On this day, January the 11th, in the year of 1995, the 103 day long National Hockey League lockout (NHL lockout) of 1994-1995, spurred by disputes between the league and the National Hockey League Players Association, came to an end.

While multiple points were disagreed on, by far the main point of the NHL Lockout was the potential introduction of a salary cap, which the league wanted and the player didn’t, as it would cap the amount of money players would be able to make off their contracts.

The relatively new commissioner, Gary Bettman, was the face of the league, taking the majority of the criticism from fans and players, garnering a bad reputation, a reputation, though lessened, he still carries to today.

During the deadlock of the negotiations, players took to keeping their skills sharp by playing in NHLPA organized charity games and other hockey leagues.

The NHL lockout came to an end when both of the sides agreed to compromise, with, among other things, the owners dropped their push for a salary cap, though the players did allow a cap for rookies players.

The season started back on January 20th with an shortened forty-eight game schedule, with the New Jersey Devils winning that year’s Stanley Cup and their first of three (Pro Stock Hockey) (History of the 90s).

To read more daily facts and tidbits and about the NHL, see the Barron Perspectives “On this Day Archives” webpage and articles such as “On This Day – November 26th (National Hockey League” and “On This Day – October 10th (Wayne Gretzky)”.