Hi, just a quick reply. I enjoy the podcast, particularly because I'm an exiled Devils fan to it's great to have that Devils chat even if it's one way.
Regarding the CHL change, I understand why they have done it and it makes the most sense both in terms of player/fan safety and it also gives the competition a stronger chance of being flexible if the Pandemic continues late into the year or drives further measures/restrictions.
However personally as a Devils fan I'm pretty gutted. I know it's not a popular opinion, but I love the CHL games. Particularly 2019 because the Devils' compete level was higher (in my opinion). I live 100ish miles away and have managed to get to 5 of the last 6 CHL home games. Personally I think it's great to see the whole Devils team give absolutely everything, if anyone is wondering what I'm on about just watch how well he played and how committed Linglet was in those games, he was like a man possessed. I'm pretty sure Tod gave an interview at the time where he said pretty much the same thing. In my opinion the players play up to the higher level and as a result the product on the ice is higher and more entertaining.
My main concern with the CHL change for this year is that 'Andrew Lord CHL Luck' will kick in and the Devils will end up with one of the top 2 sides meaning the CHL journey would most likely be only 2 games, which would be a huge shame. If I had designed the revision, I'd have gone for the same approach as Pro-Surfing where by if you go out in Round 1 you get a shot at Round 2. And if you win Round 1, you go through to Round 3. With that setup there would be a bigger chance of there being an 'Upset' and also the Round 2 games would most likely be super competitive as there is more chance the teams would be more equally matched.
Just my thoughts, sorry for war and peace. I hope I mostly made sense.
Jay