CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Fans in Chicago were thrilled to hear the National Hockey League's lockout was coming to an end, Sunday.
"We have reached an agreement on the framework of the new collective bargaining agreement," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said early Sunday morning.
That sentence was long awaited by N-H-L fans.
"Finally, it's been a long winter already without the Blackhawks here," fan Mike Bacidore said.
It was also welcomed news for young hockey players just wrapping up a game at Johnny's Ice House on the city's west side.
"It's going to be nice. I've been sitting there sometimes at home not knowing what to watch on TV. So now that games will be on, it'll be fun," Peter Gonzalez said.
The Gonzalez kids already knew what they want from their parents.
Maxwell Gonzalez-Blackhawks fan "Dad? Can you get us tickets?" Maxwell Gonzalez asked to which his father responded, "Yeah sure I'm on it buddy."
Unfortunately, there was still no word on a start date or schedule just yet.
We received this statement from the Chicago Blackhawks: "Until the deal is ratified by both the NHLPA and NHL Board of Governors we cannot speak on the reports of a deal being reached."
They may not be able to yet, but Gunzo's Hockey Headquarter was. They opened their doors at a new downtown location in August in hopes of drawing in the hockey fans heading down the street to the United Center. The lockout hasn't been good for them.
"Compared to our other stores, you know, in years past, it definitely has hurt us with jersey sales and apparel, hats and what not," store manager Tim Little said.
The lockout coming to an end means more fans coming through Gunzo's. "We're pretty excited about it," Little added.
Fans remain hopeful that the paperwork will go through quickly to get the professionals back on the ice.
"It's hard for people to identify with millionaires and billionaires fighting over money like that, you know? We just want to see hockey," fan Michael Gonzalez said.
