With just under a week to save the National Hockey League's season, a mediator pushed for league and player representatives to end the lockout on Saturday.

For 12 hours on Friday, a federal mediator moved back and forth between the two sides, trying to bridge the remaining bargaining gaps.

The two sides felt enough was accomplished to continue with the mediator on Saturday.

If no agreement is reached by January 11, the NHL has said it will completely cancel the season.