Hartford, CT (AP)- Hartford Whalers Owner, Jeremy Chrabascz, issued the
following statement this evening through GM Peter Gammons at a press conference
at Bradley International Airport:
"Today's events have been both personally troubling and an embarassment to me.
My press release this morning regarding the deal Anchorage made was not made
in ill-will, bitterness, anger or to be a condescending lesson on ownership.
In fact, I thought I had been quite diplomatic and open-minded about the whole
situation. At the time, I felt I had voiced a common opinion among owners. I
also felt compelled to respond to a public statement of 'shut up' as I think
many others also would have been. Anyone who knows me, as an owner or the
Hartford Whalers as an orgnization, knows that we have always strived to do what
was best for the PVBL...no matter what it takes. We feel we have consistently
done what was in the best interests of ourselves and of the league. However,
we do not want today's events to in any way tarnish our reputation for
conducting our business with the upmost integrity. If anyone, namely Rhett
Foley or Nick Miller, was insulted or upset with the wording or phrasing of
this morning's press release I apologize. I apologize profusely and
publically. We would never single out anyone one for any reason, nor would we
intend to embarass or humiliate anyone. If I did, once again, I apologize.
I am not sure what compelled me to issue that release this morning. Therefore,
I apologize for ever writing it. It was unnecessary, detrimental to league
morale and certainly focused on matters which did not directly involve me or the
Whalers. This is not to say that we cannot or will not ever be concerned with
what other owners are doing. That is business and human nature. But, upon
reflection, I would admit that this morning's release was ill-advised. In the
future, I will remember what my Dad always told me, 'Think before you speak.'"
The release continued after a brief, intentional pause:
"That being said I'd like us all to move on and enjoy Season 3. I think it's
going to be one hell of a year. It's time to leave this dead horse behind us
where we've obviously beaten it down 20 feet under! Incidentally, I was just
informed that the trade went through. I think we should all be relieved and
happy for the involved parties. Obviously, they feel they've found what they
were looking for and got it. We should all be so lucky. Play ball!"
