BREAKING: NHL Officially Returns to Quebec City in 2024 Amidst Major $5-7 Million Dollar Plan

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Skyler Walker
November 14, 2023 (1:21 PM)

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Quebec City Gears Up for NHL's Return

Excitement is buzzing in Quebec City as the NHL is making a comeback to the Centre Vidéotron. The Quebec government gave the green light for a subsidy ranging from $5 million to $7 million to support two exhibition games featuring the Los Angeles Kings in October 2024.

Finance Minister Gives the Nod

Finance Minister Eric Girard addressed the subsidy, saying,

"I have the benefit of seeing all the subsidies that the government grants to sporting and cultural events, and I can confirm that we are on the right scale."

Girard's announcement marks a significant moment for hockey fans in Quebec City, justifying the subsidy as a way to celebrate hockey, aligning with the government's support for various cultural and sporting events.

Ticket prices for the games at the Centre Vidéotron will vary from $55 to $170, ensuring accessibility for fans and showcasing the venue's exceptional infrastructure.

"We wanted there to be a certain level of accessibility, knowing that this is the National Hockey League,"

explained Martin Tremblay, CEO of Quebecor's sports and entertainment group and president of Gestev.

Quebec Solidaire parliamentary leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois expressed concerns about fund allocation, stating,

"The CAQ says it lacks money for public service workers. But it's giving up to $7 million to National League millionaires. Quebecers love hockey, but they'd also like a government with a sense of priorities."

The Los Angeles Kings are set to conduct part of their training camp at the Centre Vidéotron and play two exhibition games during their stay, facing off against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 3 and the Florida Panthers on Oct. 5. Quebec hockey fans can anticipate witnessing NHL action up close and personal, a rare treat since the last exhibition game at the Centre Vidéotron in 2018.

The venue, which opened in 2015, has been a symbol of hope for attracting an NHL team, currently hosting the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL. The return of NHL exhibition games to Quebec City pays homage to the city's passionate hockey history, with the Nordiques playing there from 1972 to 1995 before moving to Colorado and becoming the Avalanche.

The upcoming games are poised to reignite the fervor of Quebec City hockey enthusiasts.

As seen on CTVNEWS