On Saturday 50,000 Quebecers rallied on the Plains of Abraham to show their support for the return of the Nordiques to Quebec City. Rather than cite this as a reason that the feds should chip in money to build a new barn (which would significantly increase the probability of the NHL putting a team in the city), I would like to instead remind private investors and NHL Commish Gary Bettman that there is significant fan demand in that market. Demand is the mother of supply.
Two things need to happen; first Bettman must all but guarantee that a franchise will be granted if a new barn is built, and more private investors need to buy into the project. Bettman however, remains committed to those many franchises bleeding a slow death in poor hockey markets with his fingerprints all over (Florida, Phoenix, Nashville, Atlanta, etc). They had a rally to save the Phoenix Coyotes, and a few dozen people showed up. The Nordiques attracted 50,000. Bettman wants to expand rather than relocate (to collect expansion fees), even though he put the NHL in several weak hockey markets and over-expanded, saturating the product.
The Nordiques left because they played in a dump and the Canadian dollar tanked. The dollar is going to remain strong relative the the USA for a long time, and if you built a rink you have corrected the problems that prompted the team's departure.
If you build it, they will come.
Your latest poll (Why do think that more Canadians are not flocking to Ignatieff's big red tent?)leaves me frustrated. I want an "all of the above" option.
ReplyDeleteThe Wedgie in Quebec
ReplyDeleteThe 50,000 can sign up for season tickets with a pre-authorized credit card as a sign from the fan base of its capability to pay for Gary.
Gary and Charest are free to negotiate directly.
Rim founder got shut down, his offer was real.
It is interesting how the PQ have flipped on this and joined the Bloc and Liberals.
Toronto Bid Olympics
Breads & Circuses organization in Toronto with Jack Layton (City Councilor) were against using tax payers money. So was the NDP.
This issue is being manipulated by special interest groups to create a wedge against the Conservatives in Quebec City.
This is not a "community centre" looking for funding to replace a roof, a wheelchair ramp, a boiler, the only focal point for youth, seniors in the community.
This is going to be another white elephant propped up with taxpayers money from outside Quebec as we all know QC is a have not province.
Look to the Olympic athletes village.
The "french only speaking" pros can sign contract for their services to the NHL minimum salary to keep costs down.
The Bloc, PQ, Federal, Provincial Liberals, Quebec Liberal Senators can also donate 25% of their salary, pensions, budgets to bridge the $175 million federal entitlement request if it is a priority.
Time for those Quebec politicians to pay their own note.
CanadianSense, you are inspired today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJanni
Quebec is NOT on Gary Bettman's radar. Bettmen has repeatedly shied away from Canada,Hamilton,Winnipeg,and Quebec,as he believes this whole Country is too small a market,let alone a small city in a have-not Province.
ReplyDeleteBettman came to the NHL from the NBA,and recognizes that Canada has only been able or willing to support one pro basketball team,and one MLB team.
Quebec can lobby all they want, but there's simply no enthusiasm for another team in Canada,at NHL head office.
And I really don't want the ROC paying for another white elephant in Quebec,the bloody airport no one uses was enough!
DMorris
I wonder if 50,000 people will rally for a stanley cut team in Toronto? (rc)
ReplyDelete