The Quebec National Hockey team is the pride of the Republic of Quebec, born after the messy independence process of 1995-96. Nicknamed for the National Bird, “Les Hiboux” take their colors and symbols from the national flag.
They go for the stripe of the Habs, and the Fleur de Lis of the recently departed Nordiques. The choice of the blue to be different from the flag was allegedly to further support the Nordique fan base, commonly thought to have pushed the referendum over the line. This allegation was wrong. It was also alleged to be similar to the Bloc/PQ Leaders. This allegation is also wrong. The truth is that the designers were worried matching the flag colors would result in a jersey that looked too much like a Leafs Jersey.
Memorable moments include their first game in Canada in 2000, a victory but one that seemed to heal wounds. Gold medal in Turin, as well as knocking the Canadians out of their own tournament in 2010.