Gary Bettman

“International competition is important. It's a great way to grow the game.”

“Our franchises have never been healthier. Our league has never been healthier.”

“The fans are our lifeblood. We understand that.”

“The Olympics are a unique opportunity for us to showcase our game and our players on a global stage.”

“The game is in the best shape it's ever been in.”

“You know what, we're not going to get into it. We're not going to get into it.”

“When you have labor peace, it's good for everybody.”

“The salary cap is the foundation of our economic system.”

“I know there are a number of you who have strong feelings about me. And I know I'll never be able to change those feelings. But what I want you to know is you've made your voices heard.”

“Player safety is our No. 1 priority. We take it very, very seriously.”

“I think the history and tradition of the game are vital.”

“I represent 30 ownership groups. My job is to do what's in their best interests.”

“We need to have a system that is fair to both sides, the players and the clubs, and allows the league to prosper.”

“We sell rivalries. We sell competition. We sell the best athletes in the world.”

“We believe in our game. We believe in the way it's being played.”

“I'm not going to apologize for the lockout. I'm not going to apologize for the system that was in place.”

“We are a gate-driven league. The majority of our revenues come from people buying tickets.”

“The booing is just part of the job. It shows passion.”

“It’s not my Stanley Cup. It’s the players’ Stanley Cup.”

“Nobody wants a work stoppage. Nobody benefits from it except in the short term.”