(Los Angeles) Of course, there is the money, the millions, and perhaps also the timing which is not ideal, but in the end, the Kings believe that they will arrive in Quebec in the fall with one mission in mind: to create excitement in order to allow the city to, one day, attract the National Hockey League.
At least that’s what forward Phillip Danault suggested Monday morning, leaving Kings training in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
“The rest of us are just happy to go play there,” explained the former Canadian. We don’t want to create controversy. We want to create excitement, bring a team to Quebec, other than the Canadian too. To be able to show that we are capable of filling the Videotron Center without having the Canadian there. »
According to Danault, it was this exciting project that was first explained to the Kings players, who will play two preparatory matches in the city where the Nordiques once skated. Of course, the Quebec player is well aware of the outcry that such a project raises, especially in these days of strikes in the public sector in Quebec.
I have a cousin, a cousin’s wife who are all teachers in Quebec. The family is affected by this, that’s for sure. It’s disappointing that the announcement about these matches was made at this time.
Philip Danault
“I don’t think there were any bad intentions with this announcement, but it’s a question of timing, especially with what’s happening right now. What’s happening is not the most pleasant thing…”
PHOTO MATT SLOCUM, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pierre-Luc Dubois
For Pierre-Luc Dubois, another Quebecer who wears the black jersey of the Kings, the mission of the Californian club in Quebec will also be one of generosity, in a way, since the players will be called upon to participate in hockey clinics for the most youth.
“As Quebecers, we are always proud to play in Quebec, and it will be something very exciting,” explained the 25-year-old forward. We will also participate in activities with young people. So I think the team sees this as an opportunity, as an opportunity to be able to give back to the community and also to the youngest people. »
Dubois in period of adaptation
Furthermore, Pierre-Luc Dubois believes that he is still adapting with his new team, he who accepted an 8-year contract from the Kings for $68 million in the summer, after a move from Winnipeg.
For now, he finds himself with a record of 5 goals and 6 assists in 19 games. Which is not enough, in his own opinion.
My game is not 100% of what I would like it to be. There were good matches, less good matches, matches where it was more fluid. It’s part of the adaptation period.
Pierre-Luc Dubois
He does not regret his choice, even if the rumors with the Canadian lasted a long time, perhaps too long.
“I wanted to go play somewhere where I could continue to grow, to develop. Going to play for a team where I was going to learn and win… The Kings have been in a bit of a rebuild, but we look at the core that is here, and now we are out of the rebuild. It’s fun to be part of that. »