Wolksi's 2 goals lift Avs to 5-2 win in opener Oct 2, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was also in attendance. Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
NHL players disheartened at no Olympic deal Oct 2, 2009
"Sure it works better when North America is the host -- like this time, and in 2002 at Salt Lake City -- but that isn't the norm. The time difference between Sochi and the U.S. East Coast is eight hours."Going to the Olympics is a balancing act," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The benefits versus the burdens of doing it have to be weighed. When we were in Salt Lake City, and I know when we are in Vancouver, it's going to be terrific. (ESPN -- NHL)
The NHL's Icy Start Oct 2, 2009
More critically, the current carriage dispute between Versus and DirecTV () has NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman urging hockey fans to "Call DirecTV and tell them you're not happy" the league's viewership will obviously be way down without satellite TV coverage, a blow for the NHL and its sponsors alike. In Arizona, the fate of the Phoenix Coyotes continues to distract, as issues surrounding the sale of the team loom over the preseason and the team's Oct. 10 home opener. (BusinessWeek)
The Fall Of Gretzky Sep 30, 2009
Despite his proclamation on the courthouse steps earlier this month that "I want what's best for Wayne," Commissioner Gary Bettman decided to risk offending one of the NHL's most visible assets. Looking out for his own best interests during the bankruptcy -- and really, who wouldn't. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Gretzky steps down as Coyotes coach Sep 25, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is hopeful Gretzky will have a prominent role with the Coyotes if the NHL's bid for the team is successful. - The Atlanta Thrashers reacquired defenseman Steve McCarthy for future considerations. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Wayne Gretzky stepping down Sep 25, 2009
Gretzky resigns as Coyotes coach. Gretzky resigns as Coyotes coach. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Hearing set for Coyotes' mediation request Sep 22, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said the NHL would appeal any ruling in Balsillie's favor and would seek a stay of the transaction. Balsillie boosted his bid to $242. (ESPN -- NHL)
Letter: NHL would be smart to play annual event in State College Sep 18, 2009
Gary Bettman, the Commissioner of the NHL, stated last May, "The possibility of having the Penguins and Flyers play at some point in Happy Valley is intriguing and on the list of opportunities that we have and will explore.". It is clear that the NHL is all for having this fiery rivalry at Beaver Stadium, but the question is will the university allow it. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Opinion: Say farewell to Phoenix as a NHL market Sep 18, 2009
Only commissioner Gary Bettman still has hope of maintaining a franchise in the most unlikely of locations for a cold-weather ice sport. And if Bettman can't see the team is viable only in theoretical terms, he'd better get a new set of specs. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Flames Invite Former All-Star Fleury to Camp Sep 13, 2009
"I know Theo pretty well," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in Phoenix. "We had spent some time together when things in his life were a little less settled. Seeing him last night, he looked terrific, he sounded terrific, he seems to be in a good place, he's been sober for a number of years. ... "I hope he can fulfill his dream and come back. (ABC 7 News, DC)
More trouble for Coyotes? Gretzky not at camp Sep 13, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he believed Ice Edge Holdings and a group headed by Chicago sports mogul Jerry Reinsdorf would be interested. Both pulled out of the bidding after failing to reach a new lease agreement with Glendale. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Theo Fleury cleared to play again Sep 12, 2009
11, 2009 - 7:50 AM ETCommissioner Gary Bettman has lifted the suspension of Theo Fleury. Fleury was suspended in 2003 under the substance abuse program. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Auction closes Sep 12, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is "very comfortable with what we've presented in the evidence that's before the court." ... Jim Balsillie (top left), Gary Bettman (top right) and Ilya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Judge doesn't show his hand in Coyotes case Sep 12, 2009
The NHL, led by commissioner Gary Bettman, has bid $140 million with plans to resell the franchise outside of bankruptcy. The first option would be to a buyer who would keep the team in Glendale, Ariz. (FindLaw News)
Bettman defends timing Sep 12, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says NHL's bid on Phoenix Coyotes came right before deadline - ESPN ... PHOENIX -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says he didn't decide to submit a bid to buy the until "about 24 hours" before it was submitted on Aug. 25. (ESPN -- NHL)
Judge could toss Balsillie, NHL bids for Coyotes Sep 11, 2009
Balsillie and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman were in the crowded courtroom. Both had been scheduled to be questioned by attorneys on Friday. (ESPN -- NHL)
Judge: Bids could be rejected Sep 11, 2009
Balsillie and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman were in the crowded courtroom yesterday. NHLPA contacts Fehr According to TSN sources, the NHL Players Association reached out to Donald Fehr, who is retiring as the head of Major League Baseball s Players Association. (Boston Globe)
Coyotes auction set today and Friday Sep 11, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said following the hearing, Balsillie's planned move to Canada was wrong. I think the arguments by PSE (Balsillie's company to purchase the Coyotes) on moving the club treats rather frivolously the issues that all sports leagues have, he said. (Glendale Star, AZ)
