by Anne
TSN has a lengthy article up about Gary Bettman speaking at the NHLPA players meeting in front of 110 NHL players on Saturday morning in Las Vegas, including Buffalo's own Ryan Miller.
The article discusses the man issues touched upon by Bettman such as fighting, the TV contracts with NBC and Versus and the future of PED testing. It was Bettman's first time speaking to the NHLPA in his sixteen years as commissioner and his comments seemed to be well-received and productive.
They interviewed several players about Gare-bear's appearance and most of them seemed to be glad he came but there was a definite "Its about damn time" tone to the aricle from most people involved.
Not surprisingly, Ryan Miller's closing comments in the article were articulate and thoughtful. Here they are:
"A lot of criticism flies towards Gary, but you can't knock him for being a bad businessman," said Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. "He's a very strong businessman, he's a smart man.
"It's good for guys to sit there and listen to his opinions and to learn. Of course, he has the interests of the NHL in mind and we have to have our best interests at heart.
"He's trying to get the best deal for his owners and we're trying to get the best deal for us. But guys being able to hear his opinion first-hand and being able to ask him some questions was definitely beneficial."
He's so adorably diplomatic and smart and what not. Like how I tried to make him sound all legit and then I called his intelligent comments "adorable?"
Its amazing how sometimes he can look 72
I'm fascinated by how atypical he seems to be
love
Have fun in Vegas!
