It has been 142 days considering that I made an announcement I never ever could have envisioned making and hope no NHL Commissioner ever has to make once again. During those 142 days, while our games stopped, the world changed. Working with our gamers to come up with not simply a Return to Play strategy that fulfilled the difficulty of a pandemic, but also an extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, needed us to believe and act in totally new ways. Another reason – the most essential factor – is that you, our fans, informed us that you wanted us to see this through and crown a Stanley Cup champion.
Our game– the best game worldwide, played by the best professional athletes worldwide for the most desired prize in the world– is back on the ice. We start with the Hurricanes and Rangers and after that were off on what will be undoubtedly extraordinary and impossibly thrilling.
It has been 142 days considering that I made a statement I never might have envisioned making and hope no NHL Commissioner ever has to make again. Throughout those 142 days, while our video games stopped, the world changed. And we had to change with it.
Dealing with our players to come up with not simply a Return to Play plan that met the difficulty of a pandemic, however likewise an extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, needed us to act and think in completely brand-new ways. Simply as essential, the killing of George Floyd and taking place need for justice and equality that inspiringly swept our countries, required us to accept that what we have actually done to this point isnt enough. We must and will do more and be much better to make our game a welcoming place for everyone.
I was asked frequently throughout The Pause in our season why we didnt offer up the quest to finish the 2019-20 season and just carry on to next season. One factor is that our gamers wished to complete what they had started – and wanted to make remarkable personal sacrifices to do so. However another factor – the most crucial factor – is that you, our fans, informed us that you desired us to see this through and crown a Stanley Cup champ.
Amid all the excitement about lastly dropping the puck again this afternoon, we are all left a bit empty since you cant remain in the stands. But while COVID-19 renders us helpless to do anything about that for now, we are committed to ensuring that what you see viewing in your home will be the very best Stanley Cup Playoffs weve ever had.
I thank you for your perseverance. I thank you for your enthusiasm.
Be well. Stay healthy. And enjoy.
Gary Bettman
Delighted Re-Opening Day, everybody.
If you like the video game the way I do, and Im thinking you do, this day could not come rapidly enough– and midday ET cant come rapidly enough.
