U.S. women's team stands by boycott threat as deadline passes

USA Hockey's deadline elapsed without any backtracking from the national women's team, and the players' stance hasn't changed.

The governing body of American hockey gave the female players a 5 p.m. ET deadline Thursday to revoke their plan to boycott the upcoming World Championship unless significant headway is made in negotiations over wages.

"We were aware of USA Hockey's deadline and have allowed it to pass," the U.S. women's national hockey team said in a statement, according to ESPN's Craig Custance.

"We are focused on the issue of equitable support and stand by our position. We continue to be grateful for the encouragement and loyalty of our fans."

The players' attorney, John Langel, echoed that sentiment, telling The Associated Press' Stephen Whyno that his clients are "resolute in their focus on equitable support."

USA Hockey spokesman Dave Fischer told veteran reporter Philip Hersh that the deadline was "never meant to be (a) line in (the) sand," adding that "efforts will continue to come to (a) resolution so players we have selected can play."

Training camp for the World Championship begins Tuesday in Plymouth, Mich., and the tournament itself starts March 31.