Connor McDavid Calls Out Gary Bettman After Thrilling World Baseball Classic

PUBLICATION

Julien Trekker
March 22, 2023 (7:12 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

In an exhilarating World Baseball Championship game last night, underdog Japan emerged victorious against the USA with a 3-2 score. The climax featured a showdown between two baseball superstars and teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, showcasing the excitement of international baseball.

For NHL players, international competition has been out of reach due to Gary Bettman's policies. Players were last allowed to participate in the Olympics in 2010, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey falls short in comparison to true best-on-best international hockey. Bettman has barred players from participating, citing injury concerns from team owners and General Managers, a decision that many view as selfish and detrimental to both players and fans.

McDavid And Allan Walsh Call Out Gary Bettman

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke up on Wednesday, expressing his desire for the NHL to deliver a best-on-best competition, inspired by the captivating World Baseball Classic championship match between Japan and the United States. The final game ended with a dream face-off between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, with Ohtani securing Japan's 3-2 win and their first World Baseball Classic title since 2009.

During a pregame interview, McDavid echoed the sentiments of impatient NHL fans, voicing his desire for a best-on-best tournament.

"That's what we've been asking for in hockey for a long time, right? Best-on-best."

McDavid further emphasized the need for such an event:

"Look, everyone is talking about baseball, 'Did you see Ohtani vs. Trout?' and that's what hockey's been missing for almost a decade now. That's what we've been asking for."

Popular player agent Allan Walsh also urged Gary Bettman to do something about this issue.

See the iconic showdown between Ohtani and Trout at WBC? Gary Bettman and the owners have robbed NHL players and the fans of Olympics and World Cups. A generation of NHL stars have never represented their countries best on best. It's such a lost opportunity for everyone.

As seen on Blade of Steel - Allan Walsh and Connor McDavid call out Gary Bettman after incredible World Baseball Classic