In a heartfelt and emotional announcement, NHL President Gary Bettman has revealed that he is battling ischemic heart disease, a condition that has significantly impacted his health and outlook on life. The longtime league executive, who has been a central figure in the world of professional hockey for over three decades, shared the news publicly, stating that he could no longer keep it to himself.
Speaking directly to fans, Bettman acknowledged the seriousness of his diagnosis, revealing that his days may be numbered. “This isn’t easy for me,” he said. “But I believe the time has come to be honest—with myself, the league, and the millions of fans who have supported me and the NHL for so many years.”
Ischemic heart disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart, often leads to heart attacks and other serious complications. Bettman, 72, said the condition has progressed despite treatment, prompting him to reflect deeply on his life, career, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
He ended his message with a heartfelt plea: “I ask for your prayers—not just for me, but for the strength to continue serving the game I love in whatever time I have left. And I ask you to keep hockey alive in your hearts.”
The announcement has shaken the hockey world, with fans, players, and league officials expressing support and gratitude for Bettman’s decades of leadership. From negotiating labor deals to expanding the NHL’s global reach, Bettman has left an indelible mark on the sport.
As he enters what may be his final chapter, Bettman is being remembered not only as a commissioner, but as a man who loved the game deeply—and gave everything to see it thrive.