If you’re a hockey fan diligently following the NHL lockout, you’re likely following Nick Cotsonika on Twitter, and hopefully reading his columns. To me, he’s been one of the media’s shining stars during this mess – he’s informed and careful in what he does, but allows himself the freedom to speculate on what could be going on, because what’s the harm? He’s more informed than you or I, he might as well let us know which way he thinks things are leaning.

Nick is also a family man, and apparently spent some time last night reading a book to his 5-year old, which sums up the NHL lockout better than any analogy I’ve heard throughout the entire debacle: the melting ice cream cone.

Here’s his fantastic series of tweets that succinctly sum up what’s going on between the NHL and the PA:

No lie. Just read a, Elephant & Piggie book to my 5-year-old called: “Should I share my ice cream?” (1)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

Gerald the Elephant dithers and makes excuses not to share with his best friend. Finally, he decides to share, but by then … (2)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

The cone has melted, and neither he nor his best friend has any ice cream to eat. #lockoutlessons (3)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

At least this story has a happy ending. Piggie shows up with his own cone and shares with Gerald the Elephant. (4)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

In summary, this is kindergarten stuff. (5)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

Preach.

As complicated as the whole thing may be legally, that’s basically what this comes down to. Had Gary the Elephant – er, Gerald the elephant just agreed to share right away, he would’ve got some instead of none.

We’ll let Nick bring the conclusion home.

No matter how complicated they make this, no matter how big the money is, it’s like sharing a melting ice cream cone or popsicle.

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

The quicker you compromise, the more for everyone. The longer you screw around, the less for everyone.

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

And Nick, we should talk…

The other lesson is that if you’re thinking about NHL labor issues while reading to your kids, you’ve got your own issues. :)

— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) December 19, 2012

Phew. Oh good, you know.