NHLPA concludes ratification process By QMI Agency

National Hockey League (NHL) Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr speaks to members of the media after dropping off a proposal at NHL headquarters in New York, January 2, 2013. (REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

The National Hockey League Players’ Association on Saturday voted to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement the NHL’s board of governors unanimously voted in favour of last week.

Now that both sides have ratified the latest CBA, the parties must next sign a memorandum of understanding in order for the deal to become final.

Once both sides submit an MOA, the league will release its 2012-13 regular-season schedule as well as open training camps.

Contact between teams and their players will also resume once the deal becomes final.

The NHL is expected to release a 48-game schedule in the coming days with puck drop to occur on Jan. 19.

The NHL's second major work stoppage in less than 10 years, its most recent labour woes began last September when the NHL locked out its players for the third time since 1994.