A deadline for the U.S. women's hockey players to decide whether they will boycott the upcoming world championships passed Thursday without the players changing their mind in a standoff with USA Hockey over wages.
"We are focused on the issue of equitable support and stand by our position," the players said in a statement. "We continue to be grateful for the encouragement and loyalty of our fans."
The powerhouse U.S. women's program has been plunged into chaos just over two weeks ahead of the tournament in Plymouth, Mich.
It was not clear what USA Hockey's next step will be ahead of the world championships, which begin March 31.
"The organization's clear objective is to continue to work toward ensuring the players that have been selected for the team are those that represent the United States in the world championship," USA Hockey spokesman Dave Fischer said.
Players are seeking more compensation and a four-year contract. The deadline came one day after the team announced it would boycott the tournament, citing a lack of progress in labor talks.
Golf
Best morning round puts Grillo in lead
Emiliano Grillo made it through a cold start at Bay Hill for a 5-under 67 and a tie for the lead with Matt Fitzpatrick in the PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
Grillo was three shots better than anyone else from the morning side of the draw, which proved to be the tougher.
