Talks between the N-H-L and N-H-L Players' Association resume Wednesday with the help of an impartial third party.

The two sides are expected to meet separately with U-S federal mediators in an effort to end the labour dispute that's now in its 11th week. The mediation will be non-binding, meaning the sides will not be forced to go along with suggestions or recommendations made by mediators Scot L. Beckenbaugh and John Sweeney.

Allowing U-S federal mediators into the process was something the N-H-L tried without success on a couple of occasions prior to the cancellation of the 2004-05 season. In fact, Beckenbaugh sat in on sessions at that time, including one just three days before commissioner Gary Bettman cancelled the entire season in February 2005.

The N-H-L lockout has so far forced the league to cancel 422 regular-season games, plus the January 1st Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium and the January 27th all-star game in Columbus.

Bettman has said the league is losing as much as 20 million dollars per day during the lockout.

(The Canadian Press)