How Simple Economics KILLED The Quebec Nordiques

In 1979, the Quebec Nordiques - the proverbial little brothers of Quebec hockey - became an NHL franchise. And, mon dieu, what a run they had. Between their epic battles with Montreal, the brilliance of the Stastny Brothers, and, of course, L’affaire Lindros, the Nordiques were consistently one the NHL’s most compelling teams. That is, until their bitter end...
Written & Narrated by: Jonah Birenbaum (@Birenball | X)
Produced & Edited by: James Balutan (@jamesbalutan | Instagram)
Filmed by: Zack Underhill (@ZackUnderhill | Instagram)
Thumbnail Design by: Justin Shipley (@shipleysportstudio | Instagram)
Courtesy List: pastebin.com/JFVB4tuQ
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#quebecnordiques #nhl

[@todddefilippi4328]

How this guy's voice KILLED this video

[@puckrocker854]

The narration sounds like a 20 minute long promo for a Disney Channel show.

[@sjdrifter72]

Why can't he speak like a normal human being instead of a cartoon character?

[@JanNozewski]

There’s no way this guy talks like that

[@shaunjensen571]

If the Nordiques would have stayed in Quebec, they would have never won the cup in 96 because there is no way in Hell the Canadiens would have traded Roy to a provincial rival.

[@robertonievecimamontana7065]

I soooooooooooooooooooo miss having the Nordiques in Quebec... never cheered for them... never cheered against them... loved to have them in Quebec. (Whaler fan here)

[@LeGreat123]

Quebec City has grown a lot. I’m from Montreal, live in Seattle. Have seen a historic franchise and the impact on a city, creation of a new franchise and the hordes of new hockey fans and am now hoping to see the rebirth of a once great franchise that will appeal to a much larger market nowadays

[@MalWave]

I am so hoping this is becoming a series. I adore defunct NHL teams <3 (is hoping for the Seals soon)

[@dfoleyusa]

Quebec City deserves another shot. There is no doubt in the modern era of the NHL it likely works - while not a huge city there is established base and solid hockey tradition. Such a shame the team relocated with that insane roster - it was absurd how well the Nordiques drafted even with Lindross refusing to play. I’m guessing it’s a decision he probably regrets having never won the cup. While it’s hard to predict the odds are high he does if he doesn’t hold out.

[@michaelkeller5927]

My dude you talk like a Dora the Explorer character

[@enregalia]

It was 6 AM halfway through the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998 and I was walking to my homestay after a long night, I was just about to begin walking up a steep set of stairs near one of the shrines when I look up and walking down are Eric Lindros and his father Carl...if you recall, Carl acted as his son's agent during the prolonged negotiations while he sat out a year and finally settled in Philadelphia... this is a rare occasion where I had maybe 15 seconds to say something in passing without being annoying by stopping their journey with an autograph ask or anything similar... I think I have a great little comment to reflect my hockey knowledge..."hey, you know if you had signed with the Nordique, you'd have already won a Cup with Colorado?"... Without missing a beat, Carl replies "If we had signed with the Nordiques, they'd never have left Quebec"... I was happily stunned...

[@tbz1551]

Great piece, great visuals, love the old school look. The narration is ridiculous, no need to match the voice to the styling. It's not an actual kids info video from the 90's, you're just borrowing the stylistic appeal. He could have talked normally.

[@camselle]

Still remember that celebration in Quebec City when the Avs won in 96 ⚜️🍻❄️

[@Hoovie9596]

I miss the Nords. Best uniforms ever. Except for the Whalers

[@williamford9564]

The issues still remain. Small market. Weak Canadian dollar. High provincial taxes. In the case of the first two, Winnipeg is facing the same issues and it is possible they may relocate within the next ten years.

[@dangerpea6099]

Maybe if the voice was slowed down a bit it'd be easier on the ears

[@thomasshortis5562]

5:00

[@traci635]

The move to Denver most likely save this franchise. It's always sad when teams leave their fans😢

[@cheynecameron]

i lasted six minutes with this voice. jesus

[@Richard-od7yd]

What could be more Canadian than good teams in Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa and Toronto ?