"Gary Bettman summed up all-star weekend in Ottawa with one word.

"Spectacular," the NHL commissioner told the Sun Saturday.

Speaking after the board of governors' meeting at the Chateau Laurier, Bettman said he's been pleased with the way the city has embraced the event that shifted into high gear with the skills competition Saturday night at Scotiabank Place.

Hosting the event for the first time since the Senators returned to the NHL in 1992, all-star weekend will end just as quickly as it started with Sunday's game. Everybody then heads their separate ways to finish this season.

Fortunately, they won't forget the experience in Ottawa.

"Everything has been great. The city has been incredibly hospitable," said Bettman. "The only thing that would have been better is if the (Rideau) Canal was frozen this morning. This has been great. Everything has just been terrific."

Bettman and the rest of the league officials were welcomed to Ottawa Friday night by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen on Parliament Hill. Senators owner Eugene Melnyk sat with the Harpers and was thrilled.

"It was really nice to get to know them," said Melnyk.

Melnyk has been pleased with the city's reaction to the all-star events. He was headed to Fan Fair Saturday afternoon before making a public appearance with Bettman and Gov. Gen. David Johnston at Rideau Hall.

After four Senators — captain Daniel Alfredsson, centre Jason Spezza, winger Milan Michalek and defenceman Erik Karlsson — were voted in as starters by the fans, Melnyk had no concerns about the people here stepping up."