[NHL.COM]

Furies captain and very well known uprising star Dylan Lockhart has voiced her opinions on the NHL and olympics. Will she inspire others to do the same?

TWENTY FOUR YEAR OLD Dylan Lockhart, new captain of the Toronto Furies, guaranteed her spot in the 2018 Olympics. Though when asked about her recent promotion to captain, she switched gears and talked about the controversy between the NHL going to South Korea. Less than twenty-four hours later, almost everyone in the hockey world knows exactly how Lockhart feels. And many agree with her.

"You've dedicated the past three years to getting better and this team. You're known by many, and some compare you to NHL stars. You've worked extremely hard and everyone knows that, how does it feel to finally be rewarded and be promoted to captain?" A reporter asked. Dylan had chuckled, before turning serious.

"It's great, really. And I could go on for hours and hours about how grateful I am. But, when I was given the C, I was told that me communicating with the team is what really showed them I was ready for this. I had told them, "Whats the point of having a voice, if we don't use it?""

"What I really wish you'd ask me, is what I think about the NHL 'most likely' not going to the Olympics."

"Well, how do you feel about that?"

"I think it's bullshit. Hockey has always been the one thing, that makes me feel safe and comfortable. There was no controversy, it didn't matter who you are, what you stood for, anything. Hockey was my escape from the real world, from all the chaos. I fell in love with the sport at a very young age, and I owe that all to the Olympics. My favourite time of year was every four years. The Olympics, where the best of the best could showcase their talents. That was four years ago, and I don't remember who won what, or who was on the teams, but I do remember sitting in my house, with my family. They weren't on their phones, they weren't anywhere else. We all would sit together and watch the Olympics, hockey.

I don't remember sitting at home, watching a normal NHL game, I remember waking up at three thirty in the goddamn morning to watch the Olympics. I remember that feeling I got as I watched Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews take on Patrick Kane and the rest of team USA.

Alex Ovechkin has already said things about this, which I was beyond happy about. This event is every four years. Four. Years. You may not watch hockey, but this is the one time where everyone will come together and support their country. It doesn't matter what colour your skin is, what your morals are, it doesn't matter. This is the one event where the whole world comes together, and haves fun.

Rivalries are forgotten and you make life long friends. Its the best of the best and the most iconic moments take place before your eyes. Fans cry over losses, cheer over wins. Everyone comes together for a month or however long it is, and haves fun.

If these players are the best of the best, let them go and show everyone how great the sport of hockey is. Let them represent their country. Players aspire to make it to the Olympics. And now when they get the opportunity, you're not letting them. "Oh they might get hurt" they say. That's a risk they're willing to take. Let them take it. If these players want to go and play hockey on the best stage, let them. Do you know how heartbreaking this is for not only the players, but the fans, the people?

The people who make the NHL what it is, are disappointed and angry. That's not something you want, now is it Mr. Bettman?

I have so many other points, and things I want to say, but we'd be here until the Olympics. And yes, I already am going. But without the NHL players, the best players, it won't be the same. It won't be as fun. So I hope that these guys, that these grown ass men will stand up for what they want and fight back. This is a big deal, so treat it like it is. Say what you're thinking, because if you're not happy with the final decision, thats too damn bad if you didn't voice your opinion.

Now that I've gotten your attention. When you watch this Mr. Bettman, I hope you're having a great day, and well you're at it, you should get your head out of your ass and let the players that make your franchise a franchise, go to the damn Olympics. This is once every four damn years, I think you can stop being selfish and spare your precious, pretty little players." And with that, Lockhart had pretended to drop the mic and had thanked the reporters before walking back to her dressing room. She was out  of breath, but you could see her smile from a mile away. She had spoken her mind, and god you could tell; it had felt good.

There's no question that commissioner, Gary Bettman has saw this, but he has yet to say anything. The real question is whether or not he'll take the young star's words into consideration, and whether or not any other NHL players who are affected by this, will be the next to speak up.

~~

MESSAGES
alex ovechkin & andre burakovsky

ovi-wan kenobi
hey there burks, saw
that girls interview right?

bear-akovsky
everyone has, yes

ovi-wan kenobi
okay good, you
know her, no?

bear-akovsky
ik of her, but mcdavid
did a commercial with her
before and hes pretty good friends
with her, why?

ovi-wan kenobi
i need to talk to her

but i dont have her number

bear-akovsky
slide into her ig dm's

ovi-wan kenobi
i have wife

bear-akovsky
oh right yeah nope,
plus shes hot. and closer
to my age...

ovi-wan kenobi
you get her number to
me, i set you two
up

bear-akovsky
you get her in my jersey
and i could get her number to you
in less than two days

ovi-wan kenobi
cant promise that,
if all goes right, i let you
in on our plan i
talk to her about tho

bear-akovsky
you mention im a good guy
that'll cook her food and be a good
cuddle buddy and you got yourself a deal

ovi-wan kenobi
deal🤝

[authors note]
just to get things started!!!