Gary Bettman Dodges Question About Disliking Canadian Teams
Since Gary Bettman took office as NHL commissioner, only one Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup: the 1993 Montreal Canadiens. Bettman had just begun his tenure a few months before their victory.
Is this a coincidence? Opinions vary widely.
Bettman was responsible for moving the Quebec Nordiques to Colorado and the Winnipeg Jets to Arizona. Although he later facilitated the return of the Jets to Winnipeg, he has consistently refused to revive a team in Quebec City. Instead, he focused on expanding hockey's presence in the southern U.S., with mixed results, as seen with teams in Vegas and Phoenix.
Bettman’s reputation is divisive. Some see him as a savvy financial strategist, while others believe he ignores the preferences of traditional hockey fans. This controversy has earned him a reputation, fairly or unfairly, as a "Canada-hater."
Recently, a fan confronted Bettman, asking why he dislikes Canadian teams. In a video shared by Habs and NHL, an Edmonton Oilers fan approached Bettman while he was seated at a table. When asked the pointed question, Bettman chose not to respond. Within seconds, the person filming was confronted by another individual who tried to take his cell phone.
In my view, Bettman’s non-reaction wasn't inappropriate. He might have deemed it pointless to engage with the questioner, preferring not to draw more attention to the matter.
Nevertheless, one could argue that Bettman could have offered a generic response, such as I support all NHL teams,and this would have sufficed. It raises the question of whether he avoids answering all fan queries or just those that put him on the spot. After all, such direct questions are unlikely to be welcome, especially outside formal settings.
Overtime
- Nice contract for Maple Leafs goaltender.
- Notice to interested parties.
- The Bob skates.
- He should stay in New York.
- What will the Habs do if he becomes available?
- An important name in Edmonton.
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Since Gary Bettman took office, only one Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup: the 1993 Canadiens. Bettman had been sitting in the commissioner’s chair for a few months.
Is this a coincidence? Everyone has their own answer.
He was the one who moved the Nordiques and Jets, and even though he reluctantly brought the Winnipeg club back, he always refused to do the same in Quebec City. Instead, he popularized hockey in the southern U.S… for better or worse. #Vegas #Phoenix
Whether you think Bettman makes good financial decisions or you think he doesn’t listen to real hockey fans, the fact remains that the commissioner lives, rightly or wrongly, with the reputation of the Canada-hater.
And on that subject, a fan recently asked him why he hates Canadian teams. As can be seen in the following video, shared by Habs and NHL, an Oilers fan managed to get to the Commissioner, who was sitting at a table. And when Bettman was asked the question, he didn’t turn around.
The commissioner chose not to answer, and it only took a few seconds before the guy filming was forced to look away. A man obviously tried to take away his cell phone. In my opinion, Bettman didn’t react badly. He may have thought that there was no point in responding to this guy, and so chose not to give him too much attention.
However, you could tell me that Bettman could have answered something generic (something like: I like all NHL teams) and your answer would be just as valid. You have to wonder whether he refuses to answer fans’ questions at all, or whether he would have answered another question if it had been less pointed at him. After all, it’s not the kind of question he should enjoy getting… especially when it’s not in a more official setting.
Overtime
- Nice contract for Maple Leafs goaltender.
- Notice to interested parties.
- The Bob skates.
- He should stay in New York.
- What will the Habs do with him if he’s available?
- An important name in Edmonton.
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