Ron MacLean & Gary Bettman discuss “Diversity and Inclusion” in the NHL during All Star intermission.

In recent weeks and months the National Hockey League and its broadcast partners have seemingly begun shifting their focus towards being a more socially-minded product and that has resulted in some very mixed reviews from their fans. The changes were prompted by a series of scandals including controversial comments from legendary NHL broadcaster Don Cherry and of course the now infamous firing of former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock which in turn led to the eventual firing of Bill Peters as head coach of the Calgary Flames. 

In spite of the fact that this direction from the NHL has resulted in a fair bit of criticism the league appears to be determined, at least for the time being, to continue their push in that direction. That was made abundantly clear on Saturday night when, during the intermission for the 2020 NHL All Star Game, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sat down with broadcaster Ron MacLean for a brief interview in which they touched on a number of topics. At the forefront of that discussion however was the aforementioned topic regarding the NHL's recent change in philosophy. 

Here was MacLean's opening question:

MacLean: I don't know how you feel, but I feel like I am learning more than I ever have in that regard... I would be interested to know, personally, what you have learned or thought as you try and approach these ideas. 

I must admit I got the distinct impression that these question were prepared ahead of time, because Bettman's answer felt very much like a canned public relations response. 

Bettman: What you are really talking about is our efforts at diversity and inclusion which has always been a priority. It started over 20 years ago when I asked Willie O'Ree to join us at the league and work with children and really explain to young people the values of our game, inclusiveness, leadership, physical fitness, teamwork, discipline. That has always been a priority and that is something that we have been working on for years.... and this is an effort that we are going to continue to work at very hard. There have been a couple of incidents that have made me feel there are things we can do better. 

Bettman touched on the coaching scandal that led to a large number of these changes, but did so just barely while praising the efforts of the league to make hockey safe for everyone. 

Bettman: Training and counselling for all of our executives, especially our coaches, because we want everybody who plays in our game at our level and at all the levels below to know that hockey presents a safe environment. 

Bettman was then asked point blank by MacLean if hockey was undergoing a transformation, but Bettman was quick to shut that notion down entirely. I have to wonder if that was due to the fact that Bettman is acutely aware of how negative some members of his fan base perceive these changes to be.

Bettman: No I think it's the same shift that is going on throughout society. While we try to make a difference in people's lives the fact is that we are a reflection of society. 

Do you agree with Bettman here? Lets us know your thoughts in the comments.