Harper says lockout dangerous business for NHL

The NHL is treading on dangerous territory with its second lengthy lockout in under a decade, Prime Minister Stephen Harper warned in a television interview Tuesday.

In an interview with TVA in Quebec on the 94th day of the lockout, Harper said the situation is disappointing all around.

Harper said that the league is risking its brand and relationship with sponsors as a result of the impasse.

Harper, an enthusiastic fan of the sport, said he'll be turning his attention soon to Canada's team at the world junior hockey championships in Russia.

In August, the prime minister said if the lockout were to occur, he hoped that Canadians would get enthusiastic about other hockey teams and leagues, including university, junior and women's hockey.

U.S. President Barack Obama has also been asked about the NHL lockout at least twice since it began in September. Last week, Obama told a Minneapolis television station that the league and its players' association should "do right by the fans."