Jim Booneâ€™s Blog: An open letter to Gary Bettman

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been at the top since 1993. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jim Boone
2009-11-23 09:25:00

Gary Bettman
Commissioner
National Hockey League
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y.
10036

Hi Gary,

Congratulations on serving 16 years as the leader of the National Hockey League. Over that time you have worked very hard. Your greatest accomplishments certainly center on labor negotiations with your players’ union. You held firm in your attempts to bring “cost certainty” to a pro sports league that was spinning out of control.

The financial parameters you established for all teams have created a level playing field for all teams. Most NHL fans now start each season with optimism that their team will have the opportunity for a successful regular season, a decent shot at making a run in the playoffs and a glimmer of Stanley Cup hope. Much of this optimism can be traced back to the competitive parity brought on by the existing collective bargaining agreement. The fans recovery period over the loss of an entire season to bring order to the NHL’s financial mess took quite some time, however, the pain and anger is subsiding.

Your board of governors must acknowledge your astute legal skills helped bring temporary labor peace and sanity amongst competing clubs. Your governors must also recognize your leadership over the growth of the game, expansion strategy and television reach in the U.S. are long-term embarrassments.

Sixteen years ago, you arrived on the NHL scene with no knowledge of hockey and no vision of how to grow pro hockey through television broadcast and other means.

When I was a kid growing up in Ottawa, Ken Dryden was my favorite player. I would swap a set of Guy Lafleur, Bobby Clarke and Chico Resch trading cards (plus two sticks of the crappy gum that came in the O-Pee-Chee packs) with my mates for one Ken Dryden card. I clearly remember the cool image of Dryden using his stick as a leaning post between play.

In the summer of 1979, I was devastated to hear that Dryden – out of the red, white and blue – was retiring to pursue his legal career. He had just won his fourth straight Vezina trophy and fourth consecutive Stanley Cup with the Habs when he suddenly called it quits. It was so bewildering that, arguably, the best goalie in the NHL was retiring while still at the pinnacle of his game. Years later, I came to realize that Dryden was simply calling his own shots and I came to respect him for that courageous move. He left while still on top.

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The time has come for you to retire as the commissioner of the NHL while you carry some respect.

There is a noticeable, growing groundswell developing among fans who want a new commissioner of their sport. As we both know, fans are the most important stakeholder in the NHL with the quietest voice. (You know my feelings about your track record when it comes to fan relations, but there’s no need to revive that dead horse today.)

If you truly care about the NHL, you would seize the moment and exit gracefully before the next round of CBA negotiations starts heating up. And what better time to usher in a new leader of the league than when the NHL Players’ Association is undergoing a governance review and is leaderless for the next few months? There’s no risk to the league when the NHL’s nemesis – the NHLPA – is in organizational turmoil.

I ask that you resign before January 1, 2010. If you are still in office in the new year, I will organize the 30,000 members of NHL Fans’ Association to encourage the NHL governors to replace you as commissioner. We feel that a new commissioner would be the best thing for the NHL.

I hope we are not facing off in the new year. Gary, timing is everything and it’s time for you to borrow a chapter from Ken Dryden and walk away from the game gracefully.

The co-founder of the NHL Fans' Association, Jim Boone is the chief operating officer for the Canadian Resident Matching Service and the president of Litnets Inc.

COMMENTS (21)

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nyislanderfans Posted
(2009-11-30 17:08:57)

I am a little annoyed that after spending a great deal of money for NHL Center Ice to see my local teams play hockey that the games are blacked out in New York. I seriously wonder if this is being done to aggravate and annoy fans because the coliseums seats are not filled to capacity or if it is just plain greed by the teams and NHL organization as a whole? Either way it is not right or fair. Questions and concerns sent to Bettman's secretary remain ignored. I had other issues that I brought to the NHL Commissioners attention that also received no reply or assistance. I think it is time that a new commissioner is chosen that will not be "biased" and "team/owner friendly" and someone that truly cares about and appreciates "us" the fans that pay there salaries. This commissioner seems to forget where his loyalty should lie. Without us fans there would be no NHL Hockey teams, games or a need for a commissioner!

whatisthatsmell Posted
(2009-11-30 08:59:00)

can't we just fire bettman? there must be a way to get him out without waiting for him to resign.

devilnny23 Posted
(2009-11-26 02:17:07)

