from Roy MacGregor of the Globe and Mail,

If anything rules in this time of owners’ lockout, it is confusion.

There is simply no comparison to be found between the Lockout of 2004-2005 and the Lockout of 2012-(perhaps)2013. Eight years ago, people tried to wrap their minds around the issues; this year, the mind simply repulses the issues. Eight years ago, just as in a schoolyard fight, people chose sides; this year, no one seems to care the slightest about who might be right, who might be wrong. Both sides have been deemed fools – even by those who, by definition of their employment, should be on one side or the other.

In the mutterings that went on below the standing ovations and the iconic video of the Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, there could be found an anger not known in previous work stoppages. It could be sensed in the innocuous welcome from Bill Hay, the Hall chairman biting off his own words at the end as if fearful of the venom that might unfortunately spew forth at an event that should be apolitical, innocent and joyful.

The only difference between Mr. Hay and the hundreds in attendance those few days in Toronto was that he was miked, they not. For once people moved beyond the bonhomie and backslaps of greeting, the cursing quickly began.

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