Yes, hockey is back, and I must confess, I'm more interested that I thought I would be.

(And no, I'm not a Leaf fan now, never will be, especially when The Big Ego is wearing the Leaf sweater. I just happened to find this photo in my stuff in my very cluttered and soon to be uncluttered back room.)

I was interested in the new rules. I know there are speedy little guys across the league who have never been able to excel. Until now. And I want to see that. Especially since my team, the Canadiens, have failed miserably recently because they insist on filling the team with speedy little guys. Heh heh.

So I did something I thought I would never do. I subscribed to a digital hockey package.

Yes way.

And here's the thing, Because of this, I have been watching Paul Karyia and those crazy Predators play entertaining hockey. And Carolina...yes, Carolina! That Eric Staal really is good. And I've watched Detroit with all their imports play a new exciting game in Hockeytown. And the Rangers...yes, the Rangers! I'd forgotten what Jaromir Jagr playing 1991 hockey was like! And don't they have a bunch of cheaper faster imports too!

And here's the extended thing. The bad side of the new NHL is the fact that teams play teams in their own divisions 8 times. I'm not sure if Toronto even plays Detroit. Or Nashville. Or Los Angeles. So because I have the pay hockey and don't get all Leafs all the time being beaten up by Senators all the time (though that's not a bad thing), I can still see all the teams. And I don't have to watch Eric Lettuce if I want to watch hockey.

And here's the threat. If the NHL does what it has done for the past 10 years and goes back on the penalty crackdown, I am going to sue them for my digital money back. Plain and simple. I spent money for this kind of entertainment. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and shamefully shelled out. Be warned! I know Gary Bettman is shaking in his boots.

That is all.

By the way, click the picture and you'll see a bigger version and maybe you can make out Bill Flett and Tim Ecclestone and other Leaf greats (heh heh) of the past. Yes, that's Doug Favell. Dunc Wilson anyone?

Thanks and good luck.