NHL, union reach tentative agreement
By IRA PODELL, Associated Press
Jan 6, 2013 5:10 AM CST
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2012, file photo, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, right, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly speak to reporters in New York. Bettman has told the players union that a deal must be in place by Jan. 11 in order for a 48-game season to be played beginning eight days later.(AP Photo/Mary...   (Associated Press)

The NHL and the players' association reached a tentative agreement early Sunday to end a nearly four-month-old lockout that threatened to wipe out the season.

A marathon negotiating session that lasted more than 16 hours, stretching from early Saturday afternoon until just before 6 a.m. EST Sunday morning produced a 10-year deal that still must be ratified by the players.

After the sides stayed mostly apart for two days, following late-night talks that turned sour, federal mediator Scot Beckenbaugh worked virtually around the clock to get the sides back to the bargaining table.

After the all-night session, this time it worked.