More than 3,000 hockey fans rallied Friday in never-say-die Hamilton to support billionaire Jim Balsillie's efforts to bring an NHL franchise to the city.
The rally, part of Balsillie's "Make It Seven Day," was attended by approximately 3,500 people, according to Hamilton Police. The day was organized to provide a voice to Canadian hockey fans and raise money for minor hockey teams across the country.
Fans at the rally were sporting hockey jerseys and carrying signs that read "Hockey Night in Hamilton" and "We deserve a team."
Balsillie wasn't at the event, but his spokesman, Bill Walker, said giving Canada another NHL team would only make the league stronger.
Walker read a letter from Balsillie, who thanked the community for its support and reiterated his commitment to bring a team to the city.
Balsillie's bid for the Phoenix Coyotes was rejected by an Arizona bankruptcy judge, but he has pledged to keep pushing for a team.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the mayors of Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Kitchener have pledged their support to "make it seven."
People in the crowd were overwhelmingly optimistic that they will have a local team to support in the fall, and chanted, "Thank you Jim."
The BlackBerry boss made a $212.5-million US offer to buy the struggling Coyotes on the condition he is allowed to move the team to Hamilton.
