(Gander, Newfoundland) Gary Bettman hasn’t claimed the leadership of Hockey Canada or suggested a new structure, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has done. But for a man who says it would be “inappropriate” to tell leaders “how to conduct their business,” he wasn’t exactly trying to put out the fire.
Posted at 6:13 p.m.
Bettman spoke to the media one hour into the preseason game between the Canadiens and the Senators on Thursday. Television cameras were not present at the press briefing, since it took place at a time when several reporters were on the air. But Bettman was there for long silences, expressed by an ellipsis below, when asked about the response from Hockey Canada’s senior management.
“Um… I think… the answer…. of Hockey Canada…definitely…needs…work. I… I’m not sure I fully understand why they’re responding this way,” the commissioner said.
In its most recent annual report, Hockey Canada names the NHL among its partners. Bettman clarified that these were partnerships on different files, for example junior A level hockey.
“We don’t have an agreement with Hockey Canada right now,” said the New Yorker. But there is a lot of concern about how the current situation is being handled.
We don’t run Hockey Canada, so it would be inappropriate for me to tell them how to run their business. But as men of hockey, we have a responsibility to lead by example. Like many, I am very disappointed with the state of things at the moment.
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
The sex scandal that has plagued Hockey Canada since last spring returned to the heart of the news this week with the testimony of former Board President, Michael Brind’Amour, as well as his interim successor, Andrea Skinner, before the members of the Standing Heritage Committee.
End of investigation imminent
It was allegations of gang rape, which allegedly occurred on the sidelines of a gala for the 2018 edition of Team Canada junior, that threw Hockey Canada into turmoil.
However, several members of this team now wear the colors of NHL teams. The league is therefore conducting its own investigation to determine if any league players were targeted in the original lawsuit, which involved eight young men.
I await the conclusions of our investigation and I am told that it is over. But it took time. Of course, the allegations are horrifying. We need to look into these allegations and we will do so as soon as the investigation is complete.
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
Bettman declined to comment on possible sanctions, if it appears that players on the circuit have indeed been involved in the scandal.
“Let me read the report. At that time, I will respond appropriately. Until then, I don’t want anyone to feel like we have a preconceived idea, one way or the other. »
Gary Bettman loose
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