Despite the NHL work stoppage, there are still plenty of hockey games available to bet on. Most online sportsbooks, particularly the British-based books, are posting odds on European league games. Some will also be posting odds on Canadian junior hockey games, and perhaps even American Hockey League (AHL) and NCAA games.

bet365.com, for instance, has odds on games in seven different European pro leagues including Russia’s Continental Hockey League (KHL), the Swedish Elite League (SEL) and the Swiss National League A (NLA). Many of the top players from the NHL are expected to join teams in these leagues in the weeks (and possibly months) ahead.

Other British bookmakers taking action on Euro league games include WilliamHill.com and bwin.com. In recent years, bwin has also posted odds on Canadian junior hockey games including games in the OHL, WHL and QMJHL. Betting on these games may be particularly appealing for Canadians who no doubt be seeing a lot more junior hockey on their TV screens this fall.

Watch for North American based online books like Bodog.ca and SportsInteraction.com to also begin taking more action on Euro league games as well as AHL games. The AHL is expected to be another popular destination for NHLers looking for a place to play during the lockout.

Puckline will stay on top of the action and highlight intriguing opportunities to bet on hockey during the ongoing NHL labor dispute.