Players’ union puts bargaining on hold

The NHL Players Assn. won’t exercise its option to terminate the collective bargaining agreement with the league.

Paul Kelly, the NHLPA’s executive director, said at a news conference in Montreal that while the union “has issues” with the current CBA, players decided “that due to the current economic conditions as well as the players’ focus on continuing to help grow this game and expose our great athletes to many more fans, now is not the appropriate time to enter complex labor negotiations.”

The current agreement, reached after a dispute that led to the cancellation of the 2004-05 season, ends after the 2010-11 season.

The NHLPA also has an option to extend the agreement through the conclusion of the 2011-12 season.

-- Helene Elliott

Coyotes CEO out

Jeff Shumway resigned as chairman and chief executive of the financially troubled Phoenix Coyotes.

Shumway had served as CEO of the Coyotes since April 2006. He is relinquishing his duties with the hockey team to manage other business ventures of team owner Jerry Moyes. The 51-year-old Shumway’s resignation removes an upper layer of management.

Huskins still out

Ducks defenseman Kent Huskins, out since Dec. 28 because of a fractured right foot, will be sidelined an additional four to six weeks after undergoing surgery Friday to insert two screws into his right ankle.

The surgery was performed after a CT scan Thursday revealed that the injury was not healing to doctor’s expectations.

-- Billy Witz