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.
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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.
**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told the @MapleLeafs are closing in on 3Yr Contract Extension (July 1st) for G Woll in the neighborhood between $ 3.5M – $4M AAV. #LeafsForever #HockeyX #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/Wo5vCO7UDN– Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 24, 2024
– Notice to interested parties.
On this National Holiday, I present to you my first montage from the Combine: the FRENCH test of the various hopefuls.
One of my favorite exercises every year.
And why is that? Because the guys have no choice but to be… themselves 😂
Happy Saint-Jean! ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/Szdv84dq7a
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) June 24, 2024
– The Bob skates.
Sergei Bobrovsky jumps on the ice for the practice session on this Game 7 morning.
He had missed yesterday’s session to “respect his routine” according to Paul Maurice pic.twitter.com/X0JllANWG3
– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) June 24, 2024
– He should stay in New York.
Rangers don’t appear set to move on from Jacob Trouba despite playoff struggles https://t.co/nY9gizTKDh pic.twitter.com/I498Ed6irT
– New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 24, 2024
– What will the Habs do with him if he’s available?
2024 NHL Draft prospect profile: Ivan Demidov’s hand skills are unrivalledhttps://t.co/dmb0BWaKn0
– Eyes On The Prize (@HabsEOTP) June 24, 2024
– An important name in Edmonton.
Meet Brett Kulak: the unsung hero of the #LetsGoOilers run to Game 7.
Kulak could’ve been a cap casualty at the deadline. Instead, the local kid has elevated his game – and steadied two struggling partners to solidify #Oilers‘ defense pairs.
Story: https://t.co/j60rvyjxiz pic.twitter.com/N08Typ9LVn
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 24, 2024