The NHL board of governors unanimously approved the 10-year labor deal Wednesday, after which league Commissioner Gary Bettman apologized to all the people hurt by a four-month lockout.
The NHL Players' Association will vote on the collective bargaining agreement Friday and Saturday.
Bettman asserted that he would concentrate on making the remaining hockey season successful, while apologizing to the fans for the cancelation of hundreds of games.
"Most importantly to our fans, who love and have missed NHL hockey, I am sorry," the Associated Press quoted Bettman as saying. "I know that an explanation or an apology will not erase the hard feelings that have built up over the past few months, but I owe you an apology nevertheless.
"As commissioner of the National Hockey League it sometimes falls upon me to make tough decisions that disappoint and occasionally anger players and fans.
"This was a long and extremely difficult negotiation - one that took a lot longer than anybody wanted. I know it caused frustration, disappointment and even suffering to a lot of people who have supported the National Hockey League in many different ways."
A total of 510 games were cancelled since Oct. 11, 2012 because of labor disputes. Bettman, who has seen 2,208 games wiped out during his tenure, said he would continue to serve the NHL and work to make the game more popular among the masses.
"I am looking forward to continuing to grow this game, both on and off the ice, as we have over the last 20 years," Bettman said. "I think the opportunities are great, and I am excited to be a part of them."
Players will cast their votes electronically Friday and Saturday. A 48-game season may start on Jan. 19, if the majority of the 700 players vote in favor of the new collective bargaining agreement.
It will be a challenge for the teams to train their players at such short notice and prepare for the hockey season as there will be no preseason games.
"It's one thing to skate and check out their conditioning and everything else, but you don't get a chance to experiment much with lineups and lines and combinations," Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee said.
"That's the hardest thing for managers right now. A lot of unknowns ... but we're excited nonetheless to get going."
The old labor deal existed for seven years and the league owners have approved the new agreement for the next 10 years.
"It's one that will stand the test of time with a system where all teams can be competitive and have a chance to make the playoffs and even win the Stanley Cup," Bettman said. "It guarantees that our attention from now on will stay where it belongs, on the ice."
The league will share the new season calendar only after the players officially ratify the deal.
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