The AHL’s board of governors has unanimously elected Scott Howson as the league’s next president and CEO. He will replace the outgoing David Andrews, who will vacate the position after June 30th. Andrews will continue in his position as chairman of the board. Howson is currently the director of player development for the Edmonton Oilers.
After 26 years as league president, Andrews will give way to a long-time NHL executive in Howson. In 2007 he became the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets and led the franchise for six seasons, though his term there was not filled with much on-ice success.
Howson will become the league’s tenth president, leading them into a new decade. The AHL is going to soon expand to 32 teams with the expansion into Palm Springs, while the purchase and relocation of the San Antonio Rampage by the Vegas Golden Knights will soon be voted on.
David Andrews did a great job and was highly respected, he should’ve replaced Bettman years ago.
…why?
Bettman has grown the league from 21 teams and $400 million a year in revenue to 32 teams and $5 billion a year, and the on ice product is better than it’s ever been.
Losing a full season was inexcusable. Not having hockey on ESPN is inexcusable; especially when they have hot dog eating contests, spelling bees, poker, cornhole and other activities but not one of the so-called 4 major sports. The players are the on ice product and zero to do with Gary, they helped grow the interest and the league. He has no grasp of the game and is the most loathed and least respected executive in sports. No matter who wins and who lifts the cup in whatever city, the fans should never be more happy than they are at that point but every single time the passing of the trophy is overshadowed by a tremendous cascade of booing. Think they all have it wrong and Gary’s just misunderstood?
The lockout gave us the salary cap and the new rules. It was well worth it.
ESPN sucks and would barely air hockey, the deal with NBC is fantastic.
And yes, most fans are morons with no clue as to the big picture.
Oh, and Bettman is the ONLY reason the Penguins are still in Pittsburgh. The ONLY reason.
But, yinzers know jack.
Mario Lemieux is the ONLY reason the Penguins are still in Pittsburgh, which is also why the post-lockout draft had the draft rules tweaked and somehow Pittsburgh won the right to pick Crosby.