League, Union Resume Meetings

The National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association met for the first time in over two weeks on Thursday. It was the first of four scheduled meetings between the two sides as they attempt to come to terms on an new collective bargaining agreement before the start of the 2005-06 season.

The session lasted for just over three hours, from 11:15 AM EDT to 2:30 PM. Neither group released a statement regarding the day’s discussions.

The two sides will meet again on Friday and then on Monday and Tuesday before NHL comissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive directir Bob Goodenow visit Austria for the conclusion of the ongoing World Championship.