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Originally Posted by beyeas
I would bet that many in Moncton will chafe against it either way if it seems to represent the broader region. I'm not say that as criticism of Moncton, but just a practical reality for whatever it is worth.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elly63
Not seeing that at all.
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Well, speaking as a Monctonian, it does matter a bit.
Calling the team the "Maritime" this or the "Atlantic" that might be a symbol of inclusiveness and solidarity but, depending on how it is handled, could be interpreted as being nothing more than lip service.
If the team is the "Atlantic Schooners", but you never see any of the players further afield than Waverley or Windsor, then the name is semi-insulting - it becomes a symbol of Halifax hegemony and that, as far as Haligonians are concerned, there is nothing meaningful or worthwhile in the broader region outside the limits of the HRM. You might as well call a spade a spade in such a circumstance and name the team the Halifax Citadels or whatever.
If you want to give the team a regional name then by God make it a regional team. Have player outreach programs from Edmundston to Sydney to St. John's, have pep rallies in Charlottetown, stage a training camp in Moncton. These things are meaningful.
The New England Patriots are a model to follow in some ways. They consider the Maritimes as part of their territory. About 5-6 years ago, they had some sort of high school contest (the particulars of which I forget), but the Miramichi Regional High School won and they sent Rob Gronkowski up the MRHS for the day to speak at an assembly, hang around with the kids, sign autographs and toss the ball around. This sort of outreach has an impact. This is what I'm talking about........
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