Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Commish: NHL's return to play keeps integrity

Written by 
Published in Hockey
Monday, 15 June 2020 11:52

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman promises this summer's unconventional tournament "won't be too gimmicky," as the league balances safety concerns with creating a good television product and maintaining the integrity of the Stanley Cup.

"I think everybody can feel good, based on the combination of the play-in round and the way we're going to run the playoffs, that this will be a full competition which will bring out the best in our teams and our players," Bettman told ESPN's Mike Greenberg on Monday. "The Stanley Cup champion will be deserving of that crown and the most storied trophy in all of sports."

Bettman was one of six professional sports commissioners to be interviewed for SportsCenter's Return to Sports special, which will air Monday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Bettman reiterated that the NHL has been working collaboratively with the NHLPA ever since games were paused March 12. NHL players are due to report back for training camp on July 10, though there are several key details the players and league must negotiate before games resume -- including what bubble life will look like and which two hub cities will be chosen. The sides have already agreed to a 24-team format; the first round is considered the qualifying round, while the top four teams in each conference get byes.

"Everything we've been doing has been a joint effort [with the players], working together, to make sure that we're adhering to the protocols which will be very strict," Bettman said.

The NHL plans on testing all players and members of each team's 50-person traveling party daily.

"If there's one positive test -- again, this will be under the strict guidance of the medical people -- that person will be isolated," Bettman said. "And we'll be monitoring anybody, through contract tracing, that was in close proximity. Obviously, for any sport, if you have a major outbreak, it's going to change everything; but we're being told that an isolated case or a couple of isolated cases shouldn't interfere with the plans, and we should be able to move forward."

In the interview, Bettman said the NHL is still in conversation with the Canadian government about easing the country's mandatory 14-day quarantine period for visitors.

"We are working particularly with the Canadian government about determining how we can deal with moving from the training camp phase to a possible hub in Canada," Bettman said. "Because obviously if the players would have to quarantine for 14 days in between training camp and going to the hub, that wouldn't work."

Bettman promised the playoffs will set the right tone and make for a good television product. He said no less than 54 companies have pitched the NHL on technologies to enhance the game with empty stands.

"We will create an environment that will be exciting, will be entertaining, will be consistent with a competition that has integrity," Bettman said.

Read 1943 times

Soccer

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhil Foden has been named the Premier League's Player of the Season...

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJürgen Klopp has said Liverpool will move in an "exciting direction...

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNoni Madueke believes Chelsea are starting to "take shape" under Ma...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- When the Indiana Pacers fell behind 2-0 in their se...

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain side...

Baseball

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Following a one-run loss, Minnesota manager Rocco Bald...

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsComparisons to Tony Gwynn began to follow Luis Arráez when he first...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated