TSN on NHL/PA negotiations: Done Deal!

July 13, 2005

TSN.ca: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative deal

"The NHL and NHL Players' Association have finally reached an agreement (pending ratification) on a new six-year collective bargaining agreement that - if approved by the NHL board of governors next Thursday and the rank and file membership of the NHLPA next Tuesday - will officially end the stalemate on July 21.

The agreement, a complex document reportedly numbering more than 600 pages, came after the two sides staged marathon negotiating sessions for nine consecutive days. Since the 2004-05 NHL season was officially cancelled on Feb. 16, the league and union have met on 82 occasions, leading to an agreement that will revamp the way the entire professional hockey industry conducts its business."

It's about time! If the NHL and NHLPA don't ratify this, I fear Canadians will arm, mobilize, and forever lose their reputation as peaceful, friendly people. ;-)