Mediator holds talks in NHL labor dispute

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NEW YORK, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Representatives of the NHL and the players' union met with a federal mediator into the late hours Friday and more meetings were expected Saturday.

The two sides in pro hockey's labor dispute did not meet face-to-face, but federal mediator Scot Beckenbaugh went back and forth between league headquarters and the hotel in which union officials were staying.

There was no indication as to when a joint meeting would take place.

A lockout by owners threatens to create a lost NHL season for the second time in eight years.

All games through Jan. 14 have been wiped out and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said a regular-season of at least 48 games would have to begin by Jan. 19.

The lockout began when the previous collective bargaining agreement expired Sept. 15.