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NHLPA calls Winter Classic cancelation “unnecessary and unfortunate”

Donald Fehr

Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, speaks to reporters following collective bargaining talks between the NHLPA and the NHL in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

AP

If you didn’t think we’d hear from the NHLPA after today’s announcement that the Winter Classic has been canceled, you haven’t been following the lockout very closely.

The following is a statement from Donald Fehr, the union’s executive director:

“The NHL’s decision to cancel the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic is unnecessary and unfortunate, as was the owners’ implementation of the lockout itself. The fact that the season has not started is a result of a unilateral decision by the owners; the players have always been ready to play while continuing to negotiate in good faith. We look forward to the league’s return to the bargaining table, so that the parties can find a way to end the lockout at the earliest possible date, and get the game back on the ice for the fans.”

We won’t get into all the reasons the NHL would never start the season without a new CBA. Been there, done that. At this point, the rhetoric from each side has become beyond exhausting.