NHL Lockout Effecting Local Establishments in Canada

This seasons NHL lockout is affecting more than just fans, it's also affecting small businesses in five Canadian cities.

The cities of Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton have all seen a steep decline in business around their respective arenas on would-be game days.  Those five Canadian cities have seen an overall decrease in business of 11.23% since the lockout.

Local watering holes around hockey arenas have seen a 34.68% decrease in revenue when compared to  a game day in 2011.  Fast food joints have posted a 6.93% decrease and sit down restaurants have shown a 10.54% decrease as well.

The fans aren't the only ones paying the price during the lockout, it's hurting local Canadian businesses who will have to find other ways to bring in more money until the players and owners can resolve their differences and bring this lockout to an end.

You can read the full article here.

NHL Owners and Players Meet Today in NYC

Six NHL owners are expected to take part in CBA negotiations today as the NHL lockout continues.

Ron Burkle (Penguins), Mark Chipman (Jets), Murray Edwards (Flames), Jeremy Jacobs (Bruins), Larry Tanenbaum (Maple Leafs) and Jeff Vinik (Lightning) are all expected to be in attendance along with several key NHL players.

Neither NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman nor NHLPA President Donald Fehr will attend the meeting.

The NHL has canceled regular season games through December 14 as well as the Winter Classic and All-Star Game.

UPDATE 12:25 PM CST:
Walking into hotel all Bettman said to the media was: "I'm hoping we get to where we need to be."...doesn't sound like things will get resolved today.