A group from Gatineau, Quebec, initiated a petition over the weekend that has garnered thousands of signatures. This action came after the National Hockey League prevented organizers from hosting viewing events for Montreal Canadiens’ playoff matches at a local arena.
The attempts to screen Saturday’s game for approximately 4,000 Gatineau Habs supporters at the Slush Puppie Centre were blocked by the NHL last week, as confirmed by Wassim Aboutanos, one of the event planners and president of Impératif français, a group advocating for French language and culture promotion.
Despite securing broadcast rights from TVA Sports, the exclusive French broadcaster for NHL playoffs, and commencing ticket sales with proceeds meant for a local mental health cause, the league terminated the event due to territorial rights concerns between teams.
The citizen’s petition aims to urge the league to reconsider its decision and allow Gatineau’s Habs fans to partake in the playoff enthusiasm seen in Montreal. In less than 48 hours, the petition amassed over 6,000 signatures, expressing disappointment at the missed opportunity to support their team.
Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette expressed her disappointment on social media, emphasizing the need for common sense to prevail and find a solution enabling Gatineau fans to experience the playoffs.
Sylvain St-Laurent, Ottawa Senators’ spokesperson, declined to comment on the NHL matter, reiterating the league’s stance that the event lacked necessary authorization. Despite subsequent attempts to secure approval, it seems unlikely for future games in the series.
Aboutanos called on Canadians nationwide to join the petition in solidarity with Gatineau residents’ right to gather and cheer for the last Canadian team in the playoffs. He emphasized the importance of coming together to support their team of choice, labeling the current situation as unacceptable.