Edmonton Journal | 13Apr2011 | Orest Slepokura
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/story_print.html?id=4606487&sponsor=

Sensible to bump debate
 
 Re: "French debate bumped for hockey game," Edmonton Journal, April 11, 2011.
A couple of years ago, moved by its lovely shade of blue with red trim, I bought a cap bearing the logo of the now defunct Winnipeg Jets. Thereafter, dozens of strangers approached me to discuss the old Winnipeg hockey franchise, assuming I, too, was a nostalgic loyalist. All yearned for the Jets' return to Winnipeg; one even offered to buy my cap "to match" his Jets jersey.

Based on this personal experience, I have to say the decision to re-schedule the French version of the federal leaders' debate to avoid a conflict with the Montreal Canadiens' first playoff game was a sensible one. Tribalism in sport runs deep.

Orest Slepokura, Strathmore