The cancellation of the 2004-05 National Hockey League following an industrial dispute could well mean the death knell of the sport as a viable major league concern in North America. Will we miss it? Give me curling anyday.

For all the reportage running around at the moment, I'll refer you to the Christian Science Monitor for an overview, and to the extensive coverage of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. And who better to explore the class struggle than the World Socialist Web Site?

Meanwhile, the Free Stanley Movement insists that the Stanley Cup can still be contested this season even with no NHL. Listen to this audio report from NPR earlier this month, and note well the following remarks from the Free Stanley website:

With the NHL season cancelled your hockey team could win the Stanley Cup! That's what our research tells us.To be counted in, you simply have to contact the Stanley Cup trustees and issue a challenge for the Cup.

I wonder if the Canterbury Eagles could be convinced to mount a challenge?