In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, NHL President Gary Bettman was involved in a plane incident earlier this week when his flight caught fire mid-air over Canadian airspace. The aircraft, a private charter en route to Montreal, was forced to make an emergency landing after smoke was seen billowing from one of its engines.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and all passengers, including Bettman, were safely evacuated. Emergency response teams arrived on scene within minutes to contain the situation.
What adds a compelling twist to the incident is the reason behind Bettman’s visit to Montreal. According to multiple eyewitnesses and airport staff, Bettman shared with reporters just before boarding that he was traveling to meet with representatives of the Montreal Canadiens in an attempt to reconcile tensions between the team and an unnamed rival. While the specifics of the conflict remain undisclosed, sources say the rivalry had intensified over recent weeks, affecting both on-ice play and off-ice interactions.
“He seemed really serious about trying to fix something,” said one airport employee who overheard Bettman speaking to media. “He said it wasn’t just about the game—it was about respect between teams.”
The NHL has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or the details of Bettman’s planned meeting. However, fans and insiders alike are praising the president for not only his dedication to the sport but also his willingness to step in personally to mediate off-ice conflicts.
As of now, Bettman is said to be recovering and in good condition. More information is expected in the coming days as investigations into the plane fire and the purpose of Bettman’s mission continue.