The Memorial Cup championship does not attract only the people of the playing teams. They are 71 this year and they are travelling each year to see the tournament. It is, in a certain way, a group of organised fans. What are they addicted to? Junior Hockey. Most of the Junkies come from Calgary, but others come from Guelph, Plymouth, Halifax and even Seattle.
Tim Stoddard, a fan of the Calgary Hitmen described his group as "a band of people who really love hockey. Some have not missed a game since 1999!" he said looking at his partner, Tim Johnson.
For M. Johnson, who came with his wife, beeing part of the Junior Hockey Junkies is a excellent way to visit the country. As the Memorial Cup goes from town to town, M. Johnson now knows well his Canada. Until now, the Calgary fan seems to be satisfied of the greetings he received here.
Another man disguised as a Mooseheads fan said that for him and his two friends "to go to the Memorial Cup each year is like our summer vacations". Dave "Bubba" Gorsline comes from Calgary, but he said that him and his friends will be dressed a different way each game. They are gonna dress as the "Hanson brothers", Elvis, even referees to cheer them during a whole game.
In front of them are sitting two fans. On one of them we can read "Alexander" and on the other one's back "Keith's". But the three men didn't come only to party. "Bubba plans to rent a Harley one day to go around the city.
With the hotel, the plane tickets, the game tickets, the food and the beer they almost reach a 2000 dollars cost for their trip. But until now, the Calgary fan seems to be satisfied. "We don't now the city yet, but it's fun!" said a man who is called Santa.
The Junior Hockey Junkies insisted to thank the Rimouski people for their respect. "Some people in Quebec would not even stand during the national anthem" deplored Bubba remembering the Cup in 2003. "Here the people are way more respectful than Quebec's" said Dave Gorsline.
A special thanks to Louis LaHaye Roy for taking the time to translate his French article into English for us. Louis had a couple of articles in each daily publication so for him to take the time to help us understand his article was very much appreciated by the group.
This article did create a little bit of controversy between Rimouski and Quebec City with the comments regarding the respect the Rimouski displayed with the national anthem. The radio lines in Quebec City were abuzz with callers regarding the article and the impression left by the two host cities. Rimouski and Quebec City are bitter rivals and the Rimouski folks relished the positive feedback from the Junkies.