Friday morning after I did some chores, I threw it on NHL Network ahead of the Winter Classic. “I’m sure something interesting must be going on in the pregame coverage,” I said to myself, hoping for the best.

I was greeted by this face.

It appears an unshaven homeless man has wandered up to the dais pic.twitter.com/dlUFwotnpT

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 1, 2016

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the man behind three demoralizing lockouts and the unprecedented popularity and financial growth of his sport, has grown a salt and pepper beard – and a somewhat hideous one at that. Bettman also sported a less pronounced version of the beard during last year’s Winter Classic.

I was not the only one who noticed.

Gary Bettman is growing a beard which is almost reason enough to shave

— Jeremy Hogue (@jhogue60) January 1, 2016

it's practically a state occasion for the #NHL & Gary Bettman doesn't shave today? his beard should be left for his league's work stoppages.

— Jason Bornstein (@DyHrdMET) January 1, 2016

Gary Bettman's beard is just not good

— Adam Mercer (@Adam_Mercer_30) January 1, 2016

"Turns out, liquor before beer, you're NOT in the clear." – Gary Bettman pic.twitter.com/6xDU2Jvy9u

— Ian Altenbaugh (@IanAltenbaugh) January 1, 2016

Bettman got that grizzled vet beard

— Jobless in 3 days Billy Chilly (@Billy_chilly) January 1, 2016

@PR_NHL Bettman's beard gives him credibility.

— J&L Cowie (@bigh_lilh) January 1, 2016

For some reason, I hate Gary Bettman less with a beard.

— Matt Corkum (@HalifaxTech) January 1, 2016

To me, it’s jarring. Bettman, tiny and frail (like a modern day Napoleon), is literally the definition of a suit, yet now he’s trying to look hip and rugged. I’m really not sure what to make of it.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun had a one-on-one interview with Bettman and it was the first thing he asked about.

https://twitter.com/espn_nhl/status/683091600667459585

“Actually some have suggested that this is my version of a playoff beard,” Bettman said. “If I have the beard, it’s cloudy and 40 degrees, which are ideal [Winter Classic] conditions. I didn’t want to tempt fate.”

It was also the first thing Sportsnet’s Scott Oake asked about too.

“Actually, it’s a tribute to George,” Bettman said, referring to HNIC’s George Stroumboulopoulos. “Someone suggested it’s like a playoff beard — if I keep the beard, the weather’s perfect for the Winter Classic. But if you ask my wife, it should’ve been gone yesterday.”

Yeah, probably. But do you, Gary. Do you.

Tremendous day in Foxboro. Thanks for pictures @FriedgeHNIC and @strombo. Also saw Keith Jones and Gary Bettman pic.twitter.com/0QUOK2fbiJ

— Corey David (@coreydavid11) January 1, 2016

What do you guys think?