Brian Burke Hockey Hall of Fame induction, Digi Mart USA News: Brian Burke is being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder on Monday, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has written a special testimonial for NHL.com about his working and personal relationship with Burke and his impact on the game.
Bettman hired Burke as the League’s senior vice president and director of hockey operations a few months after being named the first Commissioner in NHL history on Feb. 1, 1993. Burke served as the League’s chief disciplinarian, oversaw the on-ice officials, and worked with Bettman on League direction and collective bargaining matters.
He left the League job in 1998 to become president and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, and he remains a close friend of Bettman, whom Burke considers one of his mentors.
Bettman describes Burke as one of the most committed people to the game, both on and off the ice. Beyond his work as a player, agent and executive at the club and League levels, Bettman says Burke has consistently given back to the community and used hockey as a platform for involvement.
Bettman recalls that Burke was hired to help modernize hockey operations and make them more professional. He says the progress made during Burke’s five years with the League was dramatic, including systems for monitoring games and officials and involvement in some rule changes, giving the League a forward-looking approach to hockey operations.
Bettman also praised Burke’s approach as a general manager, describing him as a wheeler-dealer who has never been afraid to take big swings. He cited Burke’s work with the Canucks in acquiring Daniel and Henrik Sedin with the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the 1999 NHL Draft, and his trade bringing Hall of Fame defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger to Anaheim.
Bettman acknowledged that not every trade worked out but said Burke has always been willing to attempt major moves.
Bettman wrote about Burke’s family, including the loss of his son, Brendan, in 2010. He noted that Burke was supportive of Brendan, who came out in 2009, and that Burke later founded the You Can Play project, a campaign to end homophobia in sports.
Bettman also noted Burke’s work with the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association and his role in the league’s early development.
Bettman said he views Burke’s induction as well deserved and described the Hockey Hall of Fame as a place of special recognition for those who have contributed to the sport in many ways.
