Penn State Hockey: Bettman Likes Idea Of NHL Hockey In Beaver Stadium

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman likes the idea of a Penguins-Flyers game at Beaver Stadium.

But liking the idea and having it take place in the immediate future are two very different things.

“There’s been talk about it,” Bettman said earlier this week. “I’m intrigued by the possibility. But it’s not anywhere close to fruition.”

And that’s the reality. Penn State isn’t anywhere near the point where it can host an outdoor hockey game. The parking fields are rarely in good condition this time of year, the stadium itself goes through a winterizing process that would have to be reversed. Hotels and lodging would have to be available to host a large number of out of town visitors.

Everyone wants to see it happen, but it has to be done right.

Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky would love it. Athletic director Sandy Barbour thinks it is the kind of thing that would be a positive.

But so far nobody is really taking the steps to make it happen.

All things considered, that’s the best move for both parties right now. Penn State is undergoing something of a rebuilding process across athletics to shore up its finances. The hockey program itself is just into three years into Division I play. There is a lot on Penn State’s plate right now on just about every front.

For the NHL it would be a rare chance to host a regular season game at a neutral site. Even the Stadium Series and Winter Classic games are held within some reasonable driving distance from at least one of the participating team’s home venues. Trucking two regional teams to the middle of the state is far from impossible, but that’s another hurdle to deal with.

It is certainly noteworthy that Bettman has vocally supported the idea of a game at Beaver Stadium, but for now that is all anyone is working with. An idea.

And chances are, when that idea eventually comes to fruition in the real world, it won’t be a surprise to anyone when it’s finally announced.

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