NEW YORK, NY
Hockey has long been designated a cold weather sport, but not so in the Bettman era, where desert cities are given franchises and the Stanley Cup final stretches well into spring.
“Next year we’re hoping to still be playing in July,” said Bettman. “Who says hockey is just a winter sport?”
Experts suspect the real reason for playing in July is to give the southern teams, with their slushy ice, a distinct advantage.
“If you play in a city like Miami, you’re used to sloshing around out there on the ice,” said NHL commentator Garth Toews. “Gotta give all five Florida fans something to cheer for, right?”
Not everyone was happy about the change.
“If we’re playing hockey into July,” said Maple Leaps captain Auston Matthews, “then when am I going to get in a round of golf.”
Bettman reassured Mathews and the entire Maple Leafs organization that they had nothing to worry about and they most certainly would not be making it that far anyway.
(photo credit: IQRemix/CC)
