The NHL should be opening its regular season with four games Thursday night and then a nationally televised game Friday between the reigning Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers.
Instead, hockey fans are being treated to the league's third lockout since 1995, courtesy of commissioner Gary Bettman and team owners.
So here's our attempt to provide a little puck content that's easier on the eyes than coverage of gross revenue, salary escrow and other "core economic issues." Check out hockey stars and their famous significant others:
NHL Stars With Famous Significant Others
Dion Phaneuf, Elisha Cuthbert
The Maple Leafs captain got engaged in September with Cuthbert, perhaps best known for her roles in "The Girl Next Door" and "24."
Joffrey Lupul, Cheryl Burke
Lupul, a winger who has played with the Ducks, Oilers, Flyer and Maple Leafs, met the "Dancing With The Stars" pro at the NHL awards show in Las Vegas this June, and they've been an item since.
Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood
Fisher was traded from Ottawa to Nashville in 2011, which was the perfect fit for his marriage to the country music star.
Alexander Ovechkin, Maria Kirilenko
Ovechkin was a presence at the London Olympics, cheering Kirilenko, who won a bronze medal in mixed doubles tennis.
Cale Hulse, Gena Lee Nolin
Hulse was a defenseman for five teams in 12 NHL season but is better for being husband to a "Baywatch" beauty.
Mike Comrie, Hilary Duff
Comrie retired in 2011 after a decade in the NHL with various teams. He and Duff, best for roles in "Lizzie McGuire" and "Gossip Girl," celebrated the birth of their first child in March.
Alexei Yashin, Carol Alt
Alt, who was married to Rangers defenseman Ron Greschner from 1983 to 1996, has been with Yashin since 2000.
Henrik Zetterberg, Emma Andersson
Zetterberg has won an Olympic gold medal with Sweden and Stanley Cup with the Red Wings. Andersson is a model who appeared on the Swedish TV version of "Survivor."
Scottie Upshall, Melanie Collins
Upshall has been in the league since the Predators selected him sixth overall in the 2002 draft. Collins has been a reporter for NBA TV, Big Ten Network and other sports media outlets.
Brandon Prust, Maripier Morin
Prust just signed as a free agent with Montreal, which works out nicely as Morin is a French Canadian who appeared on Quebec's version of "Deal Or No Deal."
Ryan Miller, Noureen DeWulf
Miller's goaltending helped the U.S. win the silver medal at the 2010 Olympics. In 2011 he married DeWulf, who has been in films such as "Ocean's Thirteen" and "West Bank Story."
Val Bure, Candace Cameron
Val used to be better known as Pavel Bure's brother until he connected with the "Full House" star. They've been married since 1996 and have three children.
Bret Hedican, Kristi Yamaguchi
Lots of hardware here. Hedican won a Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes. Yamaguchi has an Olympic skating gold medal and a "Dancing With The Stars" title.
Mike Modano, Willa Ford
The couple announced plans to divorce in August, telling People magazine, "They remain friends and wish each other success and happiness."
Wayne Gretzky, Janet Jones
No hockey list is complete without the Great One, who has been married to Jones since 1988.