yson Nash Brings His Grit, Passion and Intensity to Every Game

David Vest
Dec. 18, 2004
© The Arizona Republic

There are no collective bargaining agreement talks scheduled between the NHL and the NHL Players Association, and that likely won't change before Christmas.

Left wing Tyson Nash, whose optimism that the season will be saved fades daily, said fans shouldn't expect the players to make the next move in the stalemate.

"I don't think we're ready to give back anything more than we've already done," Nash said Friday. "We've given all we can give up to this point and it's time for the owners to start giving in. If we want to see hockey back, it's time for them to step up to the plate ... We need someone to negotiate with and we don't have anybody to negotiate with."

Coyotes officials referred questions regarding the status of the CBA negotiations to the league office.

Ciao, Chimera

Left wing Jason Chimera is the latest member of the Coyotes to head to Europe to play during the lockout.

Chimera, whom the Coyotes acquired from Edmonton along with a draft choice for two other draft picks, signed with Italy's Mastini Varese and was expected to play his first game Friday.

Ten Coyotes are playing in overseas leagues.

Francis still coaching

Former coach Bobby Francis and former defenseman Jim Johnson have coached Valley youth teams to the championship round of the International Silver Stick tournament next month in Port Huron, Mich.

Francis' Pee Wee team (players born in 1992 or '93) went 5-0 at last weekend's regional qualifying tournament in Westminster, Colo., and outscored opponents 32-6.

Johnson's Bantam team (players born in 1990 or '91) also went 5-0 at the qualifying tournament and outscored opponents 24-5.