It’s official: The Montreal Canadiens’ farm team in Laval has found a name. The AHL affiliate will begin play at Laval’s Place Bell in 2017-18 under the moniker, the Laval Rocket.
The name is the result of a fan contest held between July 11 and August 31, 2016.
At first fans were asked to submit their ideas for a new name. As the contest progressed participants were asked to select their favourite name based on a list of 12 semi-finalists that was eventually narrowed down to three finalists.
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Organizers say the Rocket was a clear favourite from the get-go and won the final round with 51 per cent of the vote.
“From the opening day of the contest it was clear that the ‘Rocket’ entry would be a heavy favourite among some 850 different names submitted,” said Vincent Lucier, president of the Laval amphitheater.
In a written statement Lucier added the name was a fitting tribute to legendary Habs’ player Maurice “Rocket” Richard.
The runners-up were the Patriotes clinching 24 per cent of the votes, and the Rapides took 25 per cent out of 54,000 ballots cast.
Lucier said he’s excited by the response the contest elicited and it bodes well for the future of the team.
“With this contest, we wanted to give our fans an opportunity to get involved in choosing a nickname for their team. If this craze is any indication for what lies ahead for the team in Laval we can certainly expect with a future filled with enthusiasm.”
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