REGINA - The prime minister says he's not out to nab more than his fair share of seats when the reborn Winnipeg Jets play their NHL home opener.

The Winnipeg Free Press cited an "insider" as saying Stephen Harper asked for 14 tickets so he could bring some cabinet ministers to the game Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens.

But the insider said the Jets tickets are in such demand that Harper was politely refused and only given two.

Asked at a news conference in Regina about the tickets, Harper said he wasn't aware of such a request.

He said he asked for four tickets and will pay for them himself.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is also expected to be there when the puck drops.