Mark Chipman, owner of the Winnipeg Jets, talks to media before the Jets inaugural game at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011. (John Woods/The Canadian Press)

Mark Chipman, one of the owners of the Winnipeg Jets issued the following statement Thursday on the failure of talks to resolve the NHL lockout:

It reads:

"I'd like to thank the NHL for giving me the opportunity to participate in this very important process.

I came here optimistic that we could find a solution. That sense of optimism grew after our first few sessions, including the small group discussions late last night.

Regrettably, we have been unable to close the divide on some critical issues that we feel are essential to the immediate and long-term health of our game.

While I sense there are some members of the players association that understand our perspective on these issues, clearly there are many that don't.

I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to bring this extremely unfortunate situation to a successful conclusion and I wish to apologize to our fans and sponsors for letting them down."

Read other owners' statements here.