Gary Bettman speaks on Coyotes relocation in Arizona and Utah, says Alex Meruelo

SALT LAKE CITY — Gary Bettman wore the same outfit for his two news conferences on Friday in Phoenix and Salt Lake City: A dark navy suit, a crisp blue dress shirt — with an unbuttoned collar and no tie — and black dress shoes.

The expression the commissioner wore on his face, however, was markedly different in each city. During a 35-minute session with reporters at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Phoenix, Bettman was understandably frustrated seated alongside Alex Meruelo. The questions from the assembled media were pointed and direct. The general tone and vibe of the room seemed to be negative and combative, as Meruelo and Bettman were left to explain why the NHL was pressing pause on the Arizona market.

The news conference opened with a tough question for Meruelo from veteran Arizona hockey reporter Craig Morgan, who ended his thought saying, “There’s a lot of anger, there’s a lot of disappointment. And there is an enormous amount of distrust for anything you say at this point.”

When the topics of the Coyotes financial health was raised, Bettman painted a grim picture.

“Was he losing a lot of money? You betcha. He was losing a ton,” said Bettman.

Meruelo tried to piggyback on the commissioner’s comments at which point Bettman took his hand and placed it on Meruelo’s arm — preventing him from speaking further.

“I got it,” said Bettman. “You don’t have to say it.”

At another point, a reporter asked Meruelo if unpaid bills from the Coyotes were a reason why the franchise was being de-activated and moved the Utah.

“I’m not aware of any unpaid bills,” Meruelo responded.

That answer was followed by a query as to why Meruelo hasn’t made many public appearances over the past year.

“Because I don’t like the media,” he said flatly. “I own two TV stations in Los Angeles and five radio stations in Los Angles and I’ve never once been on radio or TV. I just avoid media for many reasons.”

Knowing that answer would not sit well with fans in Arizona, Bettman quickly intervened to try and save Meruelo.

“Let me translate that a little bit,” interjected Bettman. “I think he doesn’t like being a public person. Not that he dislikes the media, because as he says he owns media. Some people don’t like to be out there in public. He wouldn’t be the only owner in any sport who feels that way.”

It was an awkward moment and sadly probably the lightest point in an otherwise somber press session.

Contrast that with Bettman’s opening remarks a few hours later inside a large room inside the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Stuffed with media, local politicians and dignitaries and Utah Jazz staff, Bettman received a loud ovation when he was introduced for his opening statement.

“Since you’re all about to be hockey fans, you’ll learn rather quickly I don’t normally get that kind of reception,” Bettman said, a comment that drew a hearty laugh.

The news conference in Salt Lake City started at 5 p.m. locally,…