The impact of this latest shutdown will be profound. The fan base will erode dramatically in many markets.

Some owners will opt out of the business. A team or two could move. Dozens of players will see their careers end. Others may opt to remain in Europe, where the leagues run without interruption.

Much of the progress made since the last lockout will be lost.

Hockey will remain a fringe sport in this country, well out of the mainstream. The NHL will remain a symbol of opportunity lost and a sad example of how not to run a professional sport.

-Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch where you can read more on this topic.