Commissioner Bettman said the NHL is waiting for information from the International Ice Hockey Federation and the International Olympic Committee before deciding if it will participate in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. “We’re not running 60-minute game here where the clock runs out”.
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Bettman said what pleases him most about how the NHL is operating is that the players in the league have helped it strike a better competitive balance than any other one in professional sports.
“The executive committee … is going through the process … over the next few months”.
“We’re going through an orderly process…this is a very important decision”.
Bettman, who appeared a bit annoyed by the subject, wouldn’t get into what was said to Scott but believes the league has done its part to make him feel comfortable this weeekend. “We’re not ready to make a decision”.
Bettman said there are many considerations regarding expansion. That does not mean that we always hear perfectly, but communication is good and we find solutions. “A lot of things have to be considered”. There is no arena in Seattle that is suitable for an National Hockey League franchise and nothing on the horizon as far as a new one is concerned but the National Hockey League put out bids past year and nothing came from anyone wanting a franchise in Seattle.
During an interview, Bettman said he and NHL Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr are getting along.
“I think there will be more cameras in our future”, he said. “He’s been a good working partner”.
Commissioner Bettman said the League will examine the All-Star fan voting system it has in place during its internal debrief following this weekend. “I think we’re a little too reliant on the broadcasters right now on offside and actually we’re going to test some camera work this weekend to see if we can get a more instantaneous, better view from the blue line”.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman walks onto the stage for a news conference before the NHL hockey All-Star game skills competition Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.
With fighting down yet again this season, Bettman said it’s something that organically leaving the game because the game has changed.
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Music City delivers: Music City waited 18 years to host the NHL All-Star game.
