On September 15, 2004, Gary Bettman, the National Hockey League's commissioner, made a historic announcement regarding the league's operations. In a move that would have significant implications for professional hockey, Bettman declared a lockout of the players' union, prompting the suspension of all NHL operations. This decision arose from ongoing labor disputes and failed negotiations between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association, primarily over issues related to player salaries and the implementation of a salary cap. Bettman emphasized that the lockout was necessary to ensure the financial health of the league and to create a more competitive balance among teams.

The lockout followed a series of negotiations that had been contentious and protracted, highlighting deep divides between the league's management and its players. Bettman's announcement meant that training camps would not open as scheduled, and the entire season was put in jeopardy. The lockout would ultimately last for almost an entire year, resulting in the cancellation of the entire 2004-2005 NHL season—the first time this had occurred in the league's history. Throughout this period, the players were prevented from participating in any team activities, intensifying the existing feud.

The decision to lock out the players had broad repercussions for the NHL's fan base, economic structure, and the future of professional hockey in North America. While the league aimed to stabilize and improve its financial situation, many fans expressed discontent, leading to widespread disappointment and a decline in viewership. The aftermath of the lockout would see substantial changes in the NHL's operational framework, as the resolution involved the introduction of a salary cap and various rules that reshaped the economics of hockey. Bettman's leadership during this tumultuous period would be scrutinized and debated among fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for future labor relations in the sport.