The return of the NHL to Quebec City might hurt the Remparts and other QMJHL teams.
There's little doubt a National Hockey League team would be successful in Québec City, but the same can't be said for the local junior teams if the NHL returns.
An estimated 50,000 fans filled the Plains of Abraham last Saturday for La Marche Bleue, only helping to confirm Québec City's passion for hockey's highest level. But while most people in the city would love an NHL team's presence in the provincial capital, those in junior hockey circles aren't wearing the same rose-coloured glasses.
"We're concerned for sure," Québec Major Junior Hockey League commissioner Gilles Courteau said. "First of all it's going to be great for the city of Québec to bring back an NHL franchise in the their city, but on the other side it's going to hurt not only the Québec Remparts, but the teams surrounding Québec City."
Major junior hockey is the hot ticket in the area the Nordiques used to call home. The Remparts, who were resurrected just two years after the Nordiques left for Colorado in 1995, have become the QMJHL's most iconic franchise.
The team consistently sets attendance records not only for the QMJHL, but for all junior teams in Canada. Last season the Remparts set the bar high with an average home game attendance of 12,088 -- an average increase of more than 10,000 fans per game compared to their first season 13 years ago.
Part of the reason the Remparts have enjoyed such success in their rebirth is due to the fact there was no competition from the NHL. As a result, media coverage increased dramatically, to the point now where four pages are dedicated towards the Remparts and neighbouring junior teams daily in one local newspaper.
The success of the Remparts isn't completely attributed to the absence of an NHL team, Courteau said, but their presence is certainly increased because of it. The Remparts have a monopoly of the market in Québec City and, essentially, operate as an NHL franchise.
"They're having a huge number of people working for that team, from sales people to marketing people to administrative staff," Courteau said. "They're running their major junior franchise the same way as if they were running an NHL franchise."
While the Remparts stand to lose the most if an NHL team returns, the ripple effect would also be felt by smaller market teams nearby.
"Since the departure of the Québec Nordiques, I think that we've done a good job in marketing our major junior teams in those cities," Courteau said. "I think people really adopted those teams. I hope the fans are going to stay even if an NHL team comes back."
One QMJHL general manager from a neighbouring city is hopeful creative marketing strategies and the lower-priced tickets will continue to help fuel the economy in the event the NHL comes back.
"We can't hide it -- there are fans that come to the QMJHL that would maybe go see the NHL instead," said Jérôme Mésonéro, general manager of the Victoriaville Tigres. "It's certain it will lower the attendance, particularly in Québec and cities close to Québec, but maybe there's room for everyone.
"It's not the same budget for an NHL game -- it costs much more than a junior game. As an organization, we will have to be creative and to find a way to put fans in the seats."
The point could be moot, as there are no guarantees an NHL franchise will eventually return to Québec City. The city is trying to pull out all the stops in the ultimate Field of Dreams ideology that, if they build a rink, the team will come.
Patrick Roy, the part owner, head coach and general manager of the Remparts, remains skeptical that Québec City is in NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's plans.
"I will believe it when it has actually happened," Roy told Québec City-based French newspaper, Le Soleil. "For now, I am not convinced that the NHL really wants to leave certain American cities."
Roy went on to say, "I believe that if Bettman had really wanted to move a franchise, he would have done so already."
If an NHL team does return, it's not completely gloom and doom for the QMJHL. Another franchise within the province could provide plenty of opportunities and help build the game to greater heights.
"It would stimulate the reception to minor hockey and the other thing is it will be good for all the people who work in the QMJHL in Québec," Mésonéro said. "It could mean opportunities for another team in the Québec with management, coaches, trainers and scouts. It could open doors for people who work in the game in Québec."
Whether the NHL is ready to walk into the inviting, open arms of Québec City remains to be seen. But the ripple effect it could cause in junior cities is still a mystery.
"I think that people are passionate about hockey -- it's our national sport," Mésonéro said. "I'm encouraged that there are enough fans out there to give life to everyone."
