As training camps begin for the Prince George Cougars and Spruce Kings, hockey is once again in the fore front albeit NHL headlines continue to circulate about a potential lockout. Ho Hum! 

Whether one has followed this labour dispute closely or not, fans understand there will likely be a work stoppage on September 15^th. To this end, the nastiness between the owners and players has certainly not reached the proportions of the previous lockout which lasted the entire 2004-05 season.

In other words, I am confident in suggesting the impasse will temporarily delay the start of the season. Unlike eight years ago, the major stumbling block of whether to institute a salary cap is not in question this time. 

Here’s my viewpoint on this matter: 

• I support a shortened season. 70 games, 60, even 50 works fine for me. Often we complain the regular season is too long. With a lockout, that problem is solved.
• My time can easily be spent elsewhere in the fall. I can pay more attention to football (both NFL and CFL), the MLB races and playoffs, even the NBA. In addition, this gives lower leagues like the WHL and BCHL more exposure. Moreover, the UNBC Timberwolves are    going into their first season of CIS competition. I will be fine without the NHL in October and November and even December.
• I remain neutral on this issue. However, if I had to choose a side I would lean towards the players, although I am already disenchanted with the rhetoric on collective bargaining from both sides which unfortunately is only going to get worse.
• Topics like The Players’ Share, Revenue Sharing, The Salary Cap “Floor”, The Guaranteed Contract, and The Escrow Payment sound interesting, but I don’t need a play-by-play, minute by minute update on the negotiations. Analysis is fine, as sports networks need to fill time, but it becomes nauseating to hear spin after spin.
• I can certainly do without the grandstanding for the TV cameras. On one hand NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr is surrounded by nearly every superstar player in the league to show a united front. Well, once paycheques are missed, I am sure the dissidents will start to “rear their ugly heads”.
• On the other hand, do we need to see a fatigued, irritated and pompous looking Brian Burke every time NHL commissioner Gary Bettman tells the media: “I do think it’s fair to say that the sides are still apart — far apart — and have different views of the world and the issues??” If that isn’t posturing I am not sure what is.
• We all know the fans will return in droves after a labour dispute so can both sides stop with suggestions that the game is in jeopardy.
• I trust neither chief negotiator. Bettman is comfortable knowing his $8 million a year is not on the table. He’s been down this road twice before and since the owners have proven they cannot police themselves, who better than the bad cop (Bettman) to facilitate their dirty work.
• Fehr is not passionate about hockey. He is slick, well-spoken and even convincing but the fans are the least of his concerns. He cares about his clients and not the game. 

On one level, it is tiresome hearing about where Shane Doan will play or whether Roberto Luongo will be traded to Florida, Tampa or Toronto, but those kinds of speculation stories still outweigh the mundane labour negotiations. 

I am not sure if the players motive of trying to divide the owners will be successful, but spare me the details, let me know the actual date the puck will drop and then we can move forward. 

In the meantime although ever popular hockey pools are on hold may I suggest a pool that forecasts the date of the first regular season game. I’ll throw a dart and propose December 1^st. (For the skeptics, that’s 2012). 

From the Quote Rack: 

 The Toronto Maple Leafs decided to cancel their prospects tournament. Not because of the impending lockout, they just looked at their recent drafts and concluded they have no future prospects. 

A new candy company has been created called Maria Sugarpova a play on the name of the tennis player. Not to be outdone other players have formed companies including a coat line called Roger FURder, a chemistry set called Boris Beaker and a specialty pipe called the Bong Borg.

 Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgaryhttp://smacksport.blogspot.com

A Worcester Tornadoes minor league game was delayed due to a debt that the team owed to the stadium janitorial service. Officials of the Can-Am League ended up batting cleanup.

The New York Giants are blaming back injuries on their beds—so Tom Coughlin ordered a different brand of nails.

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

The Houston Astros, with MLB’s worst record, fired manager Brad Mills. Could have been worse, they could have made Mills stay for the whole year.

IKEA is opening a new hotel chain. Kind of puts a whole new slant on making your own bed. 

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, Californiawww.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

Jennifer Garner recently referred to husband Ben Affleck as “walking testosterone.” In a related development, Affleck has announced that he is quitting acting to become the San Francisco Giants’ new left fielder. . . . development, Melky Cabrerra has sued Affleck for trademark infringement.

Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

A Dallas woman is suing the Cowboys because she burnt her butt on a seat at their stadium. Doesn’t she realize that these new stadiums are all equipped with heated seats. What was her name? Commando Barbie? 

In 2016, golf will be included as an Olympic “Demonstration Sport”. The Swedish Women are already listed as a 6 to 5 favorite to win the 9 iron event. 

Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)

The top three reasons why the Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Brookville, N.Y., allegedly hired strippers and prostitutes to accompany golfers: 3. To encourage men to play around; 2. To watch guys caught in impossible lies; 1. They wanted to appeal to male members.

The Mirror reports a sex doll tied to a tree is helping to slow motorists at an intersection in Ningbo, China. I wonder if it’s a red-light district? 

Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com      

And in case you missed it: 

After dropping a 66-8 decision to the Langley Rams, the Chilliwack Huskers of the BC Junior Football Conference have been outscored 176-26 in their three games.
 Even the Toronto Maple Leafs have sent the Huskers a sympathy card. 

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.

Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller