NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is interviewed by Ira
Kaufman of the TAMPA TRIBUNE. Bettman, on how the NHL can
build its fan base: "We have missed lots of opportunities in
the past because of underexposure of our game. It's
critical we reach out to non-traditional hockey markets.
... Most importantly, children are being introduced to our
sport in record numbers." Bettman, on his future: "I still
love my job, some days more than others. Of course, there
are frustrations. You always want to do more." Panthers
President Bill Torrey: "I don't agree with everything the
man does, but I certainly have a lot of respect for Gary.
... The guy works like a banshee and ... has the best
interests of the league at heart" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 1/22).
LEAGUE SELLS PACKAGES: The NHL made Tampa the "testing
ground" for the league's first official All-Star Weekend
tour packages. They included hotel rooms, breakfast, air
fare, ground transportation and tickets to all events during
the three days in FL. NHL VP/Special Events Frank Supovitz
said the Ice Palace's larger-than-average capacity of 19,758
made it possible: "We had wanted to do this in the past but
never had the tickets." About 575 people bought the
packages for $845 to $945 within the U.S. and $1,100 to
$1,239, "before" a 4% currency charge, from Canada. Only
about 25 packages were sold in Canada. The U.S. sales were
split between tourists/corporations (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 1/22).
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL? In Denver, Terry Frei writes that
the NHL's int'l format for its All-Star Game "is one of the
best vehicles for the NHL to flaunt its biggest strength:
its truly international talent pool. No other North
American league can brag that way" (DENVER POST, 1/22). In
Boston, Stephen Harris writes that the while the All-Star
Game usually "makes most real hockey fans wretch," the
league hopes the int'l format "will inspire a somewhat more
competitive contest" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/22).
