The last four Memorial Cup championships have been won by Quebec Major Junior League teams.
That year, the Quebec Remparts, led by Patrick Roy, emerged victorious by dominating Seattle, where analysts say the greatest talent was gathered.
Quebec hockey players were shunned
But AGAIN this year…several of Quebec’s best were left out of the Team Canada dressing room during junior team selection. Only three remained. Recruitment in the NHL has been equally disappointing for several years.
Why are so few Quebecers recruited by Team Canada and why are young people here shunned by National League recruiters during the NHL draft? Because we have to face the facts, we turn our noses up at the home players.
For many, this debate should not be brought up because the important thing is the results and in that respect the Canadian team is doing well. That ends the debate. For them, the Quebecers aren’t talented enough and just don’t deserve a spot on the team. If you dare to criticize, you will be made to be an uneducated hockey player. We must therefore accept without saying anything.
Fortunately, the players themselves (including some remparts) begin to speak, less complex than the maple leaf-obsessed fafans.
World Championships
If there isn’t room for local hockey players on Team Canada, it’s time to create Team Quebec where we can watch the stars develop from here. Imagine the frenzy. Scotland, England, Ireland and several others do this, particularly in football. It is possible! We may not win gold straight away, but not three, but 22 Quebecers will compete with the best. It is invaluable for their confidence and future journey.
You are a nationalist and have set up a committee to promote ice hockey. You often speak of pride. There is no greater sense of pride than a sports team in our colors! Mr Legault, this is a mobilizing project.
That would be a good mandate for your Nordic minister Eric Girard!
