THUNDER BAY – The lockout of professional hockey players continues. Today, the National Hockey League announced today the cancellation of the 2012-13 regular-season schedule through until at least December 14. The league has also announced the cancellation of the 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend which was to be held from January 26th-27th in Columbus, Ohio.
In a media statement the NHL states, “The cancellations are necessary due to the absence of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL”. A total of 422 regular-season games or thirty-four percent of the season — were scheduled for Oct. 11 through Dec. 14.
“The reality of losing more regular-season games as well as the 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend in Columbus is extremely disappointing,” said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. “We feel badly for NHL fans and particularly those in Columbus, and we intend to work closely with the Blue Jackets organization to return the NHL All-Star events to Columbus and their fans as quickly as possible.”
In Thunder Bay the Lakehead University Thunderwolves are set to take to the ice at Fort William Gardens tonight in the annual Teddy Bear Toss Game. The Windsor Lancers are in town, and presenting the Thunderwolves with a major challenge.
In SIJHL action, the Thunder Bay North Stars are on the road tonight and play the Fort Frances Lakers.