Edmonton's mixed feelings on Katz apology

Oilers fans aren't all convinced by the the letter of apology sent by team owner Daryl Katz on Saturday.

Its as transparent, to be honest, as the threat to relocate," said Ryan Batty, one of the writersof Copper and Blue, a blog about the team.

"I dont think theres anything to it. I think were basically in the same place we were four days ago," he said.

In the letter, Katz alludes to his recent trip to Seattle, a city which recently approved funding for a new arena,saying he was frustrated with negotiationsand was trying to send a message to City Council that "they should not take my support for a new arena for granted."

Batty said Katz should have known that there would be a backlash from fans, especially considering they have continued to attend games through the teams recent losing seasons.

"The idea that thats not good enough in some way? I can understand why fans got a little upset,"Battysaid.

"There are a lot of fans who want to think that hockey is not a business. But hockey is a business."

Other Oilers fans, like Andrew Zawirucha, felt the apology was sincere.

"It is what it is but to backtrack, at least he kind of recognizes that what he did was dumb," he said.

Zawiruchaadded he hopes Katz'smove will mean smoother negotiations in the future.

Apology 'a tiny step,' says councillor

In the letter, Katz said he underestimated how much of the responsibility for making a case for public money would fall on him.

Batty says he was surprised by that sentiment.

"Hes asking for half a billion dollars. Thats not a rubber stamp kind of thing," he said.

City councillor Kerry Diotte says he was pleased by the apology, but said more needs to be done by both sides to secure the arena deal.

"Its a tiny, but good, first step," he said.

"Its one thing to write a letter, its another to put those words into action."

Diotte reiterated his call for the Katz Group to provide more information to the city, including a look into the teams finances and the reasons behind the need for more public investment.

"Im in favour of a downtown arena, but it has to be win-win," he said.

Earlier this month, Mayor Stephen Mandel set October 17 as a deadline for the Katz Group to meet with Council to discuss outstanding issues. Diotte says at some point, the negotiations will need to be opened up.

"Lets discuss it in public. Lets open up the doors."