Ryan Fulford

The recently-finished World Junior Hockey Championship was full of controversy. From dangerous hits to questionable goals to incredibly large numbers of penalty minutes, there was no shortage of talking points. But was the officiating too overbearing, or did it deliver a brand of hockey that’s been lost on a North American audience?

In case you’re not aware, Gary Bettman can come across as a little smug. In fact, he’s booed almost everywhere he goes because of it. Bettman, the first Commissioner of the NHL, has grown the game to a 30-team league with revenues in excess of $3 billion. However, he’s also been at the helm of three lockouts. For 20 years, Bettman has polarized hockey fans all across the continent with what has become “The Bettman Effect.”

With each year’s ceremonial Hockey Hall of Fame inductions, the debates regarding Hall-worthy players re-ignite. One of the most contentious issues regarding HoF eligibility revolves around whether or not the player in question won the Stanley Cup. Among this year’s four inductees, only one wears a championship ring. Is it time to end this debate once and for all?

You may be concerned about the NHL players going over and playing in the KHL. Don’t be. There’s nothing to the rumors and threats that the players will stay there indefinitely, at least not according to Ryan Fulford. The KHL is still in its infancy, and even though the owners in that league have deep pockets, that ultimately won’t be enough to lure away the talent from the greatest league on the planet.

The Columbus Blue Jackets just haven’t been able to figure it out. With years of turmoil behind them, they’ve recently lost their star player and the future looks exceptionally bleak for the franchise. However, with the recent news that former St. Louis Blues president John Davidson is available, the Blue Jackets should do all they can to land the exceptional hockey mastermind.