Federal mediators brought in to help resolve the National Hockey League's labor dispute have had little impact as the league and locked-out players wrapped up two days of meetings on Thursday with no progress to report.

The NHL and union representing its players brought in U.S. federal mediators to assist in negotiations this week because of the lack of progress since the lockout started in mid-September.

"After spending several hours with both sides over two days, the presiding mediators concluded that the parties remained far apart, and that no progress toward a resolution could be made through further mediation at this point in time," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement.

"We are disappointed that the mediation process was not successful."

The lockout, which the NHL has said is costing it $18-$20 million a day, has already resulted in the cancellation of 34 percent of the regular season, the showcase outdoor Winter Classic on New Year's Day and January's All-Star Weekend.

The mediators were brought in with hopes of helping both sides reach an agreement over how to split $3.3 billion in hockey related revenue.

While both sides have agreed in principle to a 50-50 split of hockey related revenue, they remain at odds over how they will reach the target.

Owners are demanding an immediate reduction from the 57 percent players received under the previous agreement while the union would like to see the cuts brought in gradually.



Wild goalie has MS



Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the team confirmed Thursday.

Multiple sclerosis attacks the body's immune system and affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can include balance and vision problems, as well as fatigue.

Harding, 28, is undergoing treatment. He told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he plans to keep playing. He signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract this summer.



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