The Quebec Nordiques history is filled with exciting moments that shaped professional hockey in Canada. Starting in the WHA before joining the NHL, the team brought intense rivalries and iconic players to fans. Known for their passionate supporters, the Quebec Nordiques hockey legacy continues to influence the sport long after the franchise relocated.
Established
1972
City
Quebec City – Denver
League History
1980 – Present / National Hockey League
1972 – 1979 / World Hockey Association
Team History
1995 – Present / Colorado Avalanche
1972 – 1995 / Quebec Nordiques
Nickname
Nordiques – The Quebec Nordiques are one of the most iconic teams in National Hockey League (NHL) history, and their nickname has an interesting origin story. The team was founded in 1972 as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA), and their original name was “Les Nords-de-Québec,” which translates to “Northmen of Quebec.” This nod to French Canadian culture resonated with fans across Canada, who embraced it as a symbol of all that is great about hockey in Quebec.
Quebec Nordiques Origin
When the WHA merged with NHL before the 1979 season, Les Nords de Québec became known simply as The Nordiques – or just "the 'Diques" for short – cementing its place among some of the greatest nicknames ever seen on ice rinks around North America. Unsurprisingly, this catchy moniker caught on quickly; it pays tribute to French Canadian culture and a beloved sport at once!
The logo also plays an important role when it comes to an understanding why this nickname has been so successful over time: two blue skates crossed above a white fleur-de-lis set against a red backdrop make up what is now widely recognized by sports fans everywhere as one of hockey's most recognizable logos - even though they've been gone from NHL since 1995!
In addition to being visually appealing, these colors were chosen because they resemble those found on traditional flags flown by early settlers throughout New France during its colonization period centuries ago - another way that Nordique pride can be traced back through generations past while still maintaining relevance today amongst modern day sports enthusiasts alike!
Overall there isn't any other team quite like them out there; between their unique name & logo plus their solid fan base built upon decades' worth of loyalty & support...it's safe to say we'll never forget about our beloved 'Diques anytime soon!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
2001, 1996
Avco Cup 1
1977
Arena
1999 – Present / Pepsi Center
1995 – 1999 / McNichols Sports Arena
*Quebec*
1972 – 1995 / Colisée de Québec
Owner
2014 – Present / Ann Walton Kroenke
2000 – 2014 / E. Stanley Kroenke
1995 – 2000 / Charlie Lyons
1990 – 1995 / Marcel Aubut
1978 – 1990 / Carling – O’Keefe Brewery
1972 – 1978 / Quebec Remparts
- 1974
- 1979
- 1991
- 1995
-
Nordiques Team Formation
The Quebec Nordiques formed as one of the original World Hockey Association teams in 1972. The franchise was not one of the eight original teams established when the league was announced on November 1, 1971. The franchise was originally awarded to a group in San Francisco, as the San Francisco Sharks. However, the San Francisco group’s funding collapsed prior to ... -
Merge NHL and WHA
As part of the NHL–WHA merger, the WHA insisted on including all of its surviving Canadian teams, including the Nordiques, among the teams taken into the NHL at the end of the 1978–79 season. As a result, the Nordiques entered the NHL along with the Whalers, Oilers, and Jets. The Nordiques would be placed in the Adams Division of the ... -
1991 First Pick in the Draft
In 1991, the Nordiques once again had the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft. They picked junior star Eric Lindros, even though he had let it be known well in advance that he would never play for Quebec. Among the reasons, Lindros cited distance, lack of marketing potential, and having to speak French. After the Nordiques selected him ... -
Nordiques Move to Denver
Aubut asked for a bailout from Quebec’s provincial government. However, Premier Jacques Parizeau turned the request down, as few in Quebec were willing to be seen as subsidizing a hockey club that paid multimillion-dollar salaries. Bailouts for Ottawa and Edmonton were also rejected for the same reason. In 1994, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Peter Karmanos was in talks to ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Quebec Nordiques History
The Quebec Nordiques history represents one of the most memorable eras in professional hockey. Founded in 1972 as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA), the team quickly built a passionate fan base. Alongside the New England Whalers, Winnipeg Jets, and Houston Aeros, they helped shape the WHA’s competitive landscape. In 1979, the franchise became one of four WHA teams absorbed into the National Hockey League (NHL), carrying over its success and sparking new rivalries, including one with the Colorado Avalanche. This move marked a defining point in Quebec Nordiques hockey, establishing them as a beloved franchise in both leagues.
During their WHA years from 1972 to 1979, the Quebec Nordiques hockey team was dominant, winning three Avco World Trophy (Avco Cup) Championships, an achievement equivalent to multiple Stanley Cups. Their on-ice success and thrilling style helped elevate the profile of the league. Once in the NHL, they maintained their competitive edge throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, drawing large crowds and igniting excitement in Quebec City.
Although the Quebec Nordiques history never included a Stanley Cup win in the NHL, they reached the semi-finals twice and built a roster filled with future legends. Their most notable season came in 1994 after the Eric Lindros trade, which brought in key players and assets. Led by Joe Sakic, the team reached the Conference Finals against the Vancouver Canucks but fell short of making the championship round.
Nordiques Achievements
Despite financial challenges, the franchise relocated in 1995 to become the Colorado Avalanche, who would go on to immediate success. Even after the move, the Quebec Nordiques hockey legacy remains alive, with fans continuing to celebrate the team’s identity and memorable moments. Annual reunions and vintage jersey nights keep the spirit of the Nordiques visible within hockey culture.
Several stars from the Quebec Nordiques history have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, including Peter Stastny and Joe Sakic, while others like Adam Foote are still remembered for their leadership and contributions. These achievements cement the team’s status as one of the most impactful franchises in North American hockey, inspiring ongoing efforts to bring NHL hockey back to Quebec City in the future.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
3 J. C. Tremblay*
8 Marc Tardif*
16 Michel Goulet*
19 Joe Sakic
21 Peter Forsberg
23 / Milan Hejduk
26 Peter Stastny*
33 / Patrick Roy
52 / Adam Foote
77 / Ray Bourque
99 Wayne Gretzky
*Only retired by the Nordiques
*Blue is this team’s history
