LAS VEGAS | If the health restrictions are not relaxed in Quebec, Montreal might well lose the organization of the repechage, scheduled for July 7 and 8 at the Bell Center.
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This was vehemently announced by Gary Bettman, as part of his traditional all-star weekend address.
“If the restrictions are still in place, we won’t be able to host fans and I don’t think we will be able to send players and teams there. We will have to reconsider our plan,” admitted the commissioner.
Usually disarmingly calm, Mr. Bettman appeared greatly irritated as he responded to the author of these lines who asked him if he had had conversations with the government in power.
“We haven’t had any talks. However, we know that the Canadiens have had it since it is extremely frustrating for them to play in an empty arena when, from what I understand, it is allowed to go to bars and restaurants, ”he said. – he says.
“I’m not going to argue or protest with the authorities in place regarding what they should do. When we get to a point where we have to make a decision, we’ll see where the world is. Hopefully the restrictions will have been lifted by then,” he continued.
Fed up
Accompanied by his right-hand man, Bill Daly, Mr. Bettman indicated that there was no deadline. At least for now.
“If you want to see fans in the stands, it’s not something you can organize in two weeks. We think it’s an important event and we want to hold it the way we planned.”
Originally, Montreal was to present the repechage in June 2020. Due to the pandemic, this selection session was presented virtually. Just like last year, also originally planned in Montreal.
Moreover, we were able, once once more, to see the commissioner’s fed up with the situation when Mr. Daly hypothesized that the repechage would once more be held virtually.
“We may have to hold the repechage virtually,” Mr. Daly ventured.
“No. We may have to hold the repechage in another city, ”retorted the commissioner, tit for tat.
Temporary moves
Mr. Bettman even added to this by stipulating that at some point, the possibility of temporarily moving the Canadian teams to American soil might be considered.
“Several Canadian teams have expressed the wish to play in American cities. It shows how devastating it is. Both financially and competitively since these teams lack the crowds their American rivals enjoy when playing at home, the commissioner said. We do not encourage it, but if it continues, we will have to consider this option.
“It’s very frustrating for all Canadian teams. Whether they evolve in front of 50% or in front of practically no one.