USA Hockey to contact replacement players

USA Hockey is preparing for Plan B.

The governing body will soon begin contacting replacement players for the U.S. women's team at the upcoming world championships, according to The Associated Press.

USA Hockey sent a statement to AP declaring that while its preference is to ice the original team, Thursday's development indicates the organization is readying its backup plan.

The two sides are involved in an ongoing wage dispute, with the team threatening to boycott the tournament. There appeared to be some progress made after a 10-hour marathon meeting Monday, with both sides describing the negotiations as "productive."

Training camp was set to begin Wednesday in Traverse City, Mich., but has since been postponed. The tournament begins March 31.

Team USA is the defending champion at the world championships.