Gary Bettman sparks outrage with ‘abhorrent, disgusting’ remark as 2018 World Juniors sexual assault trial nears key stage | NHL News
As the hockey world turned its focus to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman found himself at the center of a firestorm. While he touched on expected topics like CBA talks, taxes, and possible league expansion, it was his remarks about the 2018 World Juniors sexual assault trial that truly caught attention.
NHL faces fresh criticism amid trial tensions
The trial involves five former Team Canada players, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Alex Formenton, and Callan Foote, accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a London, Ontario hotel room in 2018, as the court gears up for final arguments, the hockey world watches closely, and Bettman’s words have only added fuel to the fire.Fans online quickly responded, with some arguing that the league should have avoided any comment until after a verdict is delivered. The NHL’s leadership has previously faced intense scrutiny over how it handles sexual misconduct cases, most notably in the fallout from the 2010 Brad Aldrich scandal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media prior to Game One (Credit: Getty Image)
Joel Quenneville’s return adds to the controversy
Adding more context to the backlash is the NHL’s recent decision to greenlight Joel Quenneville’s return. Once a respected coach, Quenneville resigned in 2021 after being named in the cover-up of the Aldrich incident involving Kyle Beach. As the trial moves closer to a verdict and the NHL season concludes, Bettman’s comments have done little to reassure fans. They have exposed deeper concerns about the league’s stance on serious allegations and how its leadership handles ongoing legal cases.Read more: Reliving the 25 most unforgettable Stanley Cup clinching moments in NHL historyWhile the judicial system works toward a decision, the spotlight remains not just on the courtroom, but on the league’s highest office.
