The Quebec National Assembly has taken a unified stand in support of hockey fans in Gatineau who wish to watch the Montreal Canadiens' playoff games at Centre Slush Puppie. Politicians from all parties in Quebec City voted unanimously on Tuesday to pass a motion urging the National Hockey League to allow supervised public gatherings to broadcast Canadiens playoff games in Gatineau and the broader Outaouais region.
Watch Party Controversy
The move comes after organizers of a planned watch party for the Eastern Conference final between the Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes were forced to cancel ticket sales because the NHL had not authorized the event. The league's rules stipulate that teams hold regional territorial rights within 80 kilometers of their city limits, meaning the Ottawa Senators have jurisdiction over the Gatineau area.
Political Support
The motion, tabled by Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Bérubé, emphasized that hockey is "a powerful symbol of our sporting and francophone culture throughout Quebec." Bérubé called on the NHL to "reconsider its decision and allow the playoffs to be broadcast at supervised and accessible gatherings in Gatineau and elsewhere in the Outaouais region." The motion will be sent to the NHL president, Bérubé confirmed.
NHL's Stance
The NHL has maintained that the event, organized by an independent promoter, never received the necessary authorization from the league, the Senators, or the Canadiens. A league spokesperson stated, "We appreciate the passion and excitement surrounding the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, this planned event never received the necessary authorization required by the NHL, Senators or Canadiens for large showings of our games."
The Senators have declined to comment, referring all inquiries to the NHL. The league's territorial rights are designed to protect each team's market, similar to how a Buffalo Sabres watch party in St. Catharines would be restricted due to the Toronto Maple Leafs' region.
Local Organizers
The watch party was being organized by Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy in partnership with Festival Outaouais en fête and Vision Multisports Outaouais. The venue, Centre Slush Puppie, is home to the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Senators have been actively trying to expand their fan base in the region, making this territorial dispute particularly sensitive.
Despite the motion's unanimous passage, it is unlikely to change the NHL's position, as the league remains firm on its territorial rights policy. The Canadiens face the Hurricanes in Game 4 of the series on Wednesday night at home.
With files from the Montreal Gazette
