Despite a season-opening loss, Mike Cammalleri could easily stand back, look at the big picture and perfectly encapsulate what it meant to him to be playing hockey again.
Soaking up the unconditional fan adulation, pomp and circumstance that opened the season Sunday night, Cammalleri took time
to wax poetically after the team’s 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
“One of the big things the lockout did — maybe especially for a veteran player — is make you appreciate so much what we do for a living and just how much fun this is on so many different levels,” said the 11th-year pro, who was locked out in 2004-05 as well.
“It’s somewhat euphoric to be playing again.”
Pressed for more details on what exactly he missed, Cammalleri didn’t disappoint, articulately summing up most players’ thoughts.
“It’s the whole thing,” said Cammalleri, 30, hoping to return to the 39-goal form he had with the Flames four years ago.
