Peace talks scheduled

Finally:

The National Hockey League Players' Association will have a new proposal for the NHL when the sides resume negotiations next week, hoping to end an 11-week-old lockout.

Commissioner Gary Bettman discussed the talks when he met with the league's 30 general managers in New York on Thursday night.

Bob Goodenow, the union's executive director, sent a letter to Bettman, asking that the league's negotiating committee be in Toronto next Thursday and Friday for what might be the last chance to salvage the season.

"We have been working hard at other creative solutions and believe our new proposal will provide a basis to end the owners' lockout and resume NHL hockey," Goodenow said in a statement.

Said Bettman: "I'm glad the union has finally decided to come to the table, and we really have to reserve judgment until we see what the offer is. Hopefully, it will be a good one."