KIDWCKED
10-02-2010, 11:01 PM
c/p from the sportsnet by.
THE CANADIAN PRESS
QUEBEC -- Tens of thousands of people turned Quebec City into a sea of Nordiques blue on Saturday in a lovefest that was part nostalgia, part fervent hope.
They assembled on the Plains of Abraham and clamoured for the return of their beloved Nordiques, 15 years after the National Hockey League team left town because of financial woes and became the Colorado Avalanche.
But the rally wasn't just purely about hockey, even though giant screens showed many on-ice highlights from the team's 16 seasons in the NHL.
The possible return of the NHL to Quebec City has spilled over into the political arena and that was reflected by some of those in attendance. They included Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe, Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois and various Conservative MPs from Quebec.
Liberal MP Denis Coderre stood out as he wore the red jersey of the Montreal Canadiens -- the Nordiques' bitter enemies who waged many a bloody battle with their provincial rivals over the years.
Peter Stastny, one of the team's most popular players, said he believes the Nordiques redux would be a roaring success.
"This is a paradise for hockey," said the Slovak, who was accompanied at the event by his brothers Anton and Marian, both of whom also played for the team.
"I spent 10 years here. I know what people are capable of here. They deserve an NHL team.
"They're proud. They have character. They're the best. Once the team is here, I have no doubt it will work out."
Others to receive rapturous applause included former coach Michel (Le tigre) Bergeron, who was introduced to the crowd as "Eye of the Tiger" belted out of the sound system.
"The images that will be sent all across Canada, all across America, are the living proof that the Nordiques are back," he told the cheering throng.
"We always loved the way you supported us and respected us."
Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume, one of the driving forces behind the push for the Nordiques' return, was thrilled with the size of Saturday's turnout, which he estimated at more than 50,000.
"People are happy, there's emotion in the air," Labeaume said.
"There's nostalgia. There's a mixture of all kinds of sentiments. There's hope. I can feel that."
THE CANADIAN PRESS
QUEBEC -- Tens of thousands of people turned Quebec City into a sea of Nordiques blue on Saturday in a lovefest that was part nostalgia, part fervent hope.
They assembled on the Plains of Abraham and clamoured for the return of their beloved Nordiques, 15 years after the National Hockey League team left town because of financial woes and became the Colorado Avalanche.
But the rally wasn't just purely about hockey, even though giant screens showed many on-ice highlights from the team's 16 seasons in the NHL.
The possible return of the NHL to Quebec City has spilled over into the political arena and that was reflected by some of those in attendance. They included Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe, Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois and various Conservative MPs from Quebec.
Liberal MP Denis Coderre stood out as he wore the red jersey of the Montreal Canadiens -- the Nordiques' bitter enemies who waged many a bloody battle with their provincial rivals over the years.
Peter Stastny, one of the team's most popular players, said he believes the Nordiques redux would be a roaring success.
"This is a paradise for hockey," said the Slovak, who was accompanied at the event by his brothers Anton and Marian, both of whom also played for the team.
"I spent 10 years here. I know what people are capable of here. They deserve an NHL team.
"They're proud. They have character. They're the best. Once the team is here, I have no doubt it will work out."
Others to receive rapturous applause included former coach Michel (Le tigre) Bergeron, who was introduced to the crowd as "Eye of the Tiger" belted out of the sound system.
"The images that will be sent all across Canada, all across America, are the living proof that the Nordiques are back," he told the cheering throng.
"We always loved the way you supported us and respected us."
Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume, one of the driving forces behind the push for the Nordiques' return, was thrilled with the size of Saturday's turnout, which he estimated at more than 50,000.
"People are happy, there's emotion in the air," Labeaume said.
"There's nostalgia. There's a mixture of all kinds of sentiments. There's hope. I can feel that."