Women's pro hockey league cuts salaries to save season

The National Women's Hockey League is slashing its player salaries in half as a cost-cutting measure meant to allow the league to keep operating in its second season.

Commissioner Dani Rylan told reporters about the cuts on Friday, one day after informing team executives and players. Rylan did not specify the amount of the cuts but said they are necessary to save the league.

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press the cuts essentially slash the league's payroll in half, representing about $675,000 in savings. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Rylan declined to disclose any details regarding the size of the cuts.

Rylan blamed part of the cash-flow crunch on declining attendance a month into the season.

New York Riveters defenseman Ashley Johnson called it ''not a good day,'' and said players were shocked upon being informed of the need for pay cuts.

Last year, the NWHL became North America's first women's hockey league to pay players a salary, which was capped at $25,000.