Actually Coaching & doing whatever a 'commish' does... are 2 different things. I'm not surprised that Gretz didn't do well coaching in Phoenix. However, its NOT all his fault. The players, are to blame as well. (what work ethic is in that dressing room? What was his coaching style did he scream too much maybe the guys stopped listening, or didn't enough) I don't think a Gm should take Betman's place, because it will still be the same as when bettman was in office. Not sure for who but someone that will: market the Leauge (with more than Just Crosby's the leauge doesn't have just one team) Listen to the owners/Gms..... as well as the what us fans want ..... along w/ the players issues as well. someone that will appoint a BETTER disiplanarian (sp?) also someone that will look at the injuries, & along w/ NhlPa can brainstorm to figure out how to fix it. (again I think its part in due to some players wearing the plastic equipment (ARMOR) (Any NHL players reading this please include your side

devilnny23 Posted
(2009-11-26 01:51:45)

actually go to NHLFA.com & then you may find the fan reports. This is our version of the NHLPA, too bad shanny isn't helping us out though (or insert player name here) Actually Jim Boone is one of the Founders of the NHLFA (the F is for fan... like the NHLPA...as ementioned above) To me, the best people for a commish in ANY sport is one that played that sport. They can keep the 'tradititions' but build on them as well. I know alot of people do not liek the shoot out & I'm sure maybe half or more or any given arena would say so but those arenas I still see everyone standing in anticipation of what's going to happen. Gary Bettman to me is an embarrassment for a comish. (I have heard some of the Jim Basile sitch during the coyote fiasco) but don't think (other than the 'leafs monopoly' as being a reason for him not getting a hamilton team but what's the excuse for the other teams he's made a bid for to move (& back to canada no less?) There's a lot of problems in the u.s. (I've read them here in the print version of my subscription that maybe areas do not receive telecasts, or that Center Ice is expensive, or versus is not avai;lable. ) My problem w/ the tv is only that once the season is over the NHL network is no longer available (& it wouldbe during the summer I'd watch it rather than the season casue I'm busy watching the Devils on MSG & the Oilers on Center ice.) Also I thought I heard tonight that next yers (or was it 2012) that 2 AHL teams will be playing in the winter clssic instead? & this will still be on network tv?? (yeah right!) it would be cool however if they had that game & then the NHL winter classic. (kinda like warm up band to headliner.) I would say I'd pick Gretz as a comish (if we'd pick a player) but I think maybe yes we have some 'exec' do it BUT SHARE the duties with a former player. Plsu maybe (not sure how Bettman was hired as comish.. but I think Fan's players & team execs/owners should all get to vote for someone. (it can be posted to teams websites, the Hockey news & the NHLFA heck even Hockeyfights.com etc.) I understand how the NHL teams may not want the players to play in the next olympics. I'd say a compromise, those (like ovechkin who want to go & would take the consequenses let them go (maybe no more than 1 -3 players per team) this way although a loss depending on those players, its still not too much a loss. (like some teams who've had 5 or more players go to the olympics in past years) I got into the NHL I think a season after bettman was hired. I'm not sure how the gu guy before him did (i didn't get into hockey until '94) But with what has gone on since I do not care how he's run the leauge. I think someone else needs to take over. WHo that may be not sure. He's definately NOT for the fans. We need someone that would be for the collective of the leauge Owners/Fans/& the players. Someone that will take heed that if there's no fans in someone's stands tehre's something wrong. Does By Chance READ the Hockey news to see what the current arguments are (yes He has lots on his plate, but he could at least check the letters section to see what the fans are complaining or praising about. (& Complaint #1 most of those letters has been for him) my first (& I use the term loosely) "FULL' season of hockey was the first lockout of 94/95 season. & then we get a WHOLE season with out hockey. What 10 -11 years later. There's are things that need to be done on-ice still. Like too many injuries cause someone's elbow cap got someone in the head (get rid of HARD plastic & use thick elbow pads (I think a cousin had the pair I'm thinking of but not sure what sport. Not soccer, footbal or baseball) get rid of the plastic ARMOR. I know all players have different type equipment they wear, esp. depending by position. I know its not just the equipment & yes I want 'my' players to be safe, but the plastic equp. I'm sure has got to be part of it. All I've herd in Bettman's "term' is lockouts, too many concussions (& doesn't do anything about it grandfathering in for everyone to wear______ depending on years in NHL or how/whatever. & yes I'm sure that's part of the NHLPA's doing as well. I hear he was thinking of Las Vegas as the NHL's Next stop...While in a way I understand but at the same time think its a stupid idea. Obviously the "las vegas thunder' is no longer there. I'm sure on the minor side.. the ice would ALWAYS suck in the arena, 2. Who's going to go see a chokey game while in Sin City? they're too busy in the game rooms, pools & eloping) Also isn't it the commish who hired Campbell as the disiplinarian? Is he consistant? Why Not a ref,. in Campbell's position instead? bexcause alot of the things guys are getting injured over, are not getting a decent suspention & those dolling it out are not learning from their suspensions or better yet FINES If someone is injured I think that player should be out the length of time as the injured party & not paid for most of that either then maybe they'll learn) On a fan note for me personally,(not neccissarily abot bettman) THIS WAS JSUT AN IDEA so DON'T HANG ME FOR IT because I've seen at a Team's All Star Comp. But I'd like to see the NHL at least TRY it one season. when it comes to the All Star weekend. I don't mind 'The popularity poll' (& too me that's all it is.. some guys get in that may not have done to well I make my vote by a cross btween last season & the first half of the season for All Star Voting not just who my fave players are.) for the game,but I KNOW there's players out there on the teams that aren't going to be voted in that more likely might just have a harder shot than Sheldon Souray (or whoever had the title after him) (& my sentiments for the rest of the SKill comp.) I know that alot of teams (if not all) do their own skills competition weather for charity or whatever, & although these are held at various times through the season (does every team do one? Are they all held BEFORE the All Star Competition?) Then I think if they all do & all have them done fbefore that time, maybe we can get the top 3-5 guys (however many used for each comp) to be in the skills competition. So th aty if those in the All Star game have the hardest or fastest whatever... they can be in it or those players that may not be so well known or just underrated may get a chance. (2nd note.. also if not just team skill comps. Then maybe during training camps if they track that type of stuff then, maybe they can take the stats for players from that & see. So that would mean if ANY player from the farm clubs are up & He has one of the top shots etc. he can be in the Skills competition.) I hope it doesn't sound confusing & I'm sorrythis 'comment' is WAY too long

