Many mistakenly believe that all members of the group of six founders of the Nordiques are deceased, but Jean-Claude Mathieu still holds the torch very high.
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“It’s normal for people to think I’ve disappeared too, as I’ve always been seen as very discreet,” the journal began, sketching a small smile from the group’s sole survivor during an interview at his office this week.
Yes, at his desk, because according to the Norse epic, he never stopped working. The one who works as a management consultant is very proud to see the former Nordiques reunite in Quebec this weekend, even if he preferred to stay away.
“I think reunification is up to the players. It’s perfectly fine like that,” he said.
Giving back to Quebecers
Mr. Mathieu clearly remembers the beginnings of the history of the Nordiques. The one who was one of the Remparts shareholders had been asked by Marius Fortier to be part of an investor team to bring professional ice hockey to Quebec.
Along with Fortier, as well as Marcel Bédard, John Dacres, Léo-Paul Beausoleil and Jean-Marc Bruneau, Mr. Mathieu has never been afraid to dive headfirst into the unknown with the World Hockey Association (WHA).
“We wanted to reinvest the money we made into Quebec. Thinking about it today, I’m happy because that’s what we wanted to do and we did it well,” he said.
twists and turns
Mr. Mathieu was in California with three other members of the Six when the purchase of the franchise was formalized on February 11, 1972.
“I didn’t like the first contract that Gary Davidson’s attorney presented to us. I remember saying: I won’t sign that! The journalists had made a fuss that we wanted a team in Quebec and they were waiting for the league’s announcement, which didn’t come. »
“Mr. Davidson’s attorney informed him of our reservations and the contract was amended. That’s where we started,” he recalls with visible pride.
“We knew it was something big and we didn’t know exactly where we were going, but we made it work. »
The support of Jean Lesage
Clandestine Sunday gatherings, passed by the side door of a shop, made it possible to lay the foundation for the organization of the Nordiques.
In the eyes of Jean-Claude Mathieu, it was this discreet work that, like the commitment of former Prime Minister Jean Lesage, provided the necessary impetus.
“We did our homework in silence, so Jean Lesage and Brasserie O’Keefe trusted us,” he points out.
“We have the credit of having the reputation it takes to find the right people for the adventure, but for me it was Mr. Lesage who allowed Quebec to have the Nordiques. »
Whether his beloved Nordiques could ever return, Jean-Claude Mathieu’s long heavy silence says it all. The wound from the team’s departure in 1995 still seems very much alive.