TORONTO — Negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement between the National Hockey League (NHL) and the union representing its players were called off for the day Wednesday as the clock ticked toward a lockout. Union head Donald Fehr cautioned reporters not to read too much into the cancelled session, saying it was all part of the process and that both sides would resume negotiations Thursday at the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) offices in Toronto. With the current labour agreement set to expire on Sept. 15 players and owners are entering the critical stage of bargaining. — Reuters
