If you are interested in watching glorified shinny with mid-level NHL players, purchase a ticket for an Original Stars Hockey League game. The barnstorming four-on-four circuit, trying to please hockey fans craving action now that the NHL has locked out its players, made its debut last night at the Barrie Molson Centre and offered a predictable product.

For the record, Toronto beat Detroit 16-13 before a crowd of 2,176 (capacity 4,500) in a non-physical, wide-open contest.

"(The format) makes us do a lot of work when you normally see one or two chances like that a game," said Toronto goalie Dan Cloutier, putting a positive spin on the evening. "It's great for a workout and a great way to get ready for the season but like guys were saying if you keep it under 10 in this league, you're doing good."

Calder Trophy-winning goalie Andrew Raycroft and 21-goal scorer Brian Gionta topped the marquee. Guys such as Rory Fitzpatrick and Aaron Downie filled out the rosters.

In the first intermission, two fans who paid $35 apiece for tickets (ticket prices ranged from $35-$60) approached the press box to offer their opinions.

"It's like an all-star game without the all-stars," Mike Parrinton, 22, of Newmarket said.

"I've seen more heart with 10-year-olds than these clowns," Rob Robyn, 42, of Barrie said. "I hope nobody else gets suckered into buying tickets for this."

Realistically, OSHL president Randy Gumbley couldn't expect to fill the arena or bring big names to town for the curtain-raiser. He claims Dominik Hasek will play tomorrow in Sarnia or Monday in Brampton. Dave Andreychuk, meanwhile, is a confirmed participant. Players from the six teams will each collect 1/78th of the profits -- if there are any. Gumbley said last night was a money-making game.

"We've all got to find something to do," Toronto forward Jason Ward said. "The NHL just wants us doing nothing."

It certainly wasn't the NHL. Organizers had some players signing insurance forms less than an hour before the game. Meanwhile, the official lineup was missing a player and didn't have players' numbers. And get this: OSHL commissioner and former NHLer Grant Ledyard also was the Detroit coach.

Then there were the wacky rules.

After each penalty, a penalty shot was awarded with four members of the opposing team chasing the shooter. And best of all, at the end of each 17-minute period, two players from each team took part in a shootout that didn't count in the final score.

Gumbley, to his credit, has made the OSHL fan-friendly. He plans to use assistant coaches from minor hockey teams and is giving away players' jerseys after each game.

OSHL LINEUPS

Lineups from the inaugural Original Stars Hockey League game last night in Barrie, including the NHL team with which each player ended the 2003-04 season:

DETROIT

G Andrew Raycroft (Boston)

D Jamie Rivers (Detroit)

D Andy Sutton (Atlanta)

D Jassen Cullimore (T.B.)

F Mike Johnson (Phoenix)

F Mike Comrie (Phoenix)

F Aaron Downey (Dallas)

F Matt Bradley (Pittsburgh)

F Jeff Cowan (L.A.)

F Darcy Hordichuk (Florida)

F Jason Chimera (Phoenix)

F Nolan Pratt (Tampa Bay)

F Eric Boulton (Buffalo)

TORONTO

G Dan Cloutier (Vancouver)

D Rory Fitzpatrick (Buffalo)

D Wade Belak (Toronto)

D Dan Boyle (Tampa Bay)

D Anders Eriksson (Columbus)

F Brian Gionta (New Jersey)

F Jason Ward (Montreal)

F Bill Lindsay (Atlanta)

F Ian Moran (Boston)

F Brian Willsie (Washington)

F Mark Mowers (Detroit)

F Ryan Vandenbussche (Chi.)

F Jamal Mayers (St. Louis)