Boston excited, relieved at return of Bruins

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Hockey is back! Businesses are relieved and fans are ecstatic.

“It’s hockey, I love hockey, so I love the Bruins,” said a fan.

Laurel Ryan can barely contain her excitement. The team could be on the ice in a matter of weeks.

“I woke my family up at 7 o’clock this morning to tell them it’s back. It's the best. It’s like Christmas all over again, but better,” said Ryan.

“It’s about time. I’m glad they finally gave me something,” said John Holland.

The lockout lasted more than 100 days, testing fans' faith it would ever return this season.

“It’s your favorite thing and you don't have it anymore, it leaves you with nothing to do,” said Ryan.

“I usually don't do anything else other than follow the Bruins, so it’s been pretty bad,” said Jen Parisi.

It's not just fans excited for the lockout to end. It's no secret nearby businesses have been struggling.

“Between the Bruins half a year missing, and the Celtics have a year missing, we've lost an entire season of events and there's just no making that up. These aren't college kids making a few extra dollars, this is how they pay they mortgagees, raise their families,” said Jim Taggart, manager of the Four’s restaurant.

The manager at this popular restaurant near the TD Garden said the Bruins help make up nearly a third of annual sales.

“On a day like today I have 10 servers working, on a Bruins day I’ll have 40 to 50. It's a lot of people not making money. It’s a big sigh of relief,” said Taggart.

One nearby bar said the lockout alone has cost him $300,000. He said millions of dollars could have been collectively lost for all local businesses per week during the lockout.

The season may have 48 to 50 games as opposed to the normal 82-game season.