he NHL and the players' association reached an agreement in principle on a new labor deal, ending a lockout that wiped out last season, the sides announced in statements Wednesday.

...
Commissioner Gary Bettman warned in February when he canceled the season that the offers the union passed up were better than any it would see once a year of hockey was lost.

It's official. And yes, the line starts here to punch Bob Goodenow in the face.

GAME [almost] ON!

NHL, players' union reaches agreement in principle