Just because the National Hockey League is in the midst of a lockout doesn’t mean that fans can’t watch some of the most talented hockey players in the world compete at a high level.

The Subway Super Series gets underway Monday night and the matchup between Team QMJHL and Team Russia kicks things off.

In it, fans will get to see a battle between two of the top young guns in all of hockey as Halifax Mooseheads standout Nathan MacKinnon leads the QMJHL, while the most recent first-overall pick in the NHL Draft, Nail Yakupov, takes the reins for Russia.

Last year’s No. 1 pick Nail Yakupov against this year’s possible No1, Nathan MacKinnon tonight on CHL Subway Super Series. #Sportsnet.

— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) November 5, 2012

Latest Digital Dose: Subway Super Series kicks off….get your hockey fix! sportsnet.ca/video/latest/D…

— Kacie Hollins (@kaciehollins) November 5, 2012

Tonight on Connected, the HOCKEY CENTRAL panel consisting of Daren Millard, Nick Kypreos and Damien Cox will preview the game and talk about MacKinnon, Yakupov and some of the other notable players.

Watch Game 1 starting at 7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet Ontario, East, West and Pacific

Also on Connected, legendary Canadian Football League coach Don Matthews released a statement today saying doctors have found cancer cells in his lymph nodes and are still trying to determine from where these cells originate.

“It is early and I am still exploring my options and seeking medical advice,” Matthews said in a statement.

Legendary #CFL coach Don Matthews reveals doctors have found cancer cells in lymph nodes. He’s exploring options & seeking medical advice.

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) November 5, 2012

Plus, a charity hockey game featuring NHL stars like Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators and Brian Gionta of the Montreal Canadiens is taking place in Cornwall, Ont. Ian Mendes is on the scene covering the exhibition match.