Mike Babcock pumped for end of NHL lockout

Hockey fans everywhere were jubilant Sunday morning with news the NHL lockout is, in essence, over. Although all the legalese still needs to be worked out, players and coaches are excited to get back to work including Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.

Assuming the agreement is signed on the dotted line soon, teams will starting training camps late this week with a reduced schedule likely to get underway in just over a week. Babcock said during the lockout he didn't realize just how much he'd miss being being around the game.

The thing that resonated with me during the lockout was just how much you miss being around the game, the fans and the players. It's a huge hole and you better not take the game for granted.

Babcock said he's ready to go whenever training camp is scheduled to start as he has his plans in place. During the lockout, Babcock said he has been staying sharp leading high school and Midget practices in addition to women's college practices.

Because of previously booked events at Joe Louis Arena, including preparations for the North American International Auto Show, the Red Wings may have to conduct part or all of their training camp elsewhere.