There is not much I hate about the NHL and our sport and hockey fans in general..
But I do hate it's the booing of Gary Bettman when the Stanley Cup is presented.
I don't get it. Bettman has been nothing but phenomenal for the NHL and has done an incredible job growing this sport. I get the frustrations of the lockouts and all, but you need to remember what Gary Bettman is. The Commissioner is the conduit for 31 VERY wealthy people who aren't used to playing by the rules, and ARE very much used to getting their own way. Those lockouts were Bettman trying to get kids who don't play well with others to play well with others...no easy task for certain...
But you can't argue the NHL is thriving right now...and Bettman is a huge part of that...
And the guy is a legit good guy as well..
I have had the pleasure of sitting in Bettman's office and having a one on one lunch with him in NY on occasion. There is nothing fake about him. He LOVES the sports of hockey and he loves the fans. His office is full of some amazing memorabilia including a life-size Stanley Cup made of Lego...which is awesome on awesome...He is engaging to talk to, he always remembers stuff about my family that amazes me. He listens when you talk to him. He is willing to hear ideas. He EVEN has a good sense of humor about the Stanley Cup presentation booing and the booing at the NHL Draft...He truthfully has a thick skin and he understands it has just become this weird tradition of sorts...
And Vegas is his baby. This success has to feel very good to Gary. Vegas doesn't come close to happening without Bettman pulling some serious strings. It mattered a ton to Bettman that the NHL was the first MAJOR sport in Vegas. I thought he put too much stock into it.. Thas why he is the commish and I am a writer. We have now seen why that was sop important and was worth the work to make it happen...
So if Vegas were to win it all can we possibly PLEASE see the end to the ridiculous booing of Bettman at the Cup presentation? If the Caps win it can they be the first fanbase to step up?
I would hope so...
Let me paint the picture a second...I have been very fortunate now to have seen the last 12 Stanley Cup Presentations in person. I have to tell you, when the home team wins the Cup there is the greatest feeling of joy and happiness in the arena...Ovation after ovation breaks out...pure happiness from players and fans...right until the moment Bettman presents the ultimate prize to the home team's captain...at which time the crowd starts booing?...it feel completely incongruent and ridiculous..
Should it stop?
What say you?