I'm not sure I understand the concept. Admittedly I'm not a hockey fan (so I don't know much about the sport), but where does the steel in the header and footer come from? What is that in the background? It looks like chain mail or a radiator. The header and background look like they'd be made for the new heavy duty Toyota, not a hockey site.

It just comes across as extremely generic. I'd get it if it was a general sports portal, but for "hockey.com" I'd expect more ice, sticks, blades, netting, pucks ... just anything that represented hockey I guess. Even if it was just in the logo...

Sorry if I sound too nit-picky, I've just always respected you for being a unique designer. I doubt I could do any better, but you always came across as someone who could. This is clantemplates quality - just plain generic.