Cup drought for Canada

New York lawyer Gary Bettman became National Hockey League commissioner on Feb. 1, 1993, and a few months later the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. No Canadian team has won it since.

In the previous 20 years before Bettman become commissioner, Canadian teams won 12 cups. This is an unbelievable change since the ratio of Canadian to U.S. teams has not changed that drastically over the past 40 years.

Is this an incredible coincidence or is it a product of decisions made by Bettman and his executives?

One of Bettman’s prime objectives has been to increase the fan base for pro hockey in the U.S. During Bettman’s tenure, teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup.

Even after winning the titles, these places have not become hotbeds of hockey as interest in it remains way down the list compared with other pro sports.

As an old Canadian hockey fan, I understand the importance of gaining more fans in the States but it appears Bettman’s initial plans have not been successful.

I and many other Canadian fans are very disappointed. It is difficult to comprehend the odds of six and now seven Canadian teams being so unlucky or inept that they’ve not been able to win even one cup in two decades compared with their earlier success. H. A. Taschuk, Sherwood Park