MONCTON, NB–No formal talks on the NHL labour front are expected until at least tomorrow, but representatives from both the league and the players’ union will meet informally today to figure out the next step in talks.

This lockout could mean good news for local hockey clubs.

Stephane Leblanc is a scout with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.  He says fans will be looking to get their hockey fix.

“It might be a good opportunity for people who don’t have any hockey on TV to watch anymore to get out to the local rinks and watch minor hockey and junior hockey.”

The Captain of U de M’s Aigles Blues Christian Gaudet agrees.  

“People are probably going to miss hockey a lot this year so,  I think for us at the University and the Moncton Wildcats as well, I’m sure they’ll probably go and see the games a little bit more,  which is what we want.”

The General manager for the Moncton Wildcats Jeff Rose says there is quality hockey to be found at the local rinks.

“If you take a look around and you say where else can you get a quality product.  Well,  of course,  you can turn here in Moncton to the Wildcats.”

The Wildcats will play their first regular season game on Friday in PEI against the Rocket.