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NHL slams players’ “hardline position”

2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 29: Marian Gaborik #10 of the New York Rangers and Team Chara poses after being named MVP with NHL’s Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly after the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game between Team Alfredsson and Team Chara at Scotiabank Place on January 29, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Team Chara defeated Team Alfredsson 12-9. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Christian Petersen

NHL executive Bill Daly released a statement regarding the impending lockout and the fact that the two sides opted against a formal meeting today.

Here is Daly’s statement via SBNation’s Brandon Worley.

“We spoke today and determined that there was no point in convening a formal bargaining session in light of the fact that neither side is in a position to move off of its latest proposal,” Daly said. “I’m sure we will keep in touch in the coming days and schedule meetings to the extent they might be useful or appropriate. We are sorry for where we are. Not what we hoped or expected.

“It looks like we are heading into a work stoppage that neither the League nor any NHL Clubs wanted. We will continue to work hard to minimize the damage of this development, but ultimately, the Players Association and Players need to take responsibility for future growth of the game and the damage that they are causing with the hardline position they are taking.”

Daly’s statement backs up the NHLPA’s claim that the league said there was “no point” to having a formal meeting, although in different words.

Both statements attempt to court public opinion and the two sides will likely continue to do so for however long the lockout lasts.

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