NHL 2013 Schedule News: Playoffs To Start May 1, End June 28th? Governors, Managers Ratify CBA, Apologize

The NHL season got one step closer to being a reality after the owners unanimously ratified the new 10-year CBA agreement on Wednesday.

Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement shortly after the vote and took the time to offer an apology for the lockout. ''To the players who were very clear they wanted to be on the ice and not negotiating labor contracts, to our partners who support the league financially and personally, and most importantly to our fans, who love and have missed NHL hockey, I am sorry,'' Bettman said.

He added, ''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.''

The season is slated to begin on Jan. 19 and the Stanley Cup playoffs are expected ended on June 28^th at the latest. The 2013 NHL Entry Draft was supposed to take place at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on June 28 and 29, but rumors indicate that it will be compressed into one day instead of the customary two days. The NHL Trade deadline will take place on April 3, the regular season will end on April 27, and the playoffs will begin on May 1.