Whereas Gary B. Bettman, Commissioner of the National Hockey League, has, for thirty years, served steadfastly and admirably as the League's first commissioner, having been selected by the Board of Governors on December 11, 1992; and
Whereas the Board of Governors acknowledges and celebrates his presiding over the League's enormous growth and evolution into an entertainment and media company; and
Whereas in partnership with the Board of Governors, he has guided unprecedentedly good health and stability of the League's Member Clubs with an economic system that enables all franchises to thrive, while also increasing League revenue more than ten-fold and creating a competitive balance that is unmatched in professional sports; and
Whereashe prioritizes the League's ability to positively impact the communities in which we play by positioning the League as a strong, welcoming and leading voice for positive change; and
Whereashe helped to broaden the League's footprint from a regional sport to one that spans the breadth of North America and extends to a growing number of international markets; and
Whereas the transformative broadcast and digital rights deals, which secured the League's place in network television in the United States, have grown exponentially and deepened the League's connection to avid fans while gaining exposure to new audiences; and
Whereas his leadership over evolving and necessary changes to the sport's rules have been adopted at all levels worldwide to enhance players' safety and produce a renaissance of speed and skill without profoundly altering the sacred fundamentals of hockey; and
Whereas he has ensured that the development of technology to advance the playing, officiating and storytelling of the game does not interrupt the fans' experience and does not overwhelm its signature in-arena and broadcast human elements; and
Whereasthe League's establishment of a calendar of innovative tentpole events, particularly outdoor games, has deepened fans' connections to the unique aspects of hockey, while also revolutionizing the presentation of all professional sports; and
Whereas the Board of Governors extends deep appreciation to Gary B. Bettman for his bold vision and indefatigable stewardship of the game; and be it further
Resolved the preceding resolution be approved and proclaimed on this twelfth day of December 2022.