Balsillie, NHL fight for Coyotes ownership Sep 11, 2009
Balsillie and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman were in the crowded courtroom when the hearing began. 2009 The Associated Press. (FOX 11, AZ)
Jim KelleyINSIDE THE NHL Sep 11, 2009
But despite his initial claims to the contrary, Gary Bettman had to admit in court that the NHL advanced operating funds to the Coyotes for longer than it was at first willing to admit. So, conservatively estimating by half, the Coyotes have likely bled at least $45 million over the last three years. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Gretzky group pulls out of bidding for Coyotes Sep 10, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a declaration Tuesday that Ice Edge was pulling out of the competition. But Anthony LeBlanc, the Ice Edge CEO, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his company and the city had additional talks Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to try to reach a deal. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Ice Edge may not bid on Coyotes Sep 9, 2009
Ice Edge Holdings no longer intends to bid for the Coyotes, according to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday afternoon. Bettman filed a sworn statement that explains why the league decided to bid for the bankrupt franchise. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Balsillie offers $50M to Glendale in Coyotes sale Sep 9, 2009
A third potential buyer, Ice Edge, had said it would spend up to $150 million to buy the team, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a court filing Tuesday that he was advised Ice Edge no longer intends to participate in Thursday's auction. If Ice Edge does not submit a bid, the field of buyers would narrow to Balsillie and the NHL.. (ESPN -- NHL)
NHL says Coyotes relocation fee up to $195M Sep 8, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL isn't interested in that idea. The Coyotes' training camp is to start on Saturday with the preseason game on Sept. 15. (ESPN -- NHL)
Who do you hear is going to replace Max Talbot? Sep 7, 2009
Also, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has "good-of-the-game" authority that allows him to throw out any contract that could call the game's integrity into question. One that would still be in effect when Sidney Crosby entered his second century on the planet presumably would qualify. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Ice Edge insists bid to buy Coyotes is still alive Sep 5, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league isn't interested in that idea. The number of documents filed in the case has soared past 900. (ESPN -- NHL)
JimKelleyInside The NHL The current state of chaos in the NHL should have you concerned. Sep 4, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman has never shrunk from a fight, and he's likely to get another one from the NHLPA.AP ... It's impossible to say where the PA goes from here, but given that it's an organization that has been running through executive directors faster than the can sign goaltenders, the future does not look bright, especially if the militants want a director who will challenge Commissioner Gary Bettman to a fight over perceived injustices in the current CBA.. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Balsillie amenable to Coyotes' playing in 2 cities Sep 3, 2009
After the hearing, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that proposals by Balsillie's company, PSE, to move the team either before or during the coming season "shows a lack of respect for the game.". The NHL vehemently opposes Balsillie's plan to buy the team and wants the judge to rule that the Coyotes will play the coming season in Arizona regardless of the outcome of the bankruptcy case. (ESPN -- NHL)
Judge in Coyotes case biding time as season nears Sep 3, 2009
But all the big players were there including Gary Bettman, commissioner of the NHL, which last week filed its own $140 million bid to buy the team, and Jim Balsillie, the Canadian who has offered $212. 5 million if he can move the team to Hamilton, Ontario. (AZCentral -- News)
Move Coyotes during season? Bettman scoffs Sep 3, 2009
After the hearing, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that proposals by Balsillies company, PSE, to move the team either before or during the coming season shows a lack of respect for the game. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Luongo receives $64 million extension Sep 3, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman blasted the idea. Slumping RCR reorganizes. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Allison a renewed Leaf? Aug 30, 2009
Kelly is, without a doubt, one of the four smartest men around the NHL, along with commissioner Gary Bettman, his deputy Bill Daly, and Leafs general manager Brian Burke. Say what you will about their individual styles or decisions, they understand the business of the game and somehow keep it relevant, which is no mean feat. (Boston Globe)
At Issue in NHL Case: Who Decides Who Can Own a Team? Aug 28, 2009
Balsillie claims NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (a former lawyer) holds an unreasonable grudge against him, while the NHL has claimed Balsillie is hurting the value of the Coyotes by smearing greater Phoenix as a hockey market. (Balsillie and his lawyers deny that accusation. (Law.com)
NHL concedes Coyotes might have to move Aug 28, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL are seeking to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and prevent them from being moved to Ontario. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ringing question Aug 23, 2009
The National Hockey League, in views expressed regularly by commissioner Gary Bettman and Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, chairman of the Board of Governors, ain t all that hip on the five-ring circus. NHLers first participated in the Games en masse in 1998 at Nagano and subsequently played at Salt Lake City (2002) and Torino ( 06). (Boston Globe)
Maple Leafs legend Teeder Kennedy dies at 83 Aug 15, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called Kennedy the "embodiment of Maple Leaf success.". "Teeder never wanted to play for any other team, and he never did," Bettman said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Bettman, Balsillie will give Coyotes depositions Aug 13, 2009
Gary Bettman, Jim Balsillie to give depositions in Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy case - ESPN ... PHOENIX -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, two team owners and the Canadian billionaire who is trying to buy the over the league's vehement objections agreed to submit to depositions in their complex bankruptcy battle. (ESPN -- NHL)
Bettman, Balsillie, others agree to depositions Aug 13, 2009
PHOENIX (AP) -NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, two team owners and the Canadian billionaire who is trying to buy the Phoenix Coyotes over the league's vehement objections agreed to submit to depositions in their complex bankruptcy battle. The four, along with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, consented to depositions Wednesday in two of the more than 630 documents filed in the case since owner Jerry Moyes took the team into Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 5. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Versus Takes Sports Business Show Aug 13, 2009
Future installments will include exclusive interviews with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka and NBA commissioner David Stern. "This show is an exciting new venture for us," said Lazarus, who serves as president, media and marketing, CS&E, in a statement. (Multichannel News)
NHL agrees to 4 depositions in Coyotes case Aug 13, 2009
PHOENIX (AP) - The NHL has agreed to allow depositions from commissioner Gary Bettman, deputy commissioner Bill Daly and two of the league's owners in the contentious bankruptcy proceedings of the Phoenix Coyotes. However, the league wants Judge Redfield T. Baum to reject the proposed deposition of Toronto Maples Leafs owner Richard Peddie. (FindLaw News)
AllanMuirInside The NHL Electric Patrick Kane gaffes in public and turns name to mud. Aug 12, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman, who has been in the news lately trumpeting the priority the league places on character and integrity, should apply those guidelines to his star players as unflinchingly as he does prospective owners, and the NHLPA needs to do the right thing and play along. The good news for the miserly Kane. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Balsillie wants to probe NHL's rejection of him Aug 11, 2009
Balsillie had asked for new depositions from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who already have been questioned. The filing on Monday added owner Craig Leipold, owner Jeremy Jacobs and owner Richard Peddie to that list. (ESPN -- NHL)
The NHL’s worst nightmare Aug 11, 2009
This leaves Jim with a bruised ego, plenty of money to spend, and a serious desire for revenge against Gary Bettman and the NHL owners ... ESPN becomes enamored with all the controversy and you know that they never liked Gary Bettman anyway. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Sports news briefs: 8/9/09 Aug 9, 2009
Two days after the board's vote, Balsillie filed a document in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Phoenix contending NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and "a number of owners have a personal grudge" against him. Horse/Harness racing. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Coyotes auction dispute set for Monday hearing Aug 1, 2009
In his first known public comment since the NHL's rejection, the Canadian claimed that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has a "personal grudge" against Balsillie, who has failed in two previous attempts to buy U.S.-based teams and move them to Canada. Balsillie's filing said his interview with the NHL board "consisted of a strong and rather hostile interrogation by persons whose minds appear to have been made up before the meeting began. "It is clear to Mr. Balsillie that commissioner Bettman and a... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Buying into Boots: The rise and fall of an NHL wannabe Jul 31, 2009
In May of last year, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman arrived at the league offices on New York s Avenue of the Americas optimistic about the state, and future, of his league. The playoffs were in full swing, the league was on track to generate a record $2. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Coyotes owner Moyes challenges Reinsdorf bid Jul 31, 2009
An application by Ice Edge was deemed "incomplete," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. That consortium was encouraged by the board to continue with the application process. (ESPN -- NHL)
NHL owners back Reinsdorf's Coyotes bid Jul 30, 2009
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league likes Reinsdorf s bid the best. Reinsdorf owns the Chicago White Box and Chicago Bulls. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
NHL backs Reinsdorf group's bid Jul 30, 2009
The NHL board said the application was "incomplete" but "endorsed the group's continued efforts to complete a bid to purchase the franchise," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. Meanwhile, Balsillie criticized the board's decision. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NHL OKs Reinsdorf Coyotes bid, rejects Balsille Jul 30, 2009
That vote was unanimous, too, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. The board convened a special meeting in Chicago to evaluate each group's applications before an eventual sale of the Coyotes, who were taken into bankruptcy on May 5 by current owner Jerry Moyes. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Reinsdorf Bid For Coyotes Approved; Balsillie Not Jul 30, 2009
