A Huge Crowd Greets a Spectacular Arrival!
More than 3,500 people gathered yesterday afternoon at the football field of the Guillaume-Leblanc Sports Complex, not far from the Colisée of Rimouski, to give an exuberant welcome to the symbol of Canadian junior hockey supremacy: the Memorial Cup.
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The numerous visitors included veterans, political dignitaries, representatives of the Canadian Hockey League, local dignitaries and lots of fans. Many young people who attended the event in school groups awaited the arrival of the celebrated trophy with eager anticipation. “We can’t wait to see the Cup!”, was often heard. And the Cup’s arrival certainly didn’t go unnoticed: it was delivered by helicopter!
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Although the high winds at 28-knots prevented the Skyhawks from performing their parachuting show, the festive atmosphere offered fans a wide array of entertainment to enjoy, including stilt-walkers, a clown and balloon-twister and the music of the Ensemble Antoine-Perreault.
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For the spectators, one of the high points was assuredly the presentation of the Océanic, the “Team of a Whole Region”. The players were warmly greeted by the crowd and enthusiastic chants of “Go, ’Nics, go!”. Swarms of young people surrounded the players after the ceremony to collect autographs. Head coach Clément Jodoin was impressed and moved by the crowd’s spirited energy and thanked everyone for being there.
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The kick-off of the festivities was a definitely a huge success. And now, let the 2009 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament begin!
Photo credential : Rémi Sénéchal