When you look at this situation of million dollar players and billionaire owners in conflict over salaries, profit margins, lock-outs, strikes, the spirit of the game has been lost in all these money discussions. The customers of the NHL, the average hockey fan cannot understand this. Whatever the outcome of these negotiations, it will most likely mean higher ticket prices. The negative view of the NHLPA or the owners is tarnishing the brand of the NHL and this will translate to few customers.

https://blogs.ubc.ca/brianirwin/2012/10/01/economics-continues-to-postpone-hockey/