flamesfaninthebridge Posted
(2009-11-24 19:21:53)

Like brian p, I have also asked to no longer be a member. I do not agree with how this movement has commenced. Where are the figures supporting their claims? Where are the fan reports? There hasn't been one in a couple of years. Perhaps I am wrong but to me it feels too much like somebody trying to push their own agendas. The NHLFA was a good idea, but it hasn't done much other than provide polls for its members to participate in. Now the NHLFA is taking a stance that I don't agree with. I don't think Bettman has handled some things well, most notably the Coyotes situation, but I think Bettman has been a good leader for the NHL. His approach to the lockout may have lost us a season, but it saved some Canadian franchises and the game came back in a better state that in was before, both on and off the ice. If the Board of Governors don't feel like he is doing a good job, then it is up to them to let him go. Still want to provoke change? Put pressure on your team's owner(s) who sit on the BoG. I doubt they would put much weight into this though. In which case I think that shows that Bettman is misplaced as to with whom the fans have issues.

moosie Posted
(2009-11-24 18:56:18)

Witch hunt.

thesharkmeister Posted
(2009-11-24 18:31:13)

A nasty pushy piece of work that knows nada regarding Hockey. The guys a lawyer, let me repeat that A LAWYER not a negotiator but one with an agenda to keep his well healed bosses flush. Has the guy ever been on skates or experienced the rush from playing this great sport, no sport to him is outmanouvering with words. A wordsmith would best describe this little man as rancor seems to be where he operates with a zeal. Talk of Gretzky as the new boss is based on what? I see absolutely no reason to consider him for this post as he in my eyes is/was a incredible hockey player anything after that seems to be failure. Anyone but a lawyer please, let them work as backup to count the marbles not design them. Lets face it Hockey is a sport that is embraced by people that live in climates that actually know what snowflakes look like and in my opinion should have been involved in the sport as in participating, not writing about it or sliding around issues but willing to go in the corners to get the puck. How about retired Referees, Linesmen and coaches as long as they are rational and not intent on calling ALL the shots. Tiger Williams gets my vote...LOL! Sharky...

alaney2k Posted
(2009-11-24 16:41:25)

I've not liked the direction of the NHL in GB's era. I don't think of the NHL as a sport. It's more of a 'sports entertainment' organization. Many of the GB era expansion franchises exist only to push the value for television. Does anyone think the Florida Panthers 'represent'? And what success has there been in television? You can't get Versus right now because of the fight with Comcast. The NHL on NBC doesn't really cover the game. Contrast that all with Canada. TV on national networks. Teams with high attendances. The revenues of the Canadian teams are what keep the salary cap above $50 mil. That level is beyond what several American cities can afford to pay. And none of that can be attributed to Bettman. Canada is healthy but the US side has not been solved or improved by Bettman. You can't fire all the owners, so fire the commish. Beyond dumping Bettman, I really think we need to split up the NHL into Canadian and US conferences or leagues. The game just doesn't matter in the US. It does in Canada. The 'failed' franchises in Canada all had higher attendance than several of the current franchises in the States. Let the US have its 'entertainment' league and let's have a real league in the north. If we add Winnipeg, Hamilton and Quebec, we've got enough to go it alone.

alowicious Posted
(2009-11-24 16:04:48)

The time has come for GB to step down. He is not doing the self reliant franchises any good. If a team can not sustain themselves, why is it up to the other teams to help them along? Put Hockey where people will go see hockey, not where the commish wants to go to take a nice warm holiday. Brendan Shannahan for Commissioner!

brian_p Posted
(2009-11-24 15:43:02)

I don't really remember if I'm still a member of the NHLFA or not, but if I am, I'm going to revoke my membership immediately over this article and "cause." I'm no fan of Gary Bettman, but this fan "organization," which has systematically failed to achieve any of its membership goals since it's inception and really misrepresents itself as the voice of any kind of significant group of fans with only 30,000 members, and FAR fewer than that actually active in the group, has overstepped it's bounds with this one. Having harmless little fan surveys is one thing; this kind of advocacy that's actively calling for the removal of someone from their job while actively claiming to be "the will of the majority" of a larger group of people than they actually are (to whit: claiming to be the voice of hockey fans) is distasteful.