ST. LOUIS (KMOX)- Blues hockey fans started lining up in sub-freezing temperatures outside the Scottrade Center, Sunday morning, hours before the doors would open to session one of training camp.

“I’m just really excited the lockout’s over. I went to practices last year all the time, so I wanted to make sure I was here to see my boys again,” said Emily from Crestwood.

Nicole from Florissant told KMOX it was a day and a practice worth waiting for, “I’m happy they’re back. I know a lot of fans said ‘why should we come back if there’s a lockout?’ but I’m a loyal Blues fan and I’ll be at every game.”

Alan from Hazelwood said Sunday was like a late Christmas present—but a playoff run in June would be a welcome birthday present for him.

The Blues open the shortened NHL regular season on Saturday, January 19 at home against the Detroit Red Wings.