An Open Letter to Gary Bettman
TheNYRBlog reader Victoria C. sends me a copy of the letter she recently e-mailed to Gary Bettman regarding the lockout...
Dear Mr. Bettman,
My name is Victoria C. I am an avid New York Ranger fan and a hockey fan in general. This past season, I was able to watch the team I love play their way to the top of the Easter Conference. They then went on to win two postseason playoff series, one against the Ottawa Senators and the second against the Washington Capitals, both in seven games. They then went on to lose the Eastern Conference Finals to the New Jersey Devils in 6 games. The New York Rangers also had the privilege of playing in the Winter Classic on January 2nd, resulting in a win against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers finished the 2011-2012 season with 51 wins, 24 losses, and 7 overtime games. They finished with 109 points, the second best in the entire League. While their postseason didn't end the way that many hoped, the Rangers had high hopes for the 2012-2013 season. They acquired right winger Rick Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets. They intended to be a better team than they were previous season. I feel the need to tell you this because as a fan, I am under the impression you have no interest in the game. As you know, under your tenure, there have been three lockouts. The 1994-1995 season, the 2004-2005 season, and now the start of the 2012-2013 season will be cut short. Usually, when a person employed in a leadership position is not up to par, others will call for that person resignation. But now with you. For some reason, you are still employed. You still made over $7 million in the last year alone. This lockout will cost people their jobs, resulting in increased unemployment and lower income.
The New York Rangers were supposed to open their season on October 12th, at 10PM against the Los Angeles Kings in LA. Prior to the puck drop, the Kings were supposed to have a ceremony, raising their championship banner. That is now going to be postponed. The Rangers were supposed to come home from a long road trip to open at home on November 1st against the Dallas Stars. And thus begins another journey to the 2013 postseason.
I will now quote the end monologue from the HBO series, "24/7: Road to the Winter Classic, Flyers/Rangers":
"Never get caught telling a hockey player it's just a game. Never get caught trying to explain to him all the things in the world that matter so much more. HIs mind might well acknowledge the truth to your point, but his soul will be powerless to accept it, considering the immensity he gives to the sport, the immeasurability of all it offers in return. Nothing ever feels as perfect as a moment of flawlessness on the ice. No bond is as strong as one that compels brother to bleed for one another. Not many leaders are as well versed in the craft of motivation. Not many pursuits envoke such brilliance. This is why it hurts so much when skill falls short of what the will desires. This is why it is so unforgettable when absolute passion yields ultimate reward. And that's all just the start of what the game can do to you... Hockey may be in fact just a game, but it is also who they are."
Now, a quote from Allyson Gronowitz: "Yes, there are things more important than hockey. But you know what? I like that hockey distracts us from things more important than hockey."
In October of 2009, my father was diagnose with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He fought long and hard and beat his disease. His father has just recently passed away in March of 2012. He fought day in and day out to come to terms to what his life would be like without his father. I cannot begin to imagine what he is going through. In July of 2012, he was re-diagnosed and expected to beat this disease once again. Just a few weeks ago, my father was informed that he was once again in remission. I tell you this for two reasons: one- my father is just as much of a hockey and New York Ranger fan as I am. We sit and watch games together, discuss the outcomes and bond over the love we have for our team. And two- after his second diagnosis, I promised him I would get him to a Ranger game this season come hell or high water. I was planning on attending the November 4th game against the Philadelphia Flyers, a team that the Ranger Nation love to hate. But, once again, plans are disrupted because of the actions of you and your organization.
I leave you with one last quote, one spoken by Fred "The Frog" Shero, a longtime coach of the Flyers: "We know that hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death. Life is just a place where we spend time in between games." I truly hope, for the sake of thousands of people all over the world, that we can go to the place to overcome that pain, wrong and death.
This lockout, no matter how long it lasts, will leave a lasting impression on the league as well as your already tarnished record.
I hope that you are able, sometime soon, reach an agreement with the NHLPA and end this lockout.
Sincerely,
Victoria C.
...not much more you can say.
Remember to follow me on Twitter & Facebook or e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
I haven't felt compelled to comment in a very long time with this lockout going on but that was an awesome letter. It was very moving. Nice job.
1 Like
This is a really great letter. I feel really bad for her and for her situation. If this was me and my Dad (and someday it probably will be), I hope I have the guys and resourcefulness to try and be heard. Great job Victoria!
@TheNYRBlog @vickyycath my open letter to Gary was only 2 words ____ & you. And the first one wasn't "thank"
This may sound strange, but my girl is a hockey and baseball fan. I hate baseball though. So the only sport we bond over is hockey. We haven't been on the best terms lately. I had plans to take her to a bunch of hockey games this year. It is always an awesome time and makes everything better. I know its a minor detail, but Bettman is literally sock-blocking me (PG Website, right?).
Not only do I not get to watch hockey, but now i have to come up with new and original ideas instead of tried and true hockey games.
Just a small example of how the lockout is affecting everyone. Also shes a waitress at a sports bar. Every night with no Rangers is lost business for the WHOLE CITY.
Very well said........It just sux that Bettman won't listen nor does he give a damn about the fans....just wish their was a way that we can all sign a petition and be assured that he will receive it....make him sign it that he received it and give a response
Great letter.
I just think that the Rangers chance to win it all would be the last thing to motivate Bettman to get to work on a compromise for the CBA.
From the Rangers suing the league, to fines to Torts for calling out NBC, refs and bashing the Pens, Hagelin's unfair suspension...
I personally feel like the Rangers are on Bettman's shit list. I don't think he has any love for our team or desire to see them succeed.
@YimYames18 Hate to be conspiracy theorist but look at when two of the three lockouts were. After 1994 Cup and after Rangers make run to ECF.
2 Like
Oh there's plenty more I can say, mostly 4-letter words and insults, but Victoria did an excellent job. If you guys have any contacts at the Garden, maybe you could send this letter to them and see if they could get Victoria and her dad some ice-level seats when they decide to resume the season.
Bettman gets paid to do the owners biddings....he gets paid well to make the owners look innocent in all this. The owners are screwing this up
@TheNYRBlog @vickyycath lovely letter. Sports r truly something we bond over n those with little time are missing the opportunity to bond.
