The Ontario battle between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs is intense. Ditto for the one between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames in Alberta.
But for the owner of the “Sens”, Michael Andlauer, all this is small beer when we take into account the rivalry that raged between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques.
“For me, there is nothing comparable,” said Andlauer during a privileged interview with TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie.
When Andlauer is asked bluntly if he wants the Nordics to return, the businessman is clear and clear.
“Absolutely,” he replied, categorically. We talk about the importance of rivalries. Los Angeles has two teams. New York has two teams, even three if you include Newark. The way the collective agreement was designed [avec un partage des revenus et un plafond salarial qui assurent une certaine parité, NDLR]financially, it can be done if it is well managed.
“There is no reason why it cannot be done in Quebec City.”
After Geoff Molson who swore several times in the public forum that he would support a return of the Nordiques during a vote at the governors’ meeting, here is a second Canadian owner of the NHL who says he is in favor of the project.
Ottawa, like Quebec
If Andlauer believes in it so much, it is because he sees the city of Ottawa under the same magnifying glass as that of Quebec, in a way.
“When I see the cities of Quebec, Ottawa and Gatineau, I find that so many things are similar,” he noted. Hockey roots are hollow. There is a pee-wee tournament in Quebec and Ottawa, the biggest minor hockey tournament in December [Capital Cup]. I see so many parallels.
“We are somewhat “underdog” cities: Ottawa compared to Toronto, Quebec compared to Montreal.”
The businessman recently visited the Old Capital. The reason is very simple: he wanted to draw inspiration from the Videotron Center facilities as he prepares to lead the major project of building an amphitheater on LeBreton Flats.
“The philosophy is rip off and duplicate,” Andlauer said. Basically, what are the best elements that we can copy? We only have one chance to achieve something magnificent in Ottawa. I was so impressed by the Videotron Center.”
