Greek mythology’s Boreas is god of North Wind and Winter, and Manitoba’s boreal forest is second to none on Earth

Winnipeg—As Manitobans continue to revel in the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg, the Wilderness Committee is nominating a new and fitting name for the team. The “Manitoba Borealis” is a name for a hockey team which would reflect our province’s natural beauty and unique place in the world.

In Greek mythology, Boreas is the god of the North Wind and Winter. The aurora borealis is the name given to the northern lights, which are very prevalent in Manitoba. More importantly, Manitoba’s boreal forest is the greatest forest left intact on earth—a unique environmental treasure.

With the Wilderness Committee office across the street from the MTS Center, the news of the impending return of the NHL has been top of mind for days.

“We were having a brainstorming session on Monday, about the Heart of the Boreal, and Manitoba Borealis just slipped out,” said Reder. “We immediately called up a couple hockey fans to see what they thought, and it got a thumps up.”

Many fans are hoping that the team will again be called the Winnipeg Jets, though ownership has indicated they may want to go with a new name that includes the whole province and not just the home city. Besides, while the Jets monicker has a much treasured history, in this day and age of climate change considerations, it is important to realize that jets are a tremendous source of carbon dioxide emissions.

As for the Moose, recent industrial developments in our wild lands have caused a precipitous drop in the moose population, and the moose is no longer an ever-present icon in Manitoba’s forests.

“If our new hockey team goes with the name Manitoba Borealis, they will hit with the fury of the North Wind,” said Reder. “They will freeze your offense with the power of a Manitoba Winter. They skate fast like the flash of the Northern Lights, and you will be overwhelmed by the unfathomable power of the (Aurora) Borealis. Their success will reach mythical proportions!”

-30-

For more information please contact:

Eric Reder, Manitoba Campaign Director for the Wilderness Committee, 204-997-8584