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Current alignment and playoff format will remain for 2012-13.

HOCKEYTALK NEWS

JANUARY 7, 2011 -- The NHLPA has refused to provide its consent for a four-conference realignment plan approved for the 2012-13 season by the NHL Board of Governors early last month.

The union exercised its right to disapprove of what is viewed by most observers as a victory for NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.  The generally well-received plan consists of two conferences with eight teams apiece, and two with seven. 

"It is unfortunate that the NHLPA has unreasonably refused to approve a Plan that an overwhelming majority of our Clubs voted to support, and that has received such widespread support from our fans and other members of the hockey community, including Players," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly in a statement released Friday.

"We have now spent the better part of four weeks attempting to satisfy the NHLPA’s purported concerns with the Plan with no success," Daly's statement explained. "Because we have already been forced to delay, and as a result are already late in beginning the process of preparing next season’s schedule, we have no choice but to abandon our intention to implement the Realignment Plan and modified Playoff Format for next season."

It remains unclear whether the move, by newly-minted union boss Don Fehr, serves as an opening salvo, of sorts, as the day draws closer when the League and its players association negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.  The current pact expires at the end of this season. 

"We believe the Union acted unreasonably in violation of the League’s rights," said Daly. "We intend to evaluate all of our available legal options and to pursue adequate remedies, as appropriate."

As a result of the League’s decision today, the NHL will maintain its current alignment and playoff format for the 2012-13 season.

--Editor

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