Should Quebec have its own “National” hockey team? Good question. Given its recognition the other day as a “Nation within Canada”, it needs to be given some thought.

Have any other “nations” been given similar status? Well, I could cite international Rugby and Soccer. England has her own team, as well as Wales and Scotland. I am not sure about Northern Ireland. All of the previous are part of the “United Kingdom”, but are considered “nations” for the purpose of international sports.

On the other hand, what if some Quebec hockey players don’t agree with the sovereigntist view of a Quebec national team? What if they elect to play for Team Canada? I don’t think all would, but certainly I think some see themselves as Canadian first, and Quebecker second. Would Quebec then engage in the same kinds of freedom-stifling actions they have used to enforce French language use in the province? Would they force Quebec-born players to play for them?

It also raises the point of who comprises the Quebec nation. Are all residents of Quebec Quebeckers? What about new immigrants? They came to become “Canadians” not “Quebeckers”. Would they have a choice? It is my understanding that they did not have a choice as to which province to immigrate to initially – that Immigration Canada dictated which provinces were allotted which people go where. What about the First Nations of Quebec? Are they Canadians or Quebeckers? Will they be permitted to choose their nationality? What if they want their own hockey team?

I am starting to think that this question of a Quebec National Hockey Team is a lot bigger and will have a lot more ramifications than whether or not Patrick Roy gets asked to coach the Quebec Juniors or the Canadian Juniors. One thing I know for certain though – Sid the Kid is still playing for Team Canada!