NHL players began scattering across the globe Thursday in search of work on Day 1 of the lockout, with no negotiations scheduled between union and management.

While rinks from Pittsburgh to Montreal to Anaheim figure to be quiet in the coming weeks, the ice will be crowded with high-priced talent in places such as the Czech Republic.

Jaromir Jagr skated for the first time with the Czech team Rabat Kladno, wearing the blue and white colors of the club that nurtured him before he arrived in the NHL in 1990. His father is the club president.

“He should start playing as soon as he is healthy, hopefully next week,” said Ota Cerny, the team’s general manager, referring to the hip injury that bothered Jagr during the World Cup of Hockey.

The Finnish league had its season-opening games Thursday night, and several NHL players were involved.

Ville Nieminen, who played for Stanley Cup finalist Calgary Flames last season, set up Tappara’s only goal in a 6-1 loss to Ilves.

Esa Pirnes of the Los Angeles Kings had three assists and Tomi Pettinen of the New York Islanders had two assists as Lukko routed Assat 6-1.

An Ottawa senators employee enters an empty locker room on the first day of the NHL lockout. Goaltender Dominik Hasek's equipment was on the bench Thursday in Ottawa.

Two of Sweden’s biggest standouts, 2002 NHL MVP Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto captain Mats Sundin, likely will skate later this season in their home country.

Other NHL players returning home include forwards Martin Rucinsky, Vaclav Prospal and Martin Straka and defender Jaroslav Spacek. Their presence should be a major boost for the Czech league.