By Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff

Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference was among the NHL players present for this morning's announcement that a deal had been reached to end the NHL lockout.

Soon thereafter, he took to Twitter to speak his mind.

"As players we can now do what we do best. Proudly pull on our jerseys and play with complete passion for our cities and fans. I hope that we can replace the intense negativity brought on our sport with a reminder of how great it can be when the action is on the ice," he wrote, adding, "From my grandparents to our B’s fans, I am deeply sorry that we had to miss so much hockey. All we can do now is play our hearts out for you."

While his message to hockey nation seemed pretty sincere, Ference preceded it with something a little more personal and humorous. Ference is known for his concern for environmental issues, as well as his wry wit.

"For every NHL pass, a tree will be planted. Every NHL goal, a solar panel will be installed. Wait… what? Those proposals didn’t get in?!?," he tweeted.

Twitter was a prime source for reaction following the news Sunday morning. Among the notable commentary:

Bruins left wing Milan Lucic:

Happiest for you fans. Sorry that it took so long Lets put the lock out behind us and look forward to some hockey. Best Serbian Christmas

— Milan Lucic (@MilanLucic4) January 6, 2013

(Note: The above tweet was later corrected by Lucic to read "Best Serbian Christmas")

Oilers player Ryan Whitney, who attended Boston University, referring to the early December report by Channel 4's Steve Burton that the lockout could be settled soon.

Steve Burton...justtttt a bit outside

— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) January 6, 2013

Former NHL player Jeremy Roenick:

Hockey is back! What is the NHL and NHLPA going to do to get every fan back? Fans deserve something for 4 months of anguish

— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) January 6, 2013

ESPN's John Buccigross:

Stanley Cup Prediction: New York Rangers vs. St. Louis Blues.

— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) January 6, 2013

NESN Bruins broadcaster Andy Brickley:

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work we go!

— Andy Brickley (@AndyBrickley) January 6, 2013

The Los Angeles Kings' official Twitter account:

First order of business: raise banner.

— LA Kings (@LAKings) January 6, 2013