In a video surfacing online, an Oilers fan spotted Gary Bettman out for dinner, and went up to ask the commissioner why he dislikes Canadian teams.
Bettman side-eyed the fan quickly and spotted the camera, and turned away instantly to ignore the fan. The question was repeated once more, and that's when security seemed to step in and grab the fan's phone, ending the interaction.
Honestly, it's a completely baseless claim that the commissioner dislikes Canadian teams, or even favours any team over another. Still, the NHL's business efforts focusing on the US and the lack of success for Canadian teams over the last 30 years starts some fan conspiracies. Bettman can be rightfully criticized for many things in his tenure as commissioner, but disliking Canada shouldn't be one of them.
It's a very popular belief however that Bettman hates Canadian teams, and seeing him be confronted on camera is truly funny to see. When the Stanley Cup is awarded in Florida on Monday, and again at the upcoming Draft this week, Bettman will get his annual share of boos from hockey fans. In a Canadian city though, Bettman can't go out for dinner without getting booed.
Source: Jacob on X
Oilers fan asks Gary Bettman why he dislikes Canadian teams
POLL | ||
Do you think NHL commissioner Gary Bettman dislikes Canadian teams? | ||
Yes, Bettman doesn't want Canada to win | 1498 | 81.7 % |
No, of course he has no favourites | 175 | 9.5 % |
See Results | 160 | 8.7 % |
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