No NHL? No Problem

As it seems like midnight is certain to mark the start of yet another NHL lockout, it is time to look at other options for live hockey; gotta feed the addiction somehow and not everyone can take the ice themselves.

Sure it won't be the Blueshirts but that isn't a bad thing - I've found that less emotional involvement often equals more fun (surprise, surprise). There are many other teams out there at various levels of play and they are far more affordable than the NHL. Road trips are always delightful, but for now let's just focus on the tri-state area:

KHL:
Should the lockout stretch into the New Year, you can catch a pair of regular season KHL games at the new Barclay's Center. Dynamo Moscow will face SKA Petersburg, which could mean Ovechkin vs Kovalchuk.

AHL:
Connecticut Whale - The Rangers' AHL affiliate is just a two and a half hour drive from MSG. Brooksie tweeted that Kreider is the only kid off the NYR roster that will be allowed to play there but Future Blue will still be well represented - Bourque, Miller, Thomas, etc. Plus Jeff Beukeboom is now an assistant coach!

Bridgeport Sound Tigers - One of, if not the most convenient franchise to get to from NYC as Metro-North lets you off just blocks from the arena. For Long Islanders, it is an easy ride on the Port Jeff ferry - leave your car in Port Jeff, take the hour-15 cruise and walk two blocks to the arena. And they then hold the last ferry back until just after the game. It is entirely possible that the Isles will reschedule a few of the cats' games for the Mausoleum, as they did during the last lockout. It's not like they will be using that dump for anything else.

Albany Devils - Another two and a half hour drive from MSG, but a team not really that interesting. The only baby Devil worth watching will likely be Keith Kinkaid, the possible heir to Mmmaaaaaaaaaarrrttyy. Like the Isles with the Sound Tigers, the Devils could resched a few of Albany's games for the Rock; they are already set to play four games down in Atlantic City which might make for fun trips.

Also reachable by car are the other upstate franchises: the Binghamton Senators, the Rochester Americans and the Syracuse Crunch, Tampa's new affiliate (meaning most players won the Calder Cup last year in a dominating performance with Norfolk). The Providence Bruins also aren't too far and they will be hosting the AHL All Star Game at the end of January.

ECHL:
Elmira Jackals - If you are road tripping up to Binghamton, Elmira isn't too far away and the Jackals were the ECHL's regular season champs last year. The Craig Rivet-captained squad is an affiliate of the Ducks and Sens and they play in an old, quaint arena that is easy to get tickets to. The Rangers' E affiliate, the Greenville Road Warriors, will be there on October 13th and November 21st.

Trenton Titans - One of the closest teams to NYC at just over an hour drive, but not in the nicest neighborhood (or so I've been told) and the worst team in the E last season. Greenville visits the Flyers' affiliate on October 12th and November 24th. (Thanks to MNYR for the correction.)

FHL:
Danbury Whalers - Sadly the Brooklyn Aviators are no more, leaving Danbury as the easiest Federal League option. It is reachable via Metro-North - a two hour ride - and they have some raucous fans. Interesting note, Mike Rupp played in Danbury during the last lockout, with the UHL's mob-connected Trashers.

NCAA Division I:
The Frozen Apple - There will be hockey at MSG this fall, that is for certain: the annual college game around Thanksgiving. Cornell will face Michigan on November 24th, allowing Ranger fans to watch this summer's second round pick Boo Nieves in maize and blue.

There are many other D-I collegiate options in the tri-state area, including Army, Canisius, Clarkson, Colgate, Niagara, Princeton, Quinnipiac, RIT, RPI, Sacred Heart, St. Lawrence, UConn, Yale, and Union. Wish I could expound upon them further but have yet to go to a single game at any of them - this lockout should afford me the opportunity to change that.

How are you going to get your fix?

 No NHL? No Problem: Exploring Hockey Alternatives

Hockey is a beloved sport that captures the hearts of millions of fans around the world. For avid followers of the National Hockey League (NHL), the offseason or any disruptions to the league's schedule can be disheartening. However, when the NHL is on hiatus or facing challenges, there are still plenty of exciting alternatives to satisfy your hockey cravings. In this article, we will explore various hockey alternatives, both domestically and internationally, to keep the puck action alive. We'll also address frequently asked questions about these alternatives.

Domestic Hockey Leagues

While the NHL is the pinnacle of professional hockey in North America, several domestic leagues across the continent offer high-quality hockey entertainment during the NHL's offseason or labor disputes.

American Hockey League (AHL):

Often considered the primary development league for the NHL, the AHL features top prospects and seasoned players.

It provides an opportunity to witness the future stars of the NHL in action.

ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League):

The ECHL is another tier of professional hockey in North America.

It offers a diverse mix of young talent and experienced players striving to make their mark.

Canadian Hockey League (CHL):

The CHL comprises three major junior hockey leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

These leagues feature some of the most promising young talent in the world.

NCAA Men's and Women's Hockey:

College hockey, particularly in the United States, offers a unique and competitive alternative.

NCAA games provide an opportunity to support your alma mater or discover new rivalries.

International Hockey Leagues

When the NHL season faces disruptions, international hockey leagues step into the spotlight, showcasing diverse styles of play and top-notch talent.

Kontinental Hockey League (KHL):

The KHL, based in Russia, is widely regarded as the strongest professional hockey league outside North America.

It features a mix of Russian and international talent, including former NHL stars.

Swedish Hockey League (SHL):

Sweden's premier league boasts a reputation for producing elite talent.

It is known for its skilled players and a fast-paced style of play.

Finnish Liiga:

The top professional league in Finland, Liiga, offers a competitive and exciting brand of hockey.

Finland has produced numerous NHL stars, and its league continues to develop top-tier talent.

Swiss National League (NL):

Switzerland's National League has gained recognition for its competitiveness and international flair.

The league includes a mix of Swiss and international players.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey Alternatives

What is the AHL, and how does it relate to the NHL?

The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional hockey league in North America. It serves as the primary development league for the NHL, where young prospects refine their skills and gain experience before potentially joining an NHL team.

How can I watch NCAA hockey games?

NCAA hockey games are often televised or available for streaming on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Additionally, many universities provide streaming options through their athletic department websites.

What are the key differences between European and North American hockey styles?

European hockey often emphasizes finesse, puck possession, and skillful play, while North American hockey tends to feature a more physical style with an emphasis on hitting and forechecking.

Is international hockey as competitive as the NHL?

International hockey can be highly competitive, with many talented players competing at a high level. While the NHL is widely considered the top professional league globally, international tournaments like the IIHF World Championships and the Olympic Games showcase intense competition among nations.

Are there women's hockey alternatives during the NHL offseason?

Yes, women's professional hockey leagues, such as the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) and the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF), offer exciting alternatives for fans interested in women's hockey action.

Hockey fans need not despair when the NHL is not in season or faces disruptions. There is a wealth of exciting hockey alternatives, both domestically and internationally, to enjoy year-round. From the AHL and CHL to international leagues like the KHL and SHL, these leagues offer thrilling action, top-tier talent, and a unique hockey experience. Whether you're a die-hard NHL fan or simply someone looking to explore the world of hockey, these alternatives provide a diverse and captivating array of options to satisfy your hockey cravings. So, when the NHL takes a break, remember: No NHL? No problem!