
Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
-
Getty Images
He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
-
AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
-
AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
-
His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
-
Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
Getty Images
Click to read two good reasons.
-
AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
-
Question for commenters: What, if anything, needs to be done about the officiating?
May 22, 2013, 2:07 PM EDT
Go have your say.
-
Top-ranked Russian prospect Nichushkin will play in North America next year
May 22, 2013, 1:55 PM EDT
He’s expected to be a top-5 pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
-
Club says he suffered no injuries.
-
Getty Images
His contract with the Coyotes is up June 30.
-
Stone to make ’13 postseason debut for Sens in Game 4 vs. Pens, Conacher out
May 22, 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Bold, but familiar move from Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean.
-
Getty Images
Veteran defenseman spent 15 years in the league.
