Consider, though, the real power of sport. The one thing it has always been able to do is bridge the gap between cultures. It's why the Boston Red Sox held their season opener in Japan and why the NFL continues to invest in Europe. When tens of thousands of fans—of all races, creeds, colours and genders—converge in a ballpark or stadium or arena, they are sharing their mutual appreciation for the team not the country.
That's why the concept of a Red Sox Nation and Leafs Nation exists. Whether you like the concept or not, fans of those two teams consider themselves a member of that nation. Within those parameters, there is no exclusion and no hatred. Toronto fans value their Leafs jersey, it's the membership in the club. They are elated when, outside of the city, they stumble upon another kindred spirit wearing the blue and white.
As barriers fall and empires crumble, continuing with this somewhat outdated tradition only hinders the natural evolution of the game and excludes those lured to the West to play it, no matter what the game may be.
Jacques Plante and Maurice Richard may not agree, but then they played hockey at a time when the Russians were the enemy, not line mates and when the captain was a French-Canadian, not a Finn.
As it is, at this moment in time, Habs fans wouldn't have it any other way.
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