The preseason schedule for the Boston Bruins was recently revealed, and it includes an exciting game in Quebec City. Last fall, the Bruins made the exciting announcement that they would be playing in Quebec City at the Videotron Centre, where they will face off against the Los Angeles Kings. It’s been quite some time since Quebec City had an NHL team, with the Nordiques being their last team in the 1994-95 season before they relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche.
Bruins Set to Play Preseason Game in Quebec
On October 3, 2024, the Bruins will face off against the Los Angeles Kings at the Videotron Centre, a venue that Quebec hockey enthusiasts dream of seeing host an NHL team one day. The Bruins have historical ties to Quebec City, having been rivals with the Nordiques in the past. Additionally, retired Bruins star Patrice Bergeron hails from the area and grew up supporting the Nordiques.
It will also be a heartwarming reunion as head coach Jim Montgomery returns to his hometown of Montreal. Hailing from the vibrant city, Montgomery is sure to bring an extra spark to the event. And that’s not all! The legendary Ray Bourque, a true icon of the Bruins, also hails from the beautiful province of Québec, specifically Saint-Laurent. It’s a double dose of hometown pride that will make this exhibition even more special.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Patrice Bergeron, a native of L’Ancienne-Lorette, make an appearance during Boston’s return to Quebec City. Bergeron, along with former NHL player Simon Gagne, has been hosting a Pro-Am game at the Videotron Centre for several years.
A contest in Quebec.
The #NHLBruins will take on the @LAKings in an exhibition game at Videotron Centre next fall. pic.twitter.com/4QQJycjFn0
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 14, 2023
A Fresh Look at the Bruins History in Quebec
Quebec City is eagerly awaiting the NHL’s expansion efforts, hoping to see their beloved sport return to the north. While they wait, these preseason matchups will have to satisfy their hockey cravings.
The Boston Bruins have a rich history with Quebec City, having engaged in fierce battles with the Nordiques during their time in the Adams Division. Even after the Nordiques moved to Colorado, the Bruins have continued to make trips back to Quebec City for preseason games. In 2017, Boston faced off against the Montreal Canadiens at the Videotron Centre, and in 2009, they battled it out at the Colisée Pepsi, the Nordiques’ old stomping ground.
After Bergeron’s retirement from the NHL in July, the future Hall of Famer received a well-deserved standing ovation from his hometown crowd before his latest Pro-Am showcase at the Videotron Centre.
Patrice Bergeron gets one of the longest standing ovations you’ll ever see at a Pro-Am game in Quebec City.
What a send-off ?
(via @MikLalancette) pic.twitter.com/DkFSPYkXUQ
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 11, 2023
Another Team in Quebec?
The most recent NHL pre-season game at Videotron Centre took place on Sept. 20, 2018, featuring the Canadiens against the Washington Capitals. Despite opening in 2015 with high hopes of bringing the NHL back to Quebec City, the 18,000-seat arena has yet to see a return of professional hockey. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has repeatedly overlooked Quebec City due to economic challenges and insufficient infrastructure for supporting a franchise. Since the Nordiques’ departure to Denver, the NHL has seen three relocations and the addition of six expansion teams, including the Seattle Kraken in the 2021-22 season.
Since losing the Nordiques in 1995 when they moved to Colorado, Quebec City has been without an NHL team. Despite this, the city still boasts a passionate hockey fanbase. While the possibility of the NHL returning to Quebec City remains uncertain, fans can look forward to enjoying a couple of preseason games in the city next year.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
