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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Miller blames Bettman for 'stupid' lockout

By: John Wawrow

Posted: 01/12/2013 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Ryan Miller (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- After rejoining his Buffalo Sabres teammates on the ice for the first time in some nine months, goalie Ryan Miller had a few lingering frustrations to get off his chest regarding the NHL lockout.

"The best thing to do is acknowledge that it was stupid," Miller said Friday, before turning his attention to Sabres fans. "I appreciate their patience. I know it's a hard situation. I still don't even know the right message because it was just a stupid, useless waste of time."

Miller, who played a role in negotiations, called himself "embarrassed" that it took more than six months of negotiations to reach an agreement. At one point during talks, he gave up on the possibility of there being a season this year.

And he laid the blame on owners, specifically singling out commissioner Gary Bettman, whom he accused of being the reason why the four-month lockout wasn't resolved sooner.

"In my mind, it always had to be January in Gary Bettman's mind," Miller said. "Obviously, he had something in his head and he was going to see how far he could take it. So there's really no going up against Gary, when he has something in his head."

For someone who hasn't played in a competitive game since April 5, the ever-outspoken Miller seems already in mid-season form.

"It's exciting to be back. It's the way you that you're supposed to feel," he said. "It's not in the board room, so that's good. It's getting back on the ice, and that's the important part."

Spending much of his off-season in southern California, Miller arrived in Buffalo on Thursday, and was on the ice for what's expected to be the players' final informal practice at a suburban arena. Training camp is tentatively set to open Sunday, and a 48-game regular season to start a week later.

A seven-year veteran, Miller is the face of the franchise, and regarded as a team leader. His arrival was welcomed by the Sabres, and also by numerous fans. About 300 onlookers lined the boards to watch the open practice.

Aside from his frustrations regarding labour talks, Miller was in an upbeat mood. Walking out of the locker-room with his mask perched above his head exposing a familiar patchy beard -- "It's my lockout beard" -- he flashed a big smile and waved his glove hand before taking the ice.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 12, 2013 C2

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