(Quebec) The meeting between Minister Eric Girard and the bonzes of the National Hockey League (LNH) allowed the government of Quebec to reiterate its interest in the return of a team to the capital. But the League says there is no “opportunity” at this time.
Posted at 12:35
Quebec’s finance minister and his deputy minister Pierre Côté met virtually on Thursday with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and his right-hand man, Bill Daly.
“We had a cordial meeting this morning with Mr. Girard and Mr. Côté, during which they once again expressed Quebec’s passion for hockey and Quebec City’s deep interest in a return of the NHL,” explained Messrs. Bettman and Daly in a joint statement after the meeting.
“Unfortunately, we are not aware of any opportunity to meet this interest at the present time,” continued the NHL executives, who nevertheless said they were “flattered” by the interest of the government of François Legault.
Bettman and Daly assure, however, that “the lines of communication between the parties have been refreshed and we have agreed to remain in communication if circumstances require it in the future. ”
Minister Girard has been mandated by the Premier of Quebec to study the possible return of an NHL team to Quebec. « Eric [Girard] had discussions with the various potential investors in the club,” said François Legault last November.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, PRESS ARCHIVES
Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard.
“The NHL appreciated our approach”
Minister Girard also spoke, in a message on Twitter, of a “cordial” meeting.
“The NHL greatly appreciated our approach and indicated that it is not currently in a position to respond positively to our interest. We have agreed to stay in touch and keep the communication channels open,” writes Mr. Girard.