NHLPA keeps union in tact, meetings continue on Thursday

The NHL decided not to disband the union by the Wednesday midnight deadline, and negotiations with the league to end the lockout continue, reports the New York Daily News. The two sides had a nearly five-hour bargaining session on Wednesday night, and mediator Scot L. Beckenbaugh requested that they return on Thursday to continue.

"There has been some progress but we’re still apart on a number of issues," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "But as long as the process continues, I am hopeful."

The union had voted in December to allow the executive board to file disclaimer of interest up until Wednesday at midnight. Although the deadline has passed, the union can still take another vote to disclaim interest.

NHL players and NHLPA staff arrived at the league's office in New York on Thursday afternoon; the smaller group meetings suggest that discussions will be limited, and no full bargaining talks will occur yet.

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