What are your opinions/reactions to this article 'Federal mediators to join NHL lockout talks'?

[The Original Six]

Today, 12:50a
WASHINGTON (AP) Federal mediators are entering the stalled NHL labor talks, with the season's first 2½ months already lost because of the lockout.

George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, said Monday the parties had agreed to use the agency. He assigned three mediators to assist negotiations - deputy director Scot Beckenbaugh, director of mediation services John Sweeney and Commissioner Guy Serota - who was removed later in the day because of a Twitter account that may have been tampered with.

The sides are to meet separately with the mediators Wednesday.

"While we have no particular level of expectation going into this process, we welcome a new approach in trying to reach a resolution of the ongoing labor dispute at the earliest possible date," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said.

Cohen has worked with the players' associations for Major League Baseball, helping end the 1994-95 strike as an outside counsel, and the NBA. He was an adviser to the NHL players' union before joining FMCS three years ago.

"We look forward to their involvement as we continue working to reach an equitable agreement for both the players and the owners," said Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHL Players' Association.

Cohen mediated during the 2010 negotiations in Major League Soccer and 2011 talks in the NFL and NBA, along with this year's dispute between the NFL and its on-field officials.

Cohen said Serota was removed because "within one hour after I issued a press release ... it has been called to my attention that there are issues involving an allegedly hacked Twitter account associated with Commissioner Guy Serota." He said Serota was removed "to immediately dispel any cloud on the mediation process, and without regard to the merits of the allegations."

Hockey players and management have not negotiated since last Wednesday. The NHL has canceled more than one-third of its regular season, including all games through Dec. 14,

[Brad D.]

Last time this happened, the season was canceled 3 or so days later. Of course it was probably in a different time, but still.

Doesn't look good for the NHL. Strap on a pair of skates if you don't already play hockey and get out there. If not, try street hockey. Even with shoes it's a blast.

[Lui]

It's like when a parent tells the kids that have been fighting, "give your brother a hug, c'mon and say you're sorry. Good boy"

[Dynamicspy580]

Just more drama and nothing gets done
Bettman will reject any offers that are logical

[just me]

Just an attempt to make it look like there's some actual progress being made, nothing is going to come of it. It's basically a formality for a lockout or any other type of strike/work stoppage.

[tomjc43]

Why have the parties gone to mediation at this time? There might be some ulterior motives, me thinks.

a) In 2005 the NHL cancelled the season three days after the mediator was summoned. Could history be ready for a repeat. Or since the NHLPA has said the NHL hasn't given a deadline yet could this be a less subtle way of saying "By next Wednesday or it's gone.

b) Before decertifying a union must show that it has done everything possible to reach a resolution. One of these steps is mediation. Is this just a sham toward decertifying? Remember friends "the Donald" is the man who cancelled the 1993 world series not Bud Selig.

[michinoku2001]

LOL-Talk about big government! Who knew the US taxpayers actually pay a guy to help settle labor disputes in pro sports? Nice work if you can get it.