Of the slate of cringe-inducing comments issued by one NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during yesterday's introduction of the Phoenix Coyotes' new owners, this one made me cringe the most, as noted by the Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan:

Ownership of the Coyotes ceremoniously exchanged hands Tuesday at Jobing.com Arena when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman ceded control to IceArizona, which completed the $170 million sale the day before to resolve the four-year odyssey. Some of the changes ushered in by the new set of owners will be flashier than others.

Already there’s a contingent of billboards plastered across the Valley announcing the team is “Here to Stay.” And the All-Star Game, which was promised to Glendale in 2006 but then wiped out by a lockout, could return.

“We’re going to do that at some point,” Bettman said. “I don’t know what the date is yet, but it’ll be our pleasure to honor a commitment to bring the All-Star Game here.”

Continued