Quebec Nordiques

Lore & Background

The Nordiques formed as one of the original WHA teams in 1972–73, after a franchise originally awarded to San Francisco was sold to Quebec City businessmen who owned the Quebec Remparts. The team name 'Les Nordiques' was announced on March 29, 1972, chosen because Quebec City is one of the northernmost professional sports cities in North America. Their first head coach was Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, who lasted only two games. The team's first star was defenceman J. C. Tremblay, who led the WHA in assists in its first season.

In the WHA, the Nordiques became a high-flying offensive team, and in 1975–76 they became the only team in major professional history to have five players break 100 points. They captured the Avco World Trophy in 1976–77, defeating the Winnipeg Jets in seven games. The WHA's final season was 1978–79, after which the Nordiques entered the NHL along with the Whalers, Oilers, and Jets. Premier René Lévesque described the team as 'the only truly French team.'

In the NHL, the Nordiques struggled initially but were bolstered by the signing of defected Czechoslovak brothers Peter and Anton Stastny in 1980, with Marian joining in 1981. Led by Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet, the team made the playoffs seven consecutive years. Their deepest NHL playoff run came in 1984–85, when they reached the conference finals and took the Philadelphia Flyers to six games. The rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens was intense, culminating in the 1984 Good Friday Massacre brawl. The Nordiques won their only NHL division title in 1985–86, but were swept by the Hartford Whalers in the playoffs.

Reader's Guide

The Quebec Nordiques were notable as the only major professional sports team based in Quebec City during the modern era, and as one of the four WHA teams admitted to the NHL in the 1979 merger. Their identity was deeply tied to Quebec's French-speaking culture, with Premier René Lévesque calling them 'the only truly French team.' The franchise's relocation to Denver in 1995 ended a 23-year presence in Quebec City, leaving the city without a major professional sports team. The Nordiques' legacy includes their WHA championship in 1976–77, their role in the fierce rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, and the development of stars such as Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet. The team's departure is often cited as a significant loss for Quebec City's sports landscape.

Did You Know?

• The Nordiques were originally awarded to a San Francisco group before being sold to Quebec City businessmen.
• Maurice 'Rocket' Richard was the team's first head coach but lasted only two games.
• In 1975–76, the Nordiques became the only major professional team to have five players score over 100 points in a season.
• The Nordiques' mascot Badaboum was created for Rendez-vous '87 and became a permanent fixture at home games.