WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal mediators are entering the stalled NHL labor talks, which have led to the first 2½ months of the regular season being canceled.

George H. Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, said Monday he had assigned three mediators to assist in negotiations to end the lockout. Cohen says the parties have agreed to use the assistance of the FMCS and that deputy director Scot L. Beckenbaugh, director of mediation services John Sweeney and Commissioner Guy Serota will join the talks.

The sides have not negotiated since last Wednesday. The NHL has canceled more than 34 percent of its regular season, including all games through Dec. 14, the New Year’s Day outdoor Winter Classic and the All-Star weekend scheduled for Jan. 26-27 at Columbus, Ohio.

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