The Canadiens AHL affiliate set to play at Place Bell starting in 2017-18 nicknamed the Laval Rocket
by Matt Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine
LAVAL — The Montreal Canadiens’ farm team, which will be moving to Laval for the 2017-2018 regular season, has finally unveiled its new name. They will now be known as the Laval Rocket (Rocket de Laval) and their home rink will be the brand new, 10,000 seat facility known as Place Bell.
After receiving more than 850 unique entries during the “name the team” contest, the three finalists were: The Laval Rapides, The Laval Patriots and The Laval Rocket.
The Laval ROCKET: The name “Rocket” is ingrained in Quebecers’ collective imagination and the province’s culture because of what legendary player Maurice Richard managed to accomplish over the course of his career. He is a true icon in the history of the Montreal Canadiens. Young hopefuls will only be inspired by his spirit and his intensity when they put on the uniform.
“We would like to thank all our fans for getting involved in the process of selecting a name for the new Canadiens AHL affiliate. The level of participation exceeded our most optimistic expectations. With this contest, we wanted to give our fans an opportunity to get involved in choosing a nickname for their team. If this craze is any indication for what lies ahead for the team in Laval we can certainly expect with a future filled with enthusiasm,” said Vincent Lucier, president of the amphitheater.
“From the opening day of the contest it was clear that the ROCKET entry would be a heavy favourite among some 850 different names submitted. At the completion of phase I it was the most popular choice. In fact throughout phases II and III, it earned more votes than all other names combined. The message was loud and clear from fans looking for a meaningful identity for their team while paying tribute to Maurice “Rocket” Richard as one of the Canadiens’ most legendary figures,” added Lucier.
In my opinion there was only one clear choice, and I’m very happy that the winning name was the Laval Rocket. I’m now looking forward to their new logo being revealed, as well as their new jerseys, which are currently being worked on.
The Canadiens are on the right track by making this move. It will facilitate easier transfer for the Canadiens AHL call ups, especially in an injury situation, and will provide management the ability to scout their prospect pool much more frequently. Teams such as the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers each have their affiliate playing rather close to the parent club. It has also been reported that the Binghamton Senators, affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, are considering a move to Belleville as soon as the 2017-2018 season.
Personally, I have sympathy for the passionate fans located in St. John’s, who are losing yet another team. I truly hope they retain that passion, cheer loud for the IceCaps, and are able to bring another team to the Mile One Centre as soon as possible… Las Vegas needs an AHL affiliate right?
The Canadiens will now see their AHL affiliate operate out of Quebec for the first time since the Quebec Citadelles from 1999-2002.
What do you think of the new name, Habs fans?
About…
• Winners of the “Name the Team” contest. Two winners will each receive a pair of season tickets for the team’s inaugural season in 2017-18. The first winner will be drawn randomly among all ROCKET entries submitted in phase I of the contest. A second winner will be drawn randomly among fans who submitted their entries during phases II and III.
• The Montreal Canadiens’ AHL affiliate will begin play at Place Bell in Laval in 2017-18. The team coached by Sylvain Lefebvre is currently located in St. John’s (NFLD) where it is playing its final season as the IceCaps.
• The American Hockey League is comprised of 30 teams and serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League. Founded in 1939-40, it has produced hundreds of players who have gone on to enjoy stellar careers at the NHL level.