Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman
Gary Bruce Bettmanis the commissioner of the National Hockey League, a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association. Bettman is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSports Executive
Date of Birth2 June 1952
CityQueens, NY
CountryUnited States of America
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I have heard recent comments by the union and players who say they expect a work stoppage of anywhere from a season to a season and a half or even longer,
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We can't thank our fans enough for the record support they showed. For all our clubs, a terrific season was made even better by the enthusiasm and encouragement our fans displayed night after night. We are deeply appreciative.
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When owners are concerned about players playing in the Olympics when they're injured, that's a legitimate concern. From our standpoint and from our players' standpoint, our season is the most important (thing).
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We plan to play a season however it happens.
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Clearly, our league and our game have undergone tremendous change. The 2005-06 season is still young, but everyone from casual fans to expert commentators like many of you here today concurs that NHL hockey has been reinvigorated,
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I like the term 'competitive balance,' but the fact is, when you look at this year's playoffs, no matter who wins, it is probably not an upset because any one of the 16 teams that qualified have a chance. The regular season was exciting. There were 24 teams in the hunt until just about the end. Then, when you look at these series, the playoffs are off to a strong start.
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The entry draft is one of the most important events on our calendar, as it marks the culmination of one season and casts all eyes toward the bright future that awaits.
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When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved,
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We go to the Olympics because it's part of our partnership with the players. This was very important to the players. It's not without its issues, but on balance I think it's a good thing to do. It will enhance the hockey tournament.
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The view is any team within that range can be competitive, unlike the $20 million to $80 million spread we had before. It enables each team to have the flexibility it needs with young players and returning players.
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Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teams might be pushing more because they don't want to go to a shootout.
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Even in those cases when there were instances of alleged provocation, we have made it clear that NHL personnel need to do everything possible to avoid a confrontation of fans, and the failure to do so is not acceptable.
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We have a lineup because we owe Atlanta and Phoenix All-Star Games. We have a long to-do list. ... It's hard to predict because we owe two and have a couple in the hopper that were being worked on.
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We will return this game to our fans with a promise - we will do everything in our power to be the best we can be and to earn your continued devotion. This was a terrible time for everyone associated with the game. We will do everything we can to make it up to you.