Two decades of lockouts, soaring ticket prices, and on-ice tinkering have convinced many hard-core fans that the NHL's long-time commissioner Gary Bettman is the devil in disguise, but this book examines his motivations, peels back his often prickly demeanor, and explains how he manages to lead, confound, and keep order. It details the unlikely ascension of a fatherless Jewish kid from Long Island—who never played hockey and can barely skate—to the sport's biggest job. The seven-fold increase in gross revenue during Bettman's 20-year tenure as NHL commissioner makes him a business success story, and on his watch, professional hockey has also expanded far beyond its regional strongholds. By taming the NHL's famously fractious owners, all but busting its players' union, and enforcing a lawyerly discipline even on trash talk, Bettman has become a figure of almost unrivaled power in the business of sports, and this biography delves into how his influence shapes rival leagues in other countries, dictates the schedule of the Olympic Winter Games, and spills onto the ice itself.

Isaac isn’t any ordinary alligator living quietly in the swamp. He’s an INSTIgator! He spends his days spying on the neighbors and eavesdropping on their conversations. The more he listens, the more jealous he becomes. They have real friendships. He’s all alone. With no one to talk to except an old, rotting stump, Isaac is angry and miserable. So he sets out to make sure everyone else in the swamp is miserable, too. Isaac can perfectly mimic every voice in the swamp, and he uses this special talent to start arguments, stir up trouble, and turn friends against friends. But can he instigate a fight between two of the swamp’s biggest besties? Or will they sniff out his dirty trick and teach him a lesson he’ll never forget? Isaac the (Insti)Gator is written for young readers in Grades K-6. Author and school counselor Jeff Tucker delivers a timely and powerful message about trust, deception, forgiveness and friendship. Tucker is the creator of the popular Chicorée Elementary Stories for Success book series, which includes My Name’s Sammy, and I’m No Snitch and Emelia Understands Equity.