BOSTON (AP) – Fed-up Bay State hockey fans had an icy response to news of the National Hockey League lockout, predicting it could doom a sport that was already having trouble filling arenas.

“It’s not like they’re going to have Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa to bring them back after the strike,” said Jayson Liss, 30, who grew up a New York Rangers fan, referring to the baseball legends whose 1998 home run derby helped revive the sport after its strike in 1994-95.

“I know people who haven’t turned on a baseball game since then,” said Brian McDonald, 33, of Boston. “I think people are just sick of strikes in general.”

Boston Bruins President Harry Sinden issued a statement Wednesday, supporting the league’s action.

“The league has our full support as we take this difficult but very necessary step toward creating a new economic system that will ensure our fans will continue to enjoy Bruins hockey at an affordable price,” Sinden said.

Bruins fans were already bracing themselves for a much different season.

During the offseason, the team lost four high-profile free agents with center Brian Rolston, their third leading scorer last season, going to Minnesota. Forward Mike Knuble, who had 21 goals, went to Philadelphia, defenseman Sean O’Donnell jumped to Phoenix and forward Michael Nylander signed with the New York Rangers.

The Bruins did re-sign two defensemen, Hal Gill to a one-year contract and Ian Moran to a two-year pact, and retained defenseman Sergei Gonchar, who received a $5.5 million contract award in arbitration.

Team captain Joe Thornton was awarded a near-record $6.75 million in arbitration for the 2004-2005 season. One of the NHL’s top centers, he scored 23 goals and assisted on 50 for 73 points last season. The previous season, the No. 1 pick in the 1997 entry draft had 36 goals and career-high 101 points – third-best in the NHL.

Thornton has signed an agreement to play for Hockey Club Davos in the Swiss Elite League in case of a lockout.

The Bruins lost in the first-round of the playoffs, losing the last three games against Montreal after taking a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

If it was the National Basketball Association taking a breather, “I wouldn’t care,” said Bryan Anderson, 34, of Boston. “But these guys are the true real athletes. I’m very upset.”

AP-ES-09-15-04 2010EDT