Gary Bettman is used to not being every hockey fan’s favorite, and fans showed no exception last night during Bettman’s speech at the Hall of Fame ceremony when he made one, big, hilarious blunder.
Since 1993, Gary Bettman has served as the commissioner of the NHL. He was brought in to expand the league into new markets in the U.S., a move that has made Bettman unpopular with many fans, who feel he favors American cities over traditional Canadian markets.
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Hall of Fame class of 2025
But he is still the commissioner of the league, and as part of that role, Gary Bettman welcomed the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees on Monday. Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Jennifer Botterill, Brianna Decker, Alexander Mogilny, and Joe Thornton were among the players honored. However, not everything went as planned.
Gary Bettman’s speech blunder
As Bettman introduced Joe Thornton, whose nickname is “Jumbo Joe,” he accidentally slipped up, calling Thornton “Dumbo” instead. Fans have been quick to mock the gaffe.
“Gary Bettman accidentally calls Joe Thornton ‘Dumbo,’ which is actually Gary’s nickname,” one fan wrote on X.
“Unlike most of the NHL fanbase, I have never had a problem with Bettman before… I’m joining the booing from this day forward,” another fan commented.
“The man just finds ways to become more and more unlikable,” a third fan added.
You can watch the hilarious mistake below.
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