Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz issued an open-letter, to the People of Edmonton, Northern Alberta and Oilers Fans Everywhere, in a statement released early Saturday morning, through the Katz Group.

PHOTO CREDIT - EdmontonOilers.com

Edmonton - September 29, 2012 - September 29, 2012

To the People of Edmonton, Northern Alberta and Oilers Fans Everywhere,

I owe you an explanation.

I was upset when certain confidential information was leaked and by comments that I thought were unfair and called my integrity into question. I reacted by trying to send a message to City leaders that they should not take my support for a new arena for granted.

In doing so, I took for granted your support and your love of the Oilers.

That was wrong, and I apologize.

The best I can say is that I did it because I’m fighting for a deal that will enable the team to stay in Edmonton - and not because I want them to be anywhere else.

That’s why I bought the Oilers in the first place. Because I want the NHL to be sustainable in Edmonton for the long-term, and because I saw the city’s need for a new arena as an opportunity to transform our city for the better.

In hindsight, I have underestimated the degree to which it would be up to us to make the case for public funding. As I think you all know by now, public communications is not in my nature. Chalk that up as a personal shortcoming.

The simple fact is that the Oilers need Edmonton, and Edmonton needs the Oilers. Each is an integral part of the fabric and identity of the other.

We are continuing to work with City Administration to forge a win-win partnership that will benefit our city and that we can all be proud of.

I hope we can count on your support.

Sincerely,

Daryl Katz