September 16 - NHL Locked Out by Management

Labor History in 2:00 · Sep 16, 2026 · 1m

On this day in Labor History the year was 2004.

That was not a good day for hockey fans.

The National Hockey League owners locked out the players.

The owners and players’ union could not come to an agreement on issues including pay, free agency rules and drug testing.

League owners also wanted to implement a salary cap.

The Players’ Association objected.

The first game of the season was supposed to take place on October 13th.

But across the country, the arenas stood silent.

As the impasse dragged on, in February the League announced the season was cancelled.

The Associated Press reported, A…