The NHL lockout isn't bad news for everyone.

Not having the Vancouver Canucks play hockey this fall will have a negative impact on hotels, bars and restaurants. But the lockout could benefit other local sport teams, theatres, live entertainment and even retail businesses.

Lindsay Meredith, a marketing professor at Simon Fraser University, said frustrated hockey fans may spend their money on other sports. They could also scratch their hockey itch by attending live theatre, going to movies, catching some live music or even dining out.

"At that point you get an alternative,'" Meredith said. "That money could wind up going anywhere, shopping, buying new appliances.

"Suddenly, that revenue you used to (spend on the NHL) could go to other sources."

The NHL began its fourth work stoppage in just over two decades when the league locked out its players midnight Saturday. Canuck fans won't feel the full bite of the labour dispute until the league begins cancelling games. If that happens, fans still have plenty of entertainment options.

"I would expect if it (the lockout) went on for a long time it would increase business for most entertainment venues," said Corinne Lea, owner of the Rio Theatre.

"I know there is a lot of entertainment events going on in this city all the time. Some events are not as well attended as they should be."

People looking for a hockey fix still have the Western Hockey League Vancouver Giants, the American Hockey League Abbotsford Heat and the British Columbia Hockey League.

The Giants open their season Friday. The team has scheduled a news conference for Monday to unveil "a positive impact of the lockout."

Owner Ron Toigo has said he's confident he will see an increase in Giants' attendance due to the lockout.

The CFL B.C. Lions plan to increase their advertising in hopes of attracting fans who would normally attend Canuck games. The Lions' website is already offering a package deal on the team's final three home games against Western Conference foes Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan.

The Vancouver Whitecaps, who are battling for a MLS playoff spot, will play three of their remaining five regular season games at home.

"We would love to attract new people to our games," said Bob Lenarduzzi, president of Whitecaps FC.

The Whitecaps are launching a season ticket campaign for next year. Lenarduzzi said the timing of the offer has nothing to do with the lockout.

A statement on the Canucks website said the team remains hopeful a new collective bargaining agreement can be reached as soon as possible.

"In the interim, we will continue to focus the efforts and talent of our entire staff and coaches on the values of grassroots hockey in British Columbia," the statement said.