(MCT) — NEW YORK — The NHL’s chances of playing a full regular season in 2012-13 are about to go down the drain and commissioner Gary Bettman warned the road to settling the owners’ lockout might soon get rougher.

Bettman reiterated Wednesday that a deal would have to be reached on Thursday to fit in a one-week training camp and start the regular season Nov. 2. Although many have speculated there might be wiggle room beyond Nov. 2 to fit in 82 games, Bettman stated firmly that if play doesn’t start by then, there is no chance of playing a full regular season.