The New York Rangers' owner James Dolan has earned a reputation for being borderline reclusive when discussing his pair of sports franchises, but the Cablevision magnate took a moment to address the NHL labor dispute at a Rangers' charity event.

Dolan, who owns the Rangers as well as the NBA's New York Knicks, had a brief comment expressing hope for an NHL season, even as labor talks between the NHL and its player union have broken off.

"The only thing I can say is that I want us to play hockey," Rangers owner James Dolan told ESPNNewYork.com at the team's first annual charity dog walk in Riverside Park.

Dolan's sentiments were echoed by his coach, John Tortorella:

The New York Rangers camp is ready to go on the 21st. We're chomping on the bit to get going here. If they say no, we'll wait 'til they say yes.

The pair's optimism is little recourse for actual progress between the two disputing sides that seem headed for a lockout, but its still nice to see.

For the latest on the Rangers, check out Blueshirt Banter as well as SB Nation New York. For more on the NHL labor dispute, stick to SB Nation's NHL hub as well as its Storystream on the matter.