Mr. Speaker, after nearly 75 years, a chapter in history is coming to a close. Like so many Canadians, I remember how my family and I would be glued to the screen on Saturday evenings, watching the Montreal Canadiens led by Lecavalier, Garneau and Pagé.
When I was a coach, I watched Hockey Night in Canada. The brand remains a national legend, and its iconic theme song became our second national anthem. Led by memorable icons like Foster Hewitt, Bob Cole, Danny Gallivan and Ron MacLean, this broadcast perfectly connected our country.
It inspired thousands of young people to take to the ice and join in our national sport, which brings our francophone and anglophone communities together.
Even without Hockey Night in Canada on TV, its mission will continue to resonate from coast to coast.