U.S. men's hockey players may join women in worlds boycott: report

With the participation of the U.S. women's hockey team already in doubt for the upcoming world championships, there could be more uncertainty ahead.

According to sports agent and lawyer Allan Walsh, some U.S. men's players are considering following suit with their female compatriots.

They aren't the only ones voicing their support.

In recent days, the National Hockey League Players' Association and player unions of the NBA, NFL, and MLB have stepped up in support of the players.

All of this comes on the heels of USA Hockey's attempt to find replacement players after the women's team decided a few weeks ago to boycott the world championships, which begin Thursday in Plymouth, Mich.

USA Today reported that a tentative deal — that included increased wages and support — was struck last week between the players and USA Hockey.

But that deal is said to have been pulled off the table and replaced by a counter offer which the players rejected.

The team met Sunday night to discuss its plan for a meeting with USA Hockey's board of directors on Monday. The players hope USA Hockey will agree to negotiating terms set out recently in Philadelphia to improve their meager financial compensation.

"We remain united in our resolve to bring positive change to the sport we love," the women's team declared in a statement.