The NHL is now one step closer to starting a shortened season and dropping the puck. The Board of Governors voted in New York today to unanimously ratify the new collective bargaining agreement, which was agreed on in principle between the league and team owners early on Sunday morning.
The schedule for the 2013 season was expected to be released after the Board of Governors ratified the deal, but nothing has been announced yet.
This framework consists of a 10-year agreement that will keep hockey going for at least another decade. The NHL Players Association (NHLPA) still has to vote on the new agreement, and this vote is expected to come on Friday and Saturday.
Once both sides agree to the deal, the NHL will start a shortened 48-game season with training camps most likely beginning on Sunday. A short five-day training camp for each club will be followed by the season opener for all 30 NHL teams on Saturday Jan. 19, 2013.
The lockout has lasted 119 days and saw the cancellation of 625 regular season games. This was the third NHL work stoppage in 18 years and is expected to cost the league in the millions of dollars, along with potentially lost fans.
Stay tuned for more information on this developing story.
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