(Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador) Gary Bettman hasn’t called for 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 “misplaced” to tell leaders “how to conduct their business,” he hasn’t exactly been 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, rendered here by an ellipsis, when asked about the response from Hockey Canada’s top management.
“Uh… I think… the answer… from Hockey Canada… definitely… needs… some work. I… I’m not sure I fully understand why they’re responding that 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 are many concerns 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 Committee on Canadian Heritage.
End of investigation imminent
It was allegations of gang rape, which allegedly occurred on the sidelines of a gala at the end of the 2018 edition of Junior Team Canada, which 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 turns out that players on the circuit have 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
On the game in Gander, a small town that hosted 38 diverted planes during the 9/11 attacks: “Hosting a game means a lot to me because I’m also a New Yorker. I made sure those who come here with me see the musical Come From Away. I have seen her at least twice. There is a very special connection between 9/11 and here. It’s a beautiful human story that shows what happens when people come together. »
On the impact of inflation on estimated NHL earnings: “I’m old enough to remember when an 8% or 9% mortgage rate was a good rate. I even bought a house with a rate of 18%! I’m concerned about inflation because of the impact on people, but for our part, business is good and we just finished one of our best seasons commercially. »
On mixed reactions to jersey ads: “Historically, I’ve been pretty conservative on this, but when you look at what’s happening in other sports in North America, it seems like a new reality. We have had economic challenges in the last two and a half seasons. We think it was done properly and tastefully. The good news is that we are very much in demand from our business partners. I don’t think it should be a distraction, because we do it the right way. »