Statement regarding Ducks Henry and Susan Samueli

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement on Dec.9: "On December 9, 2009, U.S. District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney vacated the single charge that was pending against Dr. Henry Samueli, indicating that no law had been violated. We are delighted that the Samueli good name has now been cleared. In retrospect, it is regrettable and unfortunate that the circumstances at that time caused the Samuelis and the Anaheim Ducks to endure any suspension. We were pleased to welcome the Samuelis back to the NHL when the suspension was lifted this past November 12."

This statement comes after U.S. District Court proceedings this week in California, where Judge Carney stated that Henry Samueli had not made a materially false statement during his testimony before the SEC.

Battle for Coyotes continues

The NHL made its case for keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix for the upcoming season in United States bankruptcy court.The hearing before Judge Redfield T. Baum postponed without a decision on whether Jim Balsillie, the Research in Motion executive, could take part in an auction for the Coyotes. There was no immediate news on when the judge will rule on the issues. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly were both in attendance in the court.

Balsillie's camp told Baum it would even be willing to move the club during the season. "You want to talk about disruption of families and players and the fan base," League attorney Shepard Goldfein said. "I don't think that's ever happened. I'm not aware it's ever happened."

A new program for 'NHL Hour'

A new special program named NHL Hour With Commissioner Gary Bettman will broadcast on SIRIUS XM Radion.It is certain that NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell and NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy will host this special edition.

This program will broadcast live on Thursdays from 4 pm to 5 pm on NHL Home Ice and NHL.com and it allows people downloading through podcast on NHL.com. It also surpports people to raise questions through phone or e-mail.

Next week Gary Bettman will return to New York to host with Bill Clement from the NHL.