NHL owners and players owe fans an apology By TERRY JONES, QMI Agency

NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr was informed by voice mail of the owners' rejection of the players' proposal. (Reuters) NHL, players union continue to communicate Don Cherry slams Daniel Alfredsson over NHLPA vote Fehr passes puck to NHL Donald Fehr: NHL bosses broke off talks Don Cherry says NHL offer should be put to a vote by NHLPA

You've heard the expression before. But it's never been more applicable than it is today after just about the most ghastly gong show in the history of pro sports.

"Hockey is the greatest game in the world. It has to be, to survive the people who run it."

The damage done Thursday is going to set this league -- the players and the owners -- back for the length of the new CBA, whatever it ends up to be, in image alone unless there's a turnaround within about 48 hours.