NHL, players look to resolve woes in the New Year By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Executive Director of the National Hockey League Players Association Donald Fehr speaks to the media before a charity hockey game by NHL players in Toronto December 19, 2012. (REUTERS/Fred Thornhill) Big hurdles remain as NHL, players work to end lockout on New Year's Day Penguins forward Sidney Crosby hopes for NHL exhibition games NHLPA hasn't ruled out disclaimer of interest NHL, NHLPA head back to bargaining table

NEW YORK - The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association will ring in the New Year at the bargaining table.

Any slim hope there’s going to be a shortened season in 2013 remained alive after NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr presented the union’s counter-proposal to the NHL Monday at the league’s headquarters on Sixth Avenue.

Unlike past offers the union has tabled, the league didn’t dismiss it out of hand. Instead, commissioner Gary Bettman told a throng of reporters standing amidst New Year’s revellers the league would offer up a response Tuesday.