Among the varied highlights among the myriad that were seen Friday night during the 2019 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, the sight of Kendall Coyne flying around the ice as an official participant in the Fastest Skater contest stood out as one of the best.
Coyne was part of a strong contingent representing the women’s game over the course of the NHL all-star weekend and, according to league commissioner Gary Bettman, having women like Coyne included in the festivities speaks to something he wants the NHL to be known for.
“Whether it’s women or whatever your background or orientation is, this game is about inclusion,” Bettman told Ron MacLean during the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast of the all-star game Saturday. “We take pride in our diversity and we think being inclusive and diverse makes the game stronger. And, as importantly, we think we can use the game to teach life lessons.”
This is the second year that prominent players from the women’s game have been included, and Bettman seems like he’s hoping to get even more participation in that regard in the future.
“What went through my mind earlier when we made the decision [to include Coyne in Fastest Skater] is, ‘How great would this be for hockey?’ Not just women’s hockey,” said Bettman. “But to really break another barrier using our game to promote the best values that we can use our game to promote, and she did such a great job.”
Back in Nov. 2017, the NHL hired Kim Davis as it’s executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs. A progressive move that has led to even more progressive action with what appears to be more to come.
“Having [women] as part of the weekend really elevates the game for everybody,” said Bettman.
You can watch Bettman’s entire interview in the video player above where he also discusses some of the new technology entering the game.
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