NHL faces shutdown as players are locked in row

Stars of North American ice hockey could be heading to Europe after National Hockey League owners threatened to shut down the entire 2004-05 season in an effort by management to gain massive economic change.

After the long-expected decision was approved unanimously by NHL owners, commissioner Gary Bettman belittled the players' bargaining position and talked about the confrontation extending into the 2005-06 season. He warned that the conflict had jeopardized the NHL's participation in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

"If there's enough time to play some games this season, we'll do it," he said. "If there's not, we won't.

"The union is trying to win a fight, hoping that the owners will give up. That will turn out to be a terrible error in judgement. They are apparently convinced that come some point in the season, the owners' resolve will waver, and I'm telling you that is wrong. I think it's pretty fair to say that we're at an impasse."

The 30 teams - 24 in the United States and six in Canada - had been set to start opening training camps today. "It kind of stinks, packing up and moving out of here," said Philadelphia right-wing Tony Amonte.

"I can't say they weren't preparing us for it." Some players are expected to sign with European leagues while some could play in a series of exhibition games.