Nov 1, 2012; San Diego CA, USA; Fans of the NHL and the San Diego Chargers hold a sign that reads “Lock out has got us down so we

While Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr are sitting in the boardrooms, and some of the NHL favorite are playing in separate countries, fans need to find something else to fill the whole caused by the NHL Lockout. I have come up with five things we could do while the lockout hovers above us. Here is the list.

1) Go Skating – People can fill the void of the NHL season by going out and skating. There are plenty of ice rinks around that can help ease the pain. Grab your stick and a few pucks and hit the ice with some friends and start a game. Wear your favorite jersey to the rink and pretend to play as your favorite player.

2) Watch the NHL Network – The NHL Network has been showing great things this lockout. Not only do they play old classic games, but they also have series that are very interesting. They feature a show called “Pioneers”, where they preview stars like Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull. They also have a series that I live by, called “Day That Changed The Game.” They feature stories including Patrick Roy’s last game in Montreal, Eric Lindros’ draft crumble, and Stan Mikita discovering the curved stick. You can also find OHL and WHL games airing, which brings us to the 3rd item on the list.

3) Watch AHL/OHL/College games – Many can see college games near their homes. If you have the luxury of living near one of the 20 OHL teams, I recommend going to them. Their ticket prices are cheap and the teams consist of NHL prospects. I watched a Plymouth Whalers game where Radek Faksa played against them. I also witnessed Dale Hunter coach the London Knights. These games are fun to watch, and any kind of hockey is good enough right now.

4) SHOP! – Go to the NHL Store and by all of your favorite memorabilia. You can find just about anything there and most can be customized. Many people find their favorite Christmas gifts coming from the NHL Store. I got a Pittsburgh Penguins Winter Classic Jersey of Jordan Staal from there. Sure, my  parents were mad that he got traded, but I still got a great player’s jersey. Buying merchandise for your favorite team not only shows you love your team, but that you are attempting to feel better about no hockey season.

5) Buy NHL 13 and play it – My brother bought this game, and it is the best NHL video game yet. The new features for the game, including speed burst, take the game to a whole new level. They include a feature called NHL Moments Live, which has been seen in Madden games for a few years. The first challenge you face is playing as Wayne Gretzky, scoring two goals to win the game. The kicker is you have to play with today’s roster. Instead of Paul Coffey, it’s Ladislav Smid.

Whether you can stand the sight of the NHL lockout or not, you need to find something to do. Go buy some of your teams memorabilia. When you bundle up for the harsh winter, get a scarf or some gloves and a hat, representing your team. Many things can be done this lockout, even though it pains us to cover up the hurt of the lost season.

I would like to thank Billy Bryson and Derek Stykalo for bringing me back to Too Many Men On The Site. You can reach me on Twitter @NardoneDylan.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

The NHL and NHLPA were back this past Wednesday, this time with the help of professional mediation. The two sides haven’t met since last week when the NHL shot down the NHLPA’s latest collective bargaining agreement proposal. This led to the two sides eventually agreeing on mediation.

Although the location of the meeting was a secret as well as what was talked about, we can take solace in the fact that at least the two sides are meeting and are now accompanied by some outside voices and eyes. Hopefully it helps as roughly 35% of the NHL regular season has already been cancelled and we’re on day 74 of this unnecessary lockout.

NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr issued a statement (more like two sentences), “A small group of NHLPA staff and players met today with two experienced FMCS mediators. We expect that these discussions will resume on Thursday.”

NHL executive Bill Daly’s email to the Associated Press was even shorter, “No comments”.

Hopefully the meeting was longer than Bill Daly’s email but with the way these two sides negotiate who knows. Speaking of length, apparently the NHL is looking for a 7 year long CBA, but the NHLPA feels that is too long because they say half of the current players will not be playing in the league by the 7th and final year.

I say who cares. With their third work stoppage since 1994, who even knows if the NHL will still be around 7 years.

NHLPA executive director Don Fehr holds court with the media. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

When last we left the NHL lockout and the ongoing collective bargaining agreement “talks” that took place over the weekend, the NHL had suggested a two week break and the NHLPA had no interest in the offer and pleaded for a meeting to take place on Monday. After the NHLPA’s pleading the NHL agreed to the Monday meeting.

All good news right? The NHL wanted to take a break, the NHLPA didn’t so they met last night (Monday). However early news out of the talks was that the NHL was disappointed the NHLPA didn’t have a new full proposal for them.

But, NHLPA head Donald Fehr apparently told the Associated Press the NHL knew going into the meeting that there wouldn’t be a new proposal, “We talked about various things. No new proposals were made, they were not expected to be made. We had hoped to engage them in a discussion about the player-contracting issues that are so important to the players. At least (Monday) they were unwilling to do that.”

And now according to NHL executive Bill Daly in an email sent to the Associated Press the two sides plan on meeting on Wednesday, “It looks like tomorrow (Wednesday). No other details at this point.”

After the meeting and after both sides had vaguely discussed it, it appeared as though there wasn’t much animosity or frustration on the part of either side. It appeared to be business as usual and by that I mean that no progress was made.

It also wasn’t immediately made clear as to whether or not the NHLPA would be bringing a new and full proposal to the meeting with the NHL on Wednesday. So as usual, all we can do is sit by the wayside and wonder what, if anything, will happen next in the ongoing saga that is the NHL lockout.