The NHL All-Star game, originally scheduled to be played February 12th and 13th at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, has been canceled by the league. There is no end in sight to the lockout so NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement Monday that the All-Star game would not be held this year.

During the last major NHL labor halt in 1994, the All-Star game was also canceled although not until December 8th. The game was scheduled to be played in San Jose that year. The city was awarded the All-Star game in 1997 instead. The NHL settled the 1994 lockout and was able to play a truncated 48 game schedule that year.

The NHL did pledge to bring an all-star game to Atlanta soon. 'We're sorry the realities of our situation have imposed themselves on what should be a special time for the city of Atlanta and our fans,' Don Waddell, the Atlanta Thrashers executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. 'The NHL and this organization are committed to bringing the All-Star Game to Atlanta within the next few years.'

The earliest the mid-season contest can be brought to Atlanta is 2008. The 2006 game is already scheduled for the new arena in Phoenix and reports indicate the 2007 game is all but officially been given to another city.

Right now, no negotiations are scheduled in the lockout that is now 49 days old. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he felt the season, 'is likely slipping away,' shortly after NHL Players Association President Bob Goodenow emerged from a meeting with player reps from each team and reaffirmed the union's stance against any form of salary cap.