Hockey

Officials of the NHL and the players’ association did not resume talks Saturday, as expected, but they are scheduled to meet today for the first time in more than two weeks.

As in the last series of meetings, each side will be represented by a two-man delegation. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday the season must start by Jan. 16 in order to schedule 50 games, the minimum set by the league’s Board of Governors for a meaningful season. *

A number of NHL teams have been skating informally, which could affect the timetable of any deadline for a settlement in the dispute between the league and the players’ association.

At least four teams--Washington, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary--have had players gathering at local rinks or training sites during the lockout, which reached its 92nd day Saturday.