League, Union to Meet on Wednesday

The National Hockey League will meet with the NHL Players’ Association on Wednesday, the first such meeting since each side rejected the other’s collective bargaining agreement proposal on December 14.

The meeting will feature a smaller group than previous negotiations, with each side bringing only three representatives. Notibly absent will be NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive directory Bob Goodenow.

“The union has requested a ‘smaller group’ meeting at the suggestion of Trevor Linden,” Bill Daly, NHL executive vice-president and chief legal officer, said via e-mail. “We agreed to meet on that basis. We remain still hopeful that progress can be made toward a resolution.”

The Players’ Association will be represented by Linden, NHLPA senior director Ted Saskin and outside counsel John McCambridge. Daly, Calgary Flames part-owner Harley Hotchkiss and outside counsel Bob Batterman will attend on behalf of the owners.