Rally on the rooftop to bring NHL team to the Hammer - Jackson Square, noon today

It's more important than ever for residents to show their support at today's “Bring the NHL to Hamilton” rally at Jackson Square, say local politicians.

A large crowd is need to show the NHL board of governors the city deserves a franchise, says Ward 8 (west Mountain) councillor Terry Whitehead, chair of the city’s NHL subcommittee.

“Before (the court’s decision) the rally was a feel-good exercise,” he said. “But now it is more important than ever to show community support for an NHL team. We are now in the third period.”

The rally is scheduled to run from noon until 1:30 p.m. on the Jackson Square rooftop with Copps Coliseum — the home of an NHL team, should the city land one — as the backdrop. Steve Smith, better known as Red Green, will be the master of ceremonies, and the rally will include music by Hamilton’s John Ellison and the GMO Band performing the Make It Seven theme song. Bill Walker, spokesman for Jim Balsillie, is scheduled to speak.

Officials are asking residents to bring a non-perishable item of food for the food bank. City transit will be free between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for riders who show the HSR driver a non-perishable food item.