Quebec Politicians Seek NHL Approval for Canadiens Watch Party in Outaouais

Provincial politicians in Quebec unanimously backed a motion calling for the National Hockey League to allow public Montreal Canadiens watch parties in the Outaouais. A planned Saturday screening of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes at Gatineau's Slush Puppie Centre was cancelled after tickets for the fundraiser went on sale.

Organizers had approval of TVA Sports, the exclusive French broadcaster of the NHL playoffs.

The area falls under the territory of the Ottawa Senators.

An organizer said the NHL told him the Ottawa Senators have an 80-kilometre territory where other teams cannot be promoted. The NHL said the screening never received the necessary authorization required by the NHL for large showings of its games.

More than 7,600 people have signed a petition calling for the NHL to make an exception. The motion was introduced by a Parti Québécois MNA who said the decision denies residents of the Outaouais the chance to watch the last remaining Canadian team in the playoffs. Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Montreal, with Carolina leading 2-1.