Yzerfan1999 81 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 Then, by all means, Donald Trump fits the criteria here. As long as they have a degree and understand Big Business, yes? I mean, that's how GB got the job, and why our sport has done so well during the last decade. (must I /sarcasm mode?) They choose lawyers because they understand the economic and legal concerns of the NHL. Why do so many people think this is just a position some old time player can step into? And I am not saying I support Bettman, he is more concerned with the southern American markets then where hockey is actually popular - but whoever is the Commissioner needs the education to deal with the marketing in a billion dollar industry - I don't even think Bobby Clarke has spend a single day in a post secondary institution. Look, you are going to get bird brains getting degree's who have poor motives running all kinds of organizations, but Bobby Clarke would be over his head in Bettman's position. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 They choose lawyers because they understand the economic and legal concerns of the NHL. Why do so many people think this is just a position some old time player can step into? And I am not saying I support Bettman, he is more concerned with the southern American markets then where hockey is actually popular Bettman should be more concerned about the Southern markets that haven't had generations of exposure. Bettman's job is to work to make sure all teams are fiancially stable. There are 26 teams that existed pre-Bettman, Six are in Canada, four more are American O6 teams, and then you have established teams like Philadelphia, St.Louis, Colorado, Dallas, NY Islanders, San Jose, New Jersey, as well as newcomers Columbus and Minnesota doing well. That's 19 teams right there, leaving the two other California teams, the Southeast division, Nashville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo as teams for Bettman to worry about. Buffalo has started having solid support, so scratch them off the list. Pittsburgh has Crosby; if they can't survive with the game's most marketable star, they can't survive period. Meaning that Nashville is the northernmost team that Bettman needs to be concerned with the viability of. - but whoever is the Commissioner needs the education to deal with the marketing in a billion dollar industry - I don't even think Bobby Clarke has spend a single day in a post secondary institution. Look, you are going to get bird brains getting degree's who have poor motives running all kinds of organizations, but Bobby Clarke would be over his head in Bettman's position. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzerfan1999 81 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 Bettman should be more concerned about the Southern markets that haven't had generations of exposure. Bettman's job is to work to make sure all teams are fiancially stable. There are 26 teams that existed pre-Bettman, Six are in Canada, four more are American O6 teams, and then you have established teams like Philadelphia, St.Louis, Colorado, Dallas, NY Islanders, San Jose, New Jersey, as well as newcomers Columbus and Minnesota doing well. That's 19 teams right there, leaving the two other California teams, the Southeast division, Nashville, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo as teams for Bettman to worry about. Buffalo has started having solid support, so scratch them off the list. Pittsburgh has Crosby; if they can't survive with the game's most marketable star, they can't survive period. Meaning that Nashville is the northernmost team that Bettman needs to be concerned with the viability of. Right. And my guess is that Bobby Clarke has little or no interest in that. And even if he does - he has no clue how to go about doing that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Legionnaire11 0 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 this is why Ken Dryden makes so much sense. Hockey knowledge? Hall of Fame goalie, President of the Leafs from 97-03 Law knowledge? law degree from McGill Political knowledge? among the leaders of the Liberal Party of Canada Public Speaking? color commentator for ABC during the 80, 84 and 88 olympics Writing? has written 5 books More Education? History degree from Cornell. and has 7 honorary doctoral degrees. I doubt there are any other candidates out there who are as qualified as Ken Dryden. The only question is if he would actually be interested in doing the job. He may be past hockey now and too much into politics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 this is why Ken Dryden makes so much sense. Hockey knowledge? Hall of Fame goalie, President of the Leafs from 97-03 Law knowledge? law degree from McGill Political knowledge? among the leaders of the Liberal Party of Canada Public Speaking? color commentator for ABC during the 80, 84 and 88 olympics Writing? has written 5 books More Education? History degree from Cornell. and has 7 honorary doctoral degrees. I doubt there are any other candidates out there who are as qualified as Ken Dryden. The only question is if he would actually be interested in doing the job. He may be past hockey now and too much into politics If he would be willing, he really would be a perfect fit. Irregardless of the successor, we can ALL agree, a change is far overdo and pretty much ANYONE could do a better job than the joke of a commissioner we currently have... What exactly in politics is Dryden involved in nowadays? Maybe a nice hefty paycheck and just his overall love for the game could draw him in... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
auxlepli 17 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 Dryden's resume is impressive. I think he would be perfect, if he was willing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hank 0 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 Bobby Clarke will not become the new commsioner, because that role belongs to me. Besides, he would not turn the league around. Nobody would, because it doesn't need to be turned around. I am doing a fine job. My associates, such as my good buddy Jeremy Jacobs (who is a great guy) tell me that everyday. LOL! Gary, when can we expect teams in New Mexico, Mexico, Africa and Japan? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltgator333 3 Report post Posted October 18, 2007 QFT! he's not very bright I agree but is he better than Bettman? At this point I'd settle for better than Bettman. Now granted I have little respect for Bobby Clarke, I think he was a thug as a player and is tacky as they come as a GM, but hey he's not Bettman. Oh yeah, before anyone accuses me of 'blind hatred' of our great commissioner- save it I have my reasons. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Bettman 0 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 LOL! Gary, when can we expect teams in New Mexico, Mexico, Africa and Japan? Hmm, well, if all goes according to plan, by 2009 we should have anywhere from 4-6 new expansion teams located in Chattanooga, Mexico City, Alice Springs, and Osaka. We've also had interest from cities located in Mongolia, Belarus, and Indonesia, which we are exploring the option to put teams in. No interest from an African countries yet, but I assure you we'll have a team there soon enough. We're looking at Egypt at as a possible desination. Great fan support out there. Glad to see you're in favor of growing the game. I'll update you on any breaking news. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 :caution: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,135 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 (edited) ...it's not about a "Hockey" guy being the head of the NHL. The NHL Owners and Board of Directors do not want a commish who may side with the Players Association... ...do you think the CEO'S of Chrysler/GM/Ford are "Car" guys? How about Northwest/Delta/American/etc... do you think they are "Airline" guys? The answer is no, they are all LAWYERS. Why would the share holders/owners want a player/worker friendly CEO/Commish? They want someone who is going to make them as much money as possible even if it's at the expense of the game/company.... ...Scotty Bowman would be the best choice, but it'll be somone with a Law degree and experince in raping, er, I mean running a multi-million(billion) dollar company (see Doug Steenland, Richard Anderson, Gary Bettman, Mr. Dithers) Edited October 23, 2007 by LeftWinger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted October 23, 2007 Hmm, well, if all goes according to plan, by 2009 we should have anywhere from 4-6 new expansion teams located in Chattanooga, Mexico City, Alice Springs, and Osaka. We've also had interest from cities located in Mongolia, Belarus, and Indonesia, which we are exploring the option to put teams in. No interest from an African countries yet, but I assure you we'll have a team there soon enough. We're looking at Egypt at as a possible desination. Great fan support out there. Glad to see you're in favor of growing the game. I'll update you on any breaking news. LISTEN BETTMAN I DONT KNOW WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE BUT YOURE RUINING HOCKEY AND US FANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF IT I CAN UNDERSTAND EXPANSION TO HAWAII OR MEXICO EVEN, BUT WE CANT HAVE A TEAM IN MONGOLIA THE TRAVEL WOULD KILL THE TEAMS SO RECONSIDER OKAY THANKS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
