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Calgary’s mayor jousts with Bettman on new Flames arena

Gary Bettman

Gary Bettman

AP

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman insisted that the Calgary Flames need to get the ball rolling on a new arena, rather than falling “further behind.”

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi disagrees with such a hasty approach.

“The longer it takes, the harder the task becomes,” Bettman said. “CalgaryNEXT needs to happen and as part of the broader project, the Flames need a new arena.”

That’s the short version of this debate regarding a possible new arena for the Flames, but as the Canadian Press’ story attests, it gets juicier than that.

Nenshi’s response to Bettman’s comments might bring joy to the hearts of those who aren’t the biggest fan of the league’s commissioner.

(A few good zingers in there, indeed.)

Again, Bettman’s argument in some ways revolving around avoiding falling “further behind,” and revolves at least a bit about keeping pace with the Edmonton Oilers ... even if he sort of denies that pressure at the same time.

“It’s not about keeping up with the Jones’ of Edmonton or Detroit, I’m talking about a vision for the future that increases Calgary’s stature,” Bettman said, according to 660 News.

It’s an interesting debate, so check out more from Bettman in particular here and here.

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