That vote was unanimous, too, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. An application by a third group, led by Anthony LeBlanc of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was deemed "incomplete," Bettman said. (CBS News)
Audio: 'I know what I did was right'... Jul 24, 2009
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joined the conversation to discuss the overall state of the NHL and the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals. Peter, the Sporting News Executive of the Year, said that maybe the Bruins underestimated the Hurricanes in their playoff series. (The Drudge Report)
Nothin’ brewin’ Jul 19, 2009
The way things are shaping up in Tampa, commissioner Gary Bettman will be forced to appoint a lead voice between feuding owners Len Barrie and Oren Koules, their differences making for a growing impression of franchise dysfunction around the league. One of them has to go, be it outright (via a buyout. (Boston Globe)
Lightning owners remain in place after meeting Jul 18, 2009
The St. Petersburg Times reported earlier that Barrie was ordered by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to produce $10 million by Friday's meetings to prove that he could continue to fund his share of expected losses by the team in the coming season ... Barrie and Koules met with commissioner Gary Bettman in June and were ordered to settle their differences after it became clear they did not agree on the direction the franchise would take going forward. (ESPN -- NHL)
Gretzky agrees to deposition in Coyotes case Jul 17, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly are to give depositions next Wednesday and Thursday in New York. A group that includes Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of baseball's and the NBA's , has told the NHL it wants to buy the team for $148 million and keep it in Arizona. (ESPN -- NHL)
NHL, NBC extend TV contract through 2010-11 Jul 16, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement on Wednesday at the home of the , where the will play the in the annual outdoor game that has become a New Year's Day tradition since it started in 2008. Bettman said the deal was "basically" the same as the previous agreement, which started in January 2006 and called for the league and the network to share revenue. (ESPN -- NHL)
Fenway confirmed for Winter Classic Jul 16, 2009
"I am pleased to end the speculation on perhaps what has been the worst-kept secret there is," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "In 2010, a unique and iconic event that certainly deserves a unique and iconi 000035F4 c venue will be played here at Fenway Park. "In a very short time, the Winter Classic has become a hallmark event of the NHL regular season. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Predators to open on road Jul 16, 2009
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL and NBC are building an audience, are building momentum and are perfectly positioned to continue growing the game. Story created Jul 15, 2009 - 22:55:47 EDT.. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
The New Schedules Here! The New Schedules Here! Jul 16, 2009
But putting a hockey game played on a rectangular shaped ice surface inside a baseball park shaped like a diamond is only further proof that Gary Bettman is the highest paid man in society that tries to put a square peg in a round hole. Yeah yeah yeah, it s only for the tv ratings and the historic element of Fenway. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Bruins to face Flyers at Fenway in 2010 Winter Classic Jul 16, 2009
"A unique event deserves a unique venue, and we are delighted the Bruins and Flyers will renew their rivalry with the 'Green Monster' providing the backdrop," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. The third Winter Classic contest was one of the highlights of Wednesday's release of the 2009-10 NHL schedule that also revealed that the Vancouver Canucks will establish a new NHL record by playing 14 consecutive games on the road to accommodate the Olympic Games. (USA Today -- Sports)
2009 CLASSIC: Review last season's contest at Wrigley Field Jul 16, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman said there has been considerable interest from other NHL cities in hosting an outdoor event. "It's not something you can do many, many times per year," he said. (USA Today -- Sports)
Winter Classic official, looking forward to cold one at Fenway Jul 16, 2009
We re the focal point of a day that was all about college football, mused NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, relaxing in a luxury box along the first-base line soon after the news conference. Now it s about us, and that s a good thing. (Boston Globe)
No Reinsdorf deposition in Coyotes bankruptcy Jul 14, 2009
However, the NHL reached an agreement with Moyes' attorneys to have commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly give depositions July 22 and 23 in New York. NHL attorney Alan Mada said the league preferred to wait until after any bid is submitted but agreed to the earlier questioning "in the spirit of cooperation.". (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NHL)
Reinsdorf deposition request denied Jul 14, 2009
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly each agreed to four hours of questions next week from Moyes' attorneys. The demands for information, and protests against them, show the mounting tension leading up to a July 24 deadline to submit bids to buy the bankrupt franchise, and an Aug. 5 auction. (AZCentral -- Sports)
NHL chiefs to be deposed on Reinsdorf bid Jul 14, 2009
Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly agreed to be interviewed by attorneys for owner Jerry Moyes over a bid by Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Redfield T. Baum, however, shot down an effort by Moyes legal team to depose Reinsdorf. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
