The Los Angeles Kings made their much-anticipated arrival in Quebec City on Wednesday to begin the final leg of their NHL training camp. The trip has stirred up quite the controversy due to the province’s decision to allocate millions of dollars to subsidize the visit.
The team was greeted by a couple hundred fans at the Vidéotron Centre as they hit the ice for practice in preparation for exhibition games against the Boston Bruins on Thursday and the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on Saturday.
Critics have balked at the Quebec government’s choice to spend an estimated $5 to $7 million on the event, with some questioning the use of public funds to support a professional sports team. A protest is set to take place on Thursday in opposition to the subsidies, calling for a redirection of funds towards essential public services.
Luc Robitaille, the President of the Kings, skirted around revealing the exact amount of financial support the team is receiving but clarified that these payments are part of the team’s operational model. He emphasized that this funding is crucial in covering expenses such as travel, accommodations, meals, and player salaries.
“Investing in these trips is vital for the team’s financial health. It even helps cover Phil’s salary,” Robitaille quipped, pointing to Quebec-native forward Phillip Danault seated beside him.
The President went on to explain that they have received compensation for playing in other cities like Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, although not all matches are subsidized by government entities. The team’s home arena was unavailable during the preseason due to ongoing renovations.
Robitaille, who opened the news conference with a brief address in French, stated that the Kings are committed to giving back to the Quebec City community during their visit. They plan to visit local hospitals, conduct hockey clinics for children, and donate 400 sets of hockey equipment to various organizations.
“It’s essential for players to dedicate their time to giving back because we are incredibly fortunate to live out our childhood dreams,” Robitaille remarked. “Returning to a city and bringing smiles to kids’ faces is a fulfilling experience that we all cherish.”
Danault chimed in, expressing his eagerness to hit the ice and represent Quebec City as a thriving hockey hub. “Our goal is to showcase the hockey market here, not to stir up controversy. We want to demonstrate that Quebec can support professional hockey,” he said. Although he was taken aback by the backlash, Danault shared that the team has been warmly welcomed and is relishing the breathtaking views of the historic Chateau Frontenac hotel where they are lodged.
