The Instigator: How Gary Bettman Remade the NHL and Changed the Game Forever

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The Instigator: How Gary Bettman Remade the NHL and Changed the Game Forever

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 18 ratings · 6 reviews

Two decades of lockouts, soaring ticket prices, and on-ice tinkering have convinced many hard-core fans that the NHL’s long-time commissioner Gary Bettman is the devil in disguise, but this book examines his motivations, peels back his often prickly demeanor, and explains how he manages to lead, confound, and keep order. It details the unlikely ascension of a fatherless Je...more

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published October 1st 2012 by Triumph Books

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Dec 30, 2012 Derek Donais rated it 4 of 5 stars

It seems people either love him or hate him. And with the NHL lockout heading past the ninety-day mark and into the Christmas holidays, I thought it was time to look at the biography of Gary Bettman, the man who began this latest war between professional hockey players and team owners with the third lockout in league history.

The book, entitled The Instigator: How Gary Bettman Remade the League and Changed the Game Forever, is informative and offers a good deal of insight into the figure—hero to...more It seems people either love him or hate him. And with the NHL lockout heading past the ninety-day mark and into the Christmas holidays, I thought it was time to look at the biography of Gary Bettman, the man who began this latest war between professional hockey players and team owners with the third lockout in league history.

The book, entitled The Instigator: How Gary Bettman Remade the League and Changed the Game Forever, is informative and offers a good deal of insight into the figure—hero to some, villain to others—who is firmly in control of the National Hockey League.

Author Jonathon Gatehouse begins with a glimpse into Bettman’s life and lifestyle with brief looks at his rather humble beginnings, his introduction to the management side of professional sports within the National Basketball Association, and then his ascension to the number one position in the offices of the NHL.

The chapters that follow examine the twenty-year-and-counting Bettman era within the context of several topics, from the state of the game when he first came aboard, to the departure of the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques and the league’s expansion to the southern United States, and finally to the analysis of the conditions that have led to the current labour standoff. Not having a deep understanding of the business of hockey, I found this latter part very insightful and also somewhat prophetic—or at least very helpful in explaining why a business that last year made over three billion dollars in revenue seems bent on forgoing all of it because the parties involved can’t come to a sensible financial compromise. The portrait that Gatehouse paints of Bettman is of a man who has an ‘A-type’ personality, is meticulous to the point of obsession, and one who never forgets a slight—characteristics that do not necessarily go hand in hand with compromise. Donald Fehr garners a small section of coverage toward the end of the book as well. From Gatehouse’s descriptions, the leader of the NHLPA is at least as committed and goal-driven as the commissioner, if not even more so, and has a similarly supersized ego. Again, not a good mix for smooth or collegial negotiations.

If you’re interested in the more recent history of the NHL, in the politics of sport, or in simply reading about some interesting and influential people, The Instigator will not disappoint. And, if you’re a fan of the NHL, it’s not like you don’t have time now to sit down and read a good book, anyway.
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Apr 08, 2013 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gary Bettman has often been described as the most reviled man in Canada. After reading this even-handed biography, I have to admit, I no longer revile him. I now kinda admire him.

This was a very readable book, with lots of information about specific teams (the Phoenix Coyote and return of the Winnipeg Jets, stories that matter to me, are well covered). The business behind the NHL was interesting and easy to understand for a non-business person like me.

I recommended this book to my husband, who...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Al Larese rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fair and balanced look at the reign of the NHL commissioner, as well as a comprehensive look at the league's finances.

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Sep 29, 2012 Erick Souliere rated it 5 of 5 stars

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very interesting, surprising at times and i don't hate the guy as much anymore

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Jan 31, 2013 Lysle Barmby rated it 4 of 5 stars

I understand the man a whole lot more! Worth the read.

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Nov 26, 2012 Joe rated it 5 of 5 stars

An intriguing read about the man hockey fans seem to hate. Reading more about him will help you better understand him, but you may still curse while reading it.

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