NHL cancels more games

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NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The National Hockey League Monday, unable to reach a deal with its players wiped out two more weeks of games, meaning there will be no games through Dec. 30.

The NHL has locked out the players since Sept. 16 over their impasse in reaching a new contract. Canceling games from Dec. 15-30 brings the total number of games lost to the labor imbroglio to 526. There also will be no Winter Classic on New Year's Day or an All-Star Weekend in late January.

Owners and players talked last week but were unable to reach a breakthrough. League officials say they won't budge off their demand for a 10-year collective bargaining agreement with a re-open clause after eight years. They also want a five-year limit on player contracts or seven if a player resigns with a club.

The union wants an eight-year overall contract with the ability to re-open after six years.

There has been speculation talks could resume this week.