NHL union to end bargaining agreement

TORONTO, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The union which represents NHL players said Friday that it will terminate the current Collective Bargaining Agreement with the league's management.

The moves takes effect following the end of the 2008-09 season.

The NHL Players' Association's executive board held a conference call on Thursday and voted unanimously to keep the current CBA in place.

Part of the agreement that was signed to end the lockout in July 2005, which forced the cancellation of the 2004-05 season.

NHL players then were given the right to opt out of the six-year deal after the fourth year.

"While the NHLPA's membership has issues with the current agreement, the players and their executive board decided that due to the current economic conditions as well as the players' focus on continuing to help grow this game," said NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly.

The current pact was to expire in September 2011.