Hockey return celebrated on Twitter by players, execs

News of an agreement for the framework for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement early Sunday spread quickly throughout the hockey community during the past 36 hours, and that was certainly evident in social media.

Players and executives began to prepare for the potential start of the 2012-13 season in earnest, and excitement was abundant for NHL teams to get back on the ice.

"Can't wait to get back to LA to get the season going," Alec Martinez (@amartinez_27) said on his Twitter account. "Thank you to all the fans who supported us throughout the entire process!!"

Added Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis (@GMMikeGillis): "It's great to be back. Thank you to all Canuck fans for your loyalty. We'll see you soon."

NHL INSIDER

Unique glimpse at history

By Tal Pinchevsky - NHL.com Staff Writer
Longtime photographer Bruce Bennett managed to save all his media credentials from almost four decades of covering hockey, allowing him to create a digital scrapbook and a unique look at history. READ MORE ›

• Thirteen storylines ahead of the 2012-13 season
• Sanderson's autobiography details highs and lows
• Youth players raise money for Sandy relief

MORE NHL INSIDER STORIES ›

Giving thanks to hockey fans was definitely a theme for the day. So was chronicling travel stories as players began the process of making their way back to NHL cities from hometowns or European cities where they have played during the lockout.

"4 hour train ride, 9 hour flight, 5 hour layover, 6 hour flight. And then back on the ice with the guys! #Ducks," Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9) tweeted.

Added Matt Martin (@mattymarts17): "Frank Sinatra - [New York, New York] on repeat for today's drive #Isles #SeeYouSoon #NYBound"

Some players will be skating with teammates in a new organization after signing during the offseason. Their debuts with new clubs have been delayed, but the enthusiasm of Jordin Tootoo was pretty evident.

"Words can't describe the feelings and excitement I have to put on the Wings jersey finally," Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) said on his Twitter account. "Looking forward to doing great things. #DRW"

Added Colby Armstrong (@armdog): "Back to MTL tomorrow to join back up with the fellas on the ice to get the chemistry fired up. Looking forward to it. #habs"

Players and hockey fans alike are fired up for the start of the 2012-13 season, even if might lead to some awkward interactions with people who don't love the sport.

"Pretty sure my upstairs neighbors are confused as to why I'm blasting Handel's Messiah 'Hallelujah' chorus at 10am. #Hockeysback," tweeted Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP), son of Toronto general manager Brian Burke and co-founder of You Can Play.

Perhaps the best tweet since the news broke came from Derek Roy (@Roy9ner) of the Dallas Stars, who wrote, "Wayne's World - GAAAAAAAME ONNNN!!!" and provided a YouTube link to the classic road hockey scene in "Wayne's World."

Game on, indeed.