The National Hockey League Players' Association is about to formally announce its new leader.
Donald Fehr, a formidable force who spearheaded the Major League Baseball Players Association for 26 years is expected to be named to NHLPA the post, very likely, within the next 24 hours.
The process, now in the final stages of voting Fehr in, doesn't require full membership vote, but Fehr wanted every NHL player to have input.
Once officially named, Fehr will fill the position of Executive Director, effectively left vacant following the abrupt firing of Paul Kelly in August of 2009.
Last summer, the NHLPA opted to extend the collective bargaining agree through the 2011-2012 season.
By exercising this option, the union provided Fehr and his future negotiating team time to prepare for what is expected to be another battle between player and ownership.
The NHLPA's executive board held a conference call earlier this week to discuss Fehr's appointment, a revised constitution and other PA related matters.
Fehr, who recently wrapped up the union's annual fall tour in a visit with the 30 NHL teams, is considered to be a very popular choice among the players.
