Sakic Hopes NHL Can Avoid Another Lockout

DENVER (CBS4) - Things are getting tight in the National Hockey League.

The hockey team owners want the players to take less money, and unless they strike a deal by Sept. 15 they could be headed for another lockout.

Former Avalanche star Joe Sakic, now an executive advisor and alternate governor for the team, said he's not sure when -- or if -- the Avalanche will be playing this season.

Speaking at his annual charity golf tournament on Thursday, the Joe Sakic Celebrity Classic at Sanctuary, Sakic told CBS4 he's optimistic that a deal can be reached soon.

"There's still a lot of time before training camp starts, so I'm hopeful. The two sides continue talking, and as long as they continue talking there's a good chance something's going to get done," Sakic said.

Former teammate and defenseman Adam Foote was at the tournament and also told CBS4 it's not time to hit the panic button.

"You know how the lockouts and labor disputes go -- nothing happens until the last hour, so I like to be positive and think that if they do get locked out it will be a short one," Foote said.

All proceeds of Sakic's tournament go to the Food Bank of the Rockies.