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NHL, Union Strike Tentative Deal

10-year agreement still needs to be ratified by players, would save half season

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 6, 2013 5:13 AM CST

(AP) – The NHL and the players' association reached a tentative agreement early today 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 and stretched from early yesterday afternoon until just before 6am today 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. The NHL avoided the embarrassment of having a second season lost because of a labor dispute when no other North American sports league ever had to cancel one.

In this Dec. 6, 2012, file photo, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, right, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly speak in New York. Bettman has told the players union that a deal must be in place by Jan. 11.
In this Dec. 6, 2012, file photo, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, right, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly speak in New York. Bettman has told the players union that a deal must be in place by Jan. 11.   (Mary Altaffer)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, left, faces off against teammate Joe Vitale during a hockey workout on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at the IceoPlex in Canonsburg, Pa.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, left, faces off against teammate Joe Vitale during a hockey workout on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at the IceoPlex in Canonsburg, Pa.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces the Winter Classic at a news conference at Comerica Park in Detroit, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces the Winter Classic at a news conference at Comerica Park in Detroit, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, left, skates up ice with teammate Chris Kunitz during a hockey workout on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at the IceoPlex in Canonsburg, Pa.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, left, skates up ice with teammate Chris Kunitz during a hockey workout on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at the IceoPlex in Canonsburg, Pa.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
gssusarr
Jan 8, 2013 1:34 PM CST
Until sports fans stop spending ridiculous amounts of money for major league game tickets and on sports memorabilia and clothing we will continue the ridiculous rise in salaries and expense. Better to attend the college, high school, junior league, and minor league sports. The crowds are often much lighter and more fun than so many of the drunks attending major league sports.
Yourself
Jan 6, 2013 11:21 PM CST
FIRE BETTMAN!!! the guy is an embarrassment to the sport! he's lead the league to 3 lockouts in 20 years, one was a completely lost season, he's booed every arena he goes to, he's saturated the market with shitty expansion cities (Phoenix, Florida/Tampa, Atlanta, Columbus etc.etc) and has done NOTHING good for the legitimate growth of the game. Hockey was once considered the fastest growing sport in north America, and then this midget came along and crushes it all! FIRE BETTMAN!!!!
lvan
Jan 6, 2013 10:53 AM CST
About time!

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NHL • hockey • labor unions • Gary Bettman • National Hockey League • NHL lockout

 
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