The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

PM Harper says he's saddened by NHL lockout; feels sorry for players, owners

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he's saddened by the lockout that has paralysed the NHL.

In an interview with French broadcaster TVA, Harper says he's finding some consolation by turning his attention to the world junior hockey championship that starts later this month in Russia.

Harper says he finds the NHL's labour dispute sad for the players who've worked hard since childhood to get to where they are. But he adds he also feels bad for the team owners, who he says hold the positions they do because of their love for the sport.

The prime minister says he's especially sad to see relations between owners and players fractured to a point where the national sport could be in peril.

Harper says he knows that hockey is a business, but that depriving fans of a full season twice in eight years isn't good for the NHL.

The lockout is into its 14th week and has already resulted in the cancellation of 526 regular-season games through Dec. 30.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Claude Noel on the Jets' disappointing last game of the season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Marc Gallant/Winnipeg Free Press. Local/Standup- BABY BISON. Fort Whyte Centre's newest mother gently nudges her 50 pound, female bull calf awake. Calf born yesterday. 25 now in herd. Four more calfs are expected over the next four weeks. It is the bison's second calf. June 7, 2002.
  • A monarch butterfly looks for nectar in Mexican sunflowers at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Monday afternoon-Monarch butterflys start their annual migration usually in late August with the first sign of frost- Standup photo– August 22, 2011   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Would you like to live in a new 42-storey downtown highrise?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google