Rex Murphy has a bone to pick with millionaire businessmen begging for government handouts. And he's flabbergasted at the way Canadians don't raise a peep when social programs are cut, yet cry bloody murder when a failing hockey franchise is put up for sale. In this commentary, Murphy has a wakeup call for hockey-loving taxpayers: in this game, you are customers, not citizens.

It's a bittersweet victory for Quebec City residents. One season after the team moved to Denver, Colo., the players fans had supported for years capture the coveted Stanley Cup. For those who can see past the bitterness of losing their team, it's still a cause for celebration and a modest parade. As we hear in this clip, Nordiques fans like Quebec City mayor Jean-Paul L'Allier would have liked to keep the team around for another year — but not at any cost.

1995 is a very bad year for small-market hockey in Canada. In Quebec City, last-ditch efforts by the province to bail out the Nordiques end in failure, and fans are resigned to seeing the team sold to Denver. In Winnipeg, the situation is the same, but the response couldn't be more different. There are massive demonstrations and songs about the Jets; media moguls pledge millions and strippers donate their tips. A tale of two cities and their desperate hockey hopes.

All six Canadian owners say they face unfair challenges when competing financially with American clubs.

The team is playing well, but the franchise is dying.

The NHL's top draft pick snubs Quebec, and returns to the minors.

Should the Ottawa franchise have been awarded to Hamilton instead?

The Save Our Jets campaign didn't save them, and owner Barry Shenkarow appears to have a deal in place – and lots of donated money too.

15,000 Winnipeg fans pack the arena to see their Jets one last time.

Barring a miracle, the Winnipeg Jets appear to have played their last home game.