Bettman Looking to Expand NHL to Europe?
Gary Bettman is continuing his quest to destroy the NHL (at least in my very humble opinion). He has been running his mouth about how he will not rule out the possibility of expanding the league to Europe. Read this:
National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman said his league is looking for more contact with the fans in Europe and elsewhere around the world.
“This is a good opportunity to dip our toe in the water,” Bettman said. “A third of our players come from outside of North America and the hockey fans in those countries like to follow their players.”
The Los Angeles Kings and defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks converge on London, England, this week with back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the NHL kicks off Oct. 3. Is the NHL seriously looking at European expansion in the distant future?
“It’s nothing we’re planning on, but by the same token I’ll never say never,” Bettman said.
Uhhh… okay. We can barely coordinate schedules, budgets and salary caps with the North American teams that currently exist. Can you imagine trying to schedule games between a Russian team and let’s say, the Dallas Stars? Plus, we’d have to consider the need for travel/work visas, medical treatment in the event of injuries, etc…
Tags: gary bettman, NHL, europe
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POSTED IN: NHL
5 opinions for Bettman Looking to Expand NHL to Europe?
Lauren
Oct 1, 2007 at 12:32 am
I thought it was called the NATIONAL Hockey League for a reason, and not the International Hockey League. There is a time when all the world leagues and teams compete and it’s called the Olympics!
What would it be like if players ended up in Germany for a game and had to come back to Detroit for the next? They would be destroyed!
Dano
Oct 2, 2007 at 7:43 am
take a breath………
clearly, the baggage that would come with expansion overseas is far to big a burden for the nhl to handle. however, if you haven’t already noticed, the “national” hockey league dominated by international talent and personnel.
at this point, bettman is still trying to reinvent the nhl with a new image that conveys a league being far from what it actually is (clearly struggling). he needs to develop relationships with international fans in order to keep interest in this league. and why wouldn’t it work??? after all, people overseas still care about hockey because their countries are well represented and they dont have other dominant competitive sports to care worry about (except for soccer of course).
on a final note…….
the international openers were terrible to watch.
Jeanne
Oct 2, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Dano, I hear what you’re saying and I see the merit but I do have to wonder about scheduling and being able to travel back and forth.
You would think that the interest would be sparked by the fact that there are so many Europeans in the league currently. Then there’s the issue of rink size, rules/regulation differences, etc… It’s a major undertaking.
I’m not saying it’s impossible but I don’t particularly like the idea. I think the NHL can be better promoted in North America. Expanding might only make the problem worse.
I agree - the season openers were painful!!!!
Joshy 79
Oct 2, 2007 at 9:32 pm
WHAT?????????????????????
maurizio
May 15, 2008 at 10:54 am
ok !
http://www.sportamericani.it
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