Gary Bettman: Be Brief, Be Gone

Long before I started my side career as a hockey blogger, I spent a number of years as a corporate speech writer. Over the course of that time I had the distinct challenge of writing a commencement speech for one of my clients. And when it comes to commencement, there are really only two commandments for an invited speaker: Be brief and be gone.

While you might be thrilled to have been invited, the day isn't about you, it's about the graduates and their families. So be nice, make sure everyone thanks Mom and Dad for all their support, and get out of there.

Safe to say, this is a lesson that's been completely absorbed by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. One can hardly blame him. After enduing relentless booing whenever he shows up anywhere in public in an official capacity, it seems as if a new technique has emerged to short-circuit hostile crowds.

Witness last night in the aftermath of the Cup Finals when Bettman emerged to award the Conn Smythe Trophy and the Stanley Cup. Listen closely to the Mellon Arena public address announcer as Bettman walks onto the ice.



Am I the only one who thinks it's odd that they didn't announce that Bettman would be presenting the trophy? I'm thinking no. In any case, while I might take issue with many of Bettman's decisions as Commissioner, I'm not exactly on board with the booing. I can't imagine what it's like to live that way.