[direwolf]

Not sure if this has been posted yet, but here are some reactions from a few of the players.

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...new-arena-woes

“The hope for the players and being part of the city, you want a new rink and what Edmonton has,” said Flames veteran Matt Stajan.

“It’s a little bit of a shock, and it’s disappointing, but hopefully, we’ll end up getting what we all want.”

And that’s a new rink to replace the 36-year-old Saddledome, which not only fails to attract concerts and produce the revenue modern buildings generate but does little to help attract free agents here.

“I just experienced this is Arizona – I can’t imagine the uncertainty affecting this market as much as it does down there in terms of getting players to come, but down there it was a problem for some guys,” said defenceman Michael Stone, who re-signed with the Flames this summer for three more years.

“I guess it’s kind of shocking and disappointing, not just for us but for everybody in the city that wants this to happen. It’s disappointing for everybody who sees what other cites are getting. I think everybody still has hope something is going to get done.”

“I wouldn’t say shocked — more disappointed, as I’m sure everyone else is who is interested in sports and entertainment,” said Flames forward Mikael Backlund.

“I read a little about it in the spring, so that’s why I’m not shocked, because I knew this could happen. Now it doesn’t look good, but hopefully, they’ll get a new arena here.”

Flames forward Kris Versteeg, who hails from nearby Lethbridge, says he didn’t want to comment much as it was up to others to figure out.

Teammate Dougie Hamilton agreed.

“Honestly, I don’t pay too much attention to it,” said the Flames defenceman.

“I just try to play hockey. It’s not for us to figure out where we’re playing – we’re just trying to put our best performance on the ice and play hockey on whatever ice is there.”