Gary Bettman on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos

http://www.cbc.ca/thehour

For traditional hockey fans, Gary Bettman isn't exactly 'Mr. Popularity.' In 1993, he became NHL commissioner with a mandate to grow the game. So, how's he done? Well, under Bettman, the NHL has added six teams - most of them in the southern United States, while both Quebec and Winnipeg moved south. When Bettman took over, the league's revenue was 400 million dollars a year. Now, it's more than two billion. But some of those U-S teams are struggling, especially Nashville and Phoenix - which is said to be in real trouble. There was also the lockout that shut down the entire '04-05 season. Bettman has also had to deal with a few hits to the NHL's image. There was the "Bertuzzi Moore" incident, Sean Avery's comments and most recently - with the death of Don Sanderson in a senior league game, there are questions about whether the NHL should ban fighting.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• NHL
• Hockey
• The
• Hour
• george
• stroumboulopoulos
• commissioner
• Toronot
• Maple
• Leafs
• Highlights
• Gary
• bettman

[factorx90]

GARY BETTMAN IS A FUCKING CUNT

[sportsgurl16]

I just don't get one thing, the Thrashers, Panthers and Coyotes are doing so bad. They need to move. Why doesn't Gary do something about it? There needs to be more Canadian teams! Only 6 teams to 24? That's crap! And Canada is supposed be a hockey nation!

[makkakman]

I LOVE YOU GARY

[hockeysniper910]

This motha fucka didnt even play hockey!!!

[whitewolfinc]

@MrHarryBawls2010 How long has it been since we have had a new team?? Winnepeg is the first team we have had relocate or re enter the league since the 99-2000 season, so I dont see how that you thought that was true. If you've ever had a concussion, you wouldnt wish it on anyone, especially if its to the point where you cant stand up or walk after you've hit your head. You should be more careful about what you wish for.

[whitewolfinc]

@sonrac1 So does Phoenix and they were nearly moved twice. Atlanta also has a long term deal with their arena and they just moved. I dont think it has anything to do with that, it has everything to do with the money involved, and who the prospective is and what they have to offer.

[Ally1391]

when bettman retires i'll bet that it will be a national holiday in canada.

[Terminus92]

@sportsgurl16 Cause he's a fag that only cares about money and American interest.

[Terminus92]

Fuck Gary Fagman, all this little cunt cares about is American interest, and making money. Hell of a good job your doing Fagman. I agree with sportsgurl16's comment.

[sonrac1]

florida has a deal with its arena until 2020 or something, thats why

[WhiteGuy4Hire]

fuking hate this guy.... there are so many shitty American teams while most Canadian cities are dieing for a hockey team. this guy is a fucking joke.

[attackattackgin]

@knightschwartz its because hes a American weasel