How Hockey Fans Can Punish NHL For Pending Lockout

NHL fans are once again staring down the barrel of Gary Bettman's gun, with yet another lockout appearing more likely by the day. Us die hard fans can't help but feel helpless in a process where we have no voice. While we feel rage against the NHL machine, there is one way that we can make our voices heard. Make the NHL feel our pain if they choose to force a work stoppage; and that is by boycotting every single NHL sponsor (credit Puck Daddy). The Marek Vs Wyshynski podcast mostly promoted an "occupy movement" targeting the NHL store, but also addressed a the possibility of a boycott of sponsor's products. Clearly the boycott is the best possible idea, and one that needs to go viral.

We the fans need to organize into a cohesive consumer unit. We are very loyal fans and will likely return to the rinks if there is another prolonged lockout as Gary suggests. But if we can organize a mass boycott of NHL sponsors and are actually able to have an impact on their bottom line, that's the only thing that will put sufficient pressure on the league to get back on the ice. It is imperative that we draw a line in the sand here and now and exercise our collective power to affect change, lest we doom ourselves to work stoppages every few years. Lets send a message to Gary Bettman that he can't silence the voice of the voiceless.

If you are anything like me, I've peaked your interest. To participate, do not buy any products from the companies listed below. These are the "corporate marketing partners" listed on NHL.com. If you want to try and affect a speedier resolution to this stalemate, take the pledge and join the boycott. It even includes Tim Hortons, which might be difficult for some people. You're right Gary, myself and others will return to watching hockey when it resumes, but that doesn't mean that I have to drink Gatorade, Molson Canadian, Coors Light, or Pepsi Max in the meantime. I don't have to eat Lays potato chips. Maybe I can't eat just one, but I can sure as shit eat none. Please, help me help you help the game of hockey; and take the pledge.

The Pledge: Put one hand in the air and one hand on your heart. Repeat the words "I (insert name) pledge not to buy products from the following companies until a new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed."

NHL Sponsors

Bridgestone

EA Sports

Cisco

Compuware

Coors

Enterprise

Gatorade

Lays

Molson Canadian

Pepsi Max

Reebok

Westin Hotels

Sirius radio

Ticketmaster

Bell

Canadian Tire

Hershey's

Kraft

Scotiabank

Tim Hortons

Visa

Discover card

Geico

Honda

MacDonalds

Verizon