Hockey fans are reacting and for the most part rejoicing with the news that a deal has been reached, putting NHL players back on the ice reportedly in the coming weeks. Our Maria Valvanis caught up with some Albany Devils fans.

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Hockey fan Gerry Sullivan said, "Nice to know they can agree to terms, and they at least have a half the season."

The NHL and the players association announced Sunday morning a tentative deal has been reached to bring NHL players back to the rink.

"I think it's a great thing for hockey. You'll see a lot more broadcast of games, and I think that's important for the community," said Times Union Center General Manager Bob Belber.

The NHL has been on lockout status since October, already canceling hundreds of games for the 2012-2013 season. While AHL teams like the Devils have been able to give fans their hockey fix, the announcement of a deal is welcomed for many.

Stasiu Sigda tells us what it's like for a die-hard hockey fan with no NHL hockey.

He said, "Frustrating, frustrating, especially because I'm a Jets fan too."

But the news is also a little bittersweet for some Devils fans in particular who have been able to enjoy the few perks that came with the lockout.

"We actually had some of the NHL players here to start the season, so it's going to be a little different now to have them going back to Jersey," said hockey fan Kathy Casey.

Should the deal go through, the NHL will likely play a 48 game season. Some thing local officials say will only help this community.

"It will spur a lot more people to get back into caring about the NHL. I think a lot of hockey fans are going to want to see how the NHL players are doing that were playing in the AHL level," said Belber.