Many NBCSports.com readers reacted to the tentative agreement reached between the NHL and the players association. Here's a sample of some of those e-mails:

I think the NHL is in for a rude awakening: not only has the league lost the fringe fans, but the die-hard fans won't be so eager to come back either. Small crowds in Nashville, Carolina, Anaheim, etc won't be shocking. Small crowds in die-hard-fan places like Saint Louis, Philly, Minnesota, and Chicago will send a HUGE message.
— Christopher S. in St. Louis

If missing a season was required to get the NHL to re-vamp the game, then I am glad it happened. I think the new rules (if enforced) will make the game much more enjoyable to watch.
— Jeremy Woods from Florence, Ala.

I am very happy that hockey is finally coming back, it is truly a great game to play and watch. Those who say the NHL is not a contender with the 3 other major sports, watch where this game goes in 4-6 years. GAME ON!!!!
— Luke Gerard from New York, New York

Hockey is growing in leaps and bounds with the youth of America and this situation needs to be put behind us and we must move forward for their sake.
— Mike Richards from Islip Terrace, N.Y.

Although I have been a diehard NHL fan for almost 30 years I won't come back anytime soon. I found the UHL in my area and find it to be a better game for my money,with more hitting,hustle and fan friendly.
— John Garofal from Lords Valley, Pa.

I have to admit that I did miss hockey more than I thought I would last winter. I'm glad it's back but it will probably take a while for me to warm up to it again.
— Bill Marchlewski from O'Fallon, Mo.

Thank God the lockout is over! I can't wait to get back to my $15 parking, $8 beer and my $5 pretzel. I'd have bought a t-shirt, but I'm not about to refinance! Good luck with your fan base guys, last time I saw them was on the back of a milk carton!
— Mike Hannigan from Middletown, N.J.

As an average, everyday, guy, the argument over who isn't making enough money just doesn't sit well with me. Most fans don't live in that world of million dollar salaries. We just need some entertainment, and they took it away. Now they want us all to come back, buy tickets and merchandise so they can make more money. Hmm, I think I'll just sit at home, not pay ticket prices, have an unobstructed view, be comfortable, and watch the game if there isn't something better on.
— Mark Mazur from St. Clair Shores, Mich.

All that time for what they could have had on day one. What a waste of time. It will be awhile before I buy tickets or anything NHL-related.
— E.V. from Montrose, Colo.

Until today I had forgotten how much I missed the game. All day I couldn't stop thinking about it. Personally, I am glad it is over and am excited to see them back on the ice!
— Dan Earl from Phoenix

The players and owners should take into consideration the "poor fans" who have to shell out big bucks to attend a game. For a working class family, attending a hockey game equates the price of a weekend getaway. Maybe everyone can be more appreciative of what they have and not quite as greedy. Sure everyone is in it to make money, but without the fans, there is no money to make.
— Jean from Worth, Ill.

Unions have helped make our country what it is today. If the union is out of reach for the fans to attend games, then the players will suffer. Please remember many young fans’ wages are not up to standards from years past.
— Bob and Bonnie Majchrzak from Prescott, Ariz.

Now that they finally got the job done that they were hired to do, Goodenow and Bettman should be fired. In my job, if I ever messed up an assignment this badly, not only would I lose my job, but I'd probably never find work again.
— Leslie from Tucson, Ariz.

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