If you know me, I'm an optimist. I believe that most of us are so blessed in this country that we should always look at the proverbial glass as half full. And then there is the future of pro hockey in Hartford. That is where my glass is still half full, but where I am not ready to swallow the kool-aid just yet.

Today's announcement by the CDA to let Northland/AEG run the Civic Center makes some sense. This investment group has a huge stake in Hartford and would like nothing more than to have NHL hockey as the centerpiece of downtown revitalization. MSG, losers in the CDA decision, did a fine job running the Civic Center. Howard Baldwin and Global Spectrum would have been my first choice. But Baldwin did walk away from Hartford once and it's hard to find a group with a more vested interest in the Civic Center and possibly a new arena in Hartford than Northland/AEG.

But this is where the optimist in me hears the realist. Kansas City spent 276 million dollars on a new area and at last check still didn't have an NHL team to play in it. I promise to buy a season ticket package if we get NHL hockey back, but I wouldn't bank on it. NHL expansion is unlikely. And with the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh and other cities lined up with arena's looking to lure the NHL, getting the Whale back in town remains a reach. Still, I credit Northland/AEG for its vision and optimism. I also credit the CDA for taking a chance, a risk. Whatever happens, will take time. Let us all hope it is in the best interests of Hartford, our State and of course the Whalers fan club.