Bettman Extended

[awaz]

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman signed 5-year extension, source says - ESPN

 

[li0lsh]

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/nhl-hockey-forum-message-board-general-discussion/29742-gary-bettman-five-year-extension.html

 

[Winged_Wheel88]

 

[ritari330]

 

[awaz]

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/nhl-hockey-forum-message-board-general-discussion/29742-gary-bettman-five-year-extension.html

OP =

 

[TOX1]

 

[TOX1]

OP =

Yeah, but your avi is fucking awesome, so you're good!

 

[elocomotive]

I know most of us detest the disciplinary policies of the league and the inconsistency with which rulings come down. There are also some issues with player safety that are being addressed and examined.

But those things aside, isn't hockey generally doing pretty well post-lockout? Ratings, attendance, and revenue are all up despite a terrible economy. The Winter Classic has been a huge success. There are a lot of exciting players in the league that are well marketed.

As much as people bitch and moan about Bettman, isn't he doing a pretty good job at the primary purpose of his job - running a successful league that is profitable and growing the fanbase of the league so it continues to be so in the future.

I think some of us are forgetting how close the league was to folding or never being brought back to life a little more than half a decade ago.

 

[Winged_Wheel88]

Little more than half a decade ago, everyone knew what the definition of "hooking" was.

 

[dash]

In my opinion, Bettman deserves credit for three accomplishments during his tenure as commissioner:

1. Bringing in the Canadian Assistance Program - Without this, it's quite likely that the Oilers and Flames may have moved in the late 90's (of course, this was brought in after Quebec City and Winnipeg lost their respective teams.)

2. Working hard to keep the teams in Buffalo and Ottawa when they were facing bankruptcy/ownership issues (of course, Bettman was motivated to save Ottawa because he put the team there in the first place (over Hamilton) and Buffalo was a no-brainer (great fanbase and the team is located south of the 49th parallel.)

3. Bringing in a hard salary cap (of course, it was at a cost of losing an entire season of hockey).

As for league revenues, not sure how much credit (if any) Bettman deserves for this unless he's taking credit for the rise of the Canadian dollar since the lockout. As for the product on the ice being probably the best it's ever been, I would give credit to Brendan Shanahan and his team for bringing in some good rule changes and officials cracking down on obstruction penalties.

 

[Darkstone42]

Bettman deserved to be extended....










....a pink slip.

 

[Ho_Brah]

 

[mbhhofr]

Live the Bettman Dream

 

[maddogmark25]

:p