Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Bettman gets cheers instead of jeers from Winnipeg hockey fans

By: Tim Campbell

Posted: 10/9/2011 4:50 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 10/9/2011 5:45 PM | Updates

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addresses the media before the regular season home opener for the Winnipeg Jets versus Montreal Canadiens game Sunday, October 9. (BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

WINNIPEG — The party is on at the MTS Centre and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has been front and centre at the celebration.

"The reception by the fans and overall community has been nothing short of sensational," said Bettman, who participated in the ceremonial opening faceoff with Jets co-owners David Thomson and Mark Chipman, assistant GM Craig Heisinger and Rick Rypien’s mom, Shelley Crawford.

The commissioner said it was only natural to be in a party mood today in Winnipeg.

"If you miss something terribly, which was clear from the reaction we’ve been getting over the years from the fans here, when you get it back it’s cause for celebration," he said.

Bettman even found himself in the unusual spot of having fans chant his name in the arena’s front concourse before the game.

"It was very warm and enthusiastic," Bettman said. "As long as it’s not quiet. As long as they’re not ignoring me, I’ll take the passion."

Bettman was asked how he felt hearing his name that way while he was on his way to do a pre-game radio interview with TSN Radio 1290.

"I thought the other radio guy, his name was Gary (Lawless, a Free Press columnist), too, so I thought they were cheering for him," Bettman chuckled.

The commissioner was often blamed for the league's decision to relocate the Jets to Phoenix in 1996. At that time, the team was struggling with attendance at the old Winnipeg Arena and couldn't find a new ownership group.

It's all water under the bridge now.

"I don't personalize these things," said Bettman. "For people who understood what happened 15 years ago, while it may have been my face that was put on it, people know that I was not the least bit happy. In fact, we did everything possible not to move the club. ...

"It wasn't personal then and while frankly I'm happy to have been a part of the equation that restored the team, the credit goes to the people in Winnipeg without whom this wouldn't be happening."

The biggest change was the emergence of owners Thomson and Chipman, who built the MTS Centre seven years ago.

They had a celebratory lunch Sunday with Bettman and other dignitaries, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Chipman joked that it was part of his normal game day routine.

"Oh I had my regular lunch with the prime minister, the commissioner, the ambassador (to the U.S.), the premier," said Chipman. "No, honestly I did. It was quite a remarkable lunch. Not my regular lunch crew.

"It was very humbling to be in that company."

While they dined, the fervour in the city continued to grow in anticipation of the game. Cars honked their horns as they drove past the arena while fans sporting face paint and Jets sweaters — both new and old — chanted and high-fived one another.

The large civic street party didn't surprise Bettman.

"Throughout those 15 years, we never doubted that there were great fans here," said Bettman.

"It's terrific, it's exciting," he added. "It shows you the passion that fans have for our sport, it shows you what Winnipeg as a community is like when there's a common cause to celebrate and support. It's very gratifying and it wasn't unexpected."

Before leaving town, the commissioner joined in the celebration. He picked up two Jets sweaters for his grandkids.

— with files from The Canadian Press

History

Updated on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at 5:45 PM CDT: Combined with files from The Canadian Press

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.