from Randal Wheeler of CBC,

Trolling the message boards of various sports websites, including CBC's, it's amazing to me how so many people in this country complain about NHL franchises in southern climes.

You know the old story: "Why the heck are there hockey teams in Florida, in Nashville in Phoenix, in Dallas? What's wrong with the NHL? Don't they know hockey is Canada’s game? Get rid of those southern U.S. teams and move 'em to Quebec or Hamilton or Saskatoon!"

I couldn't believe that many people were that stupid!

Then I realized what it was: Canadian insecurity.

An American team has won the Stanley Cup for the last 20 years running. America has stolen part of our soul, our very identity, and damnit, we want it back!

Well, before you start putting a maple leaf on the back of every helmet in the NHL, prepare yourself for a letdown.

Just because a team is in Canada does not necessarily guarantee its success. Years ago, the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques moved south because they were going broke.

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