It happened (perhaps a “sh” should have been placed at the beginning of that sentence). The business side of the NHL is again ruining the game people have worked so hard to build. While the big dogs bicker over paychecks, the butterfly effect is threatening to ripple its way through the homes and communities of the little guys.

Yes, it is sad fans may miss out on games or even an entire season this year. However, it’s the stories that keep surfacing on social media that make you realize how one failed decision impacts so many lives.

Ticket representatives to arena ushers, folks are losing their jobs. I read one Facebook post from a father that works a second job as a parking lot attendant at games during the NHL season to help pay for his son’s hockey fees. Beyond little Jimmy’s hockey expenses, what about people who depend on their jobs to put food on the table. Great, now little Jimmy is stick-less and starving.

The consequences can go beyond the homes to pollute the communities. Terry Marchand, owner of Centre Ice, watches droves of families roll in each year for the Detroit Red Wings training camp in Traverse City. Marchand told WPBN TV the camp brings an estimated $3-5 million into their community. Losing this tradition could have terrible consequences on their town.

You also have to think about the AHL and ECHL players. Can you imagine training all summer with the intent of making this “your year” only to be told there are suddenly too many fish in the frozen pond? Dreams and paychecks go on hiatus.

Jeff Skinner is scheduled to play in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers. With enhanced fan access in the minors, Mr. Skinner is bound to be trampled to death by a mob of obsessed teenagers (and their mothers).

Even small hockey businesses, like Outer Edge Threads, are feeling the repercussions with declining sales. I guess we could make an angry lockout shirt, but frankly, we don’t want to be associated the situation at all.

Although there is time to reach an agreement before the first puck is scheduled to drop, I’m feeling quite nervous Jimmy and Jeff.

In an unconfirmed report, Gary Bettman kicks puppies.

OET Shirt of the Day (Season?): Peace, Love, Puck. Figure it out guys.

I thought about apologizing for the ridiculousness of this post, but the lockout is far more preposterous, so apology withheld.