When There's No Hockey

There have been a lot of questions as to what hockey fans seem to be doing with their extra time now that there are no hockey games to attend or watch. For me, I've been trying to read more hockey books to fill the time, but it appears the city of Edmonton is looking for a population boom. While the image above might be a little extreme when it comes to people's activities behind closed doors, it appears that the people of Edmonton are engaging in some close, personal time where hockey once existed.

According to several adult retail shops, the sales of items from their stores has increased since the lockout began. Personally, I never believed hockey was that big of a distraction for me when it came to some horizontal manoeuvrings with my better half, but apparently the city of Edmonton craves hockey quite badly.

"We'd be gearing up for (NHL hockey) now but there;s nothing so I guess we need to find some better ways to spend our time!" Vinay Morker, owner of the Hush Lingerie and More boutique, told Matt Dykstra while at Edmonton’s Taboo Naughty But Nice Sex Show Saturday.

According to the article, "Morker said his south Edmonton location saw a 15% jump in sales in October, and although the absence of Oilers action has been killing the longtime fan, it could also be the reason more couples have been browsing his wares at the show."

I've been to Edmonton during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and I know hockey fever grips the city like nothing else during the playoffs. It seems, however, hockey has a solid grip on the city throughout the entire season if the increase in boutique sales is any indication.

Again, from the article, "Morker said Hush's main clientele is couples looking to 'expand their horizons' and he’s seen a 15% jump in the sales of their sex toys, lingerie, games and sexual guides, like The Kama Sutra, since October."

Unless there has been unheard of growth in a certain industry in the city, the fact that it's getting colder and there's no hockey would certainly push some folks into finding other activities to fill the time normally taken up by hockey. Especially if they are younger individuals with no children and in the right economic group with some available money.

While it's great to see that some people are devoting more time to their relationships, it just goes to show how important hockey is in Canada. While hockey is one of our official sports and certainly a topic that is talked about ad nauseum in this country, it really goes to show how important hockey is to Canadians!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

MO' BRO: Mike Gartner, Wendel Clark, Dirk Graham, Grant Fuhr, Dennis Maruk, Larry Robinson, Mike Ramsey, Derek Sanderson, Lanny McDonald, Bryan Trottier, Dave Babych, Dave Schultz, Rod Langway, Jamie Macoun, Harold Snepsts, Dave Tippett, Michel Goulet, Paul MacLean, and Mike McPhee have all been named to the best moustachioed team I could compile in the Mo' Bro All-Stars. Who is the next addition?

Mike Bullard played 11 NHL seasons, suiting up for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He started his career without the 'stache in Pittsburgh, but he allowed it to grow through his career as he moved between teams. Bullard had a 50-goal season and two 40-goal seasons in his career, and helped the Flames reach the 1986 Stanley Cup Final. Bullard never won any major awards in his career, but he was a solid scoring threat through his career, scoring 674 points in 727 NHL games.

Bullard's moustache is one of the better 'staches from the 1980s, and it holds down a roster spot on the Mo' Bro All-Stars! If you want to get in on the action, head over to the Movember page and get registered so your 'stache can stand amongst these great 'staches!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!