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Update (01/27/08): If you missed last night’s “Ask Gary” segment on Hockey Night in Canada — where Gary Bettman took questions from hockey fans in Canada, live with Ron MacClean — you can watch it here. Nothing too new or exciting… but “Blue Skies” Bettman does strongly deny having any kind of role in keeping the Nashville Predators out of Hamilton, ON … even though there is strong evidence that suggests otherwise, including Craig Leipold taking $40 million less for the team than he could have gotten, which still has not been explained.
Bettman also states that the NHL is not considering any expansion… within Canada or the U.S. in the near future. One fan’s email in the segment asks about why the Red Wings are in the West… and Gary’s response is that if the Wings moved to the East, a team would have to move to the West, which no team is willing to do. But what if an expansion team were to be put in Las Vegas or Kansas City? We aren’t huge fans of the idea, but just want to point out that it is definitely a possibility… even though Gary Bettman always seems to avoid bringing up the possibility when questioned about expansion.
The NHL has announced it will open next season with two games in Europe. Oh boy; Jagr and Lecavalier to Prague and Sid and Alfredsson to Stockholm. Yeah, it’s not the teams that are important; Gary’s just pushin’ a few stars to get more exposure. “We’re all pretty excited about that” were uttered from the hole in his face. Typical Bettman; all cliche and no brain. (His “all” must have been in reference to lackies Bill or Colin.) Wonder how many Europeans get VS.? Yo Bettman, wake up! Starting the season in Winnipeg, Quebec City, Portland (OR), or even (heaven forbid) Hamilton would give you the greater exposure you are seeking in the market you are sadly neglecting; North America! (Don’t forget the “North” part, ay?) Paying –that’s right– paying ESPN to televise a game a week would also aid in this effort. You just have to start focusing on the game… not the “stars” who few people see. Sid ain’t the equivalent to the NBA’s Michael. Remember the NBA was accessible on television when Jordan played. I don’t believe Stern sent you to Europe, but many wish he would have sent you to the moon. Certainly, the sure fire way to create more fan excitement and to actually “grow” the game of hockey would be for you to submit your resignation. Do it dude!!!
what I don’t understand is why these three teams (Rangers, Senators, and Penguins) with high attendance marks are selected to play overseas. Why not send teams with troubling attendance records like Nashville, Phoenix, Florida, or Atlanta to play overseas?
Al,
Jagr is a hero to the Czechs, Alfredsson the same to the Swedes, and Crosby is Gary’s hero. The important thing to remember is that interest is still waning in North America. Sure Gary professes attendance figures are up. That’s why we see more empty seats. (He must’ve hired Enron’s bean counter.) Picture games played in different cities in North America on opening day. And I mean no home team. The NHL could gauge fan interest in a lot of different markets AND get more “exposure”. Now when a market is failing (pick any five), an intelligent commish could suggest that a franchise be located in the market that has shown the greatest interest. Of course, we couldn’t include any hockey-starved Canadian market with ‘ol head-up-his-arse at the helm. Gary’s “screw Canada” attitude is at the heart of the NHL’s problems.
Your humble American,
jb
I love your site. It makes me sad to think of how great the NHL was Pre-1993. I couldn’t agree more Bettman has to go. It’s funny how all the problems with the NHL and they decide to go to Europe with out getting the NHLPA’s approval. I almost think Gary was is a double agent, trying to Kill the NHL. So that the NBA doesn’t have any winter competetion.
Chris,
You may be onto something. NBA commish Stern did pass his lackey onto us and given the recent shenanigans with the Preds/Wild sales it would not surprise me if we later find out the Bettgirl ain’t such an ethical person. We already know he’s a lawyer from the NBA. What does that say about him?
Keep coming back Chris. We need all the support we can get to rid ourselves of this yay-hoo who has trashed our beloved sport.
jb
Chris nailed it. 10 outta 10 on that. Just to get word out, if anyone has an ESPN profile or any other thing, just put a link to this site on there.
Oh, and on the link that appears when you click on “definite possibility,” great article.
Well, now that the USA have been completely and utterly conquered by hockey madness, and that every single american person has become a hardcore fan of hockey and that every franchise is relevant, competitive and sells out every night thanks to Mr. Bettmans genius, the next logical step is Europe, don’t you think?