No breakthrough in mediated NHL talks

NHL contract talks took place for a second straight day Thursday, although no progress was reported in the lockout that has already cost the league 526 games. Representatives of the owners and players met with federal mediators, and further talks were expected Friday. The NHL was represented by legal counsel Bob Batterman. Union chief Donald Fehr and special counsel Steve Fehr appeared at the meetings on behalf of the players. "I expect there will be contact (with league officials Friday)," Fehr said. "I'm not sure if it will be telephone or in person. "It's good that we're talking. It's better than not talking and we'll see what happens." Mediators have joined the discussions for a second time. After two days of mediated talks in late November, negotiations broke off. The league has already canceled games through Dec. 30.