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Opinion

Great moments in Canadian superfandom before the Raptors

Drake and Nav’s basketball boosterism makes you wonder if a few good hype men could have made Canada more fun

Graham Roumieu
Special to The Globe and Mail

This article was published more than 1 year ago. Some information in it may no longer be current.

Comments
Open this photo in gallery


It is long forgotten that without his #1 hype man, Pepper, explorer Alexander Mackenzie probably would have given up on his overland expedition to the Pacific after a couple of miles.

Open this photo in gallery



Lieutenant-Colonel John By’s fanatical love of the sport of shovelling and his favourite team “The Upper Canada Underpaid Labourers” is credited with winning them the Rideau Canal in 1832.

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A mob of noisy, nosey fans followed Laura Secord for the rest of her days, making it impossible for her to attempt any repeat of her 1813 stealth stroll and snitch.

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“The medium is the message.”

"The Global Village."

"I don't know you. Don't touch me."

A young, excitable Polkaroo rushed the stage at a 1972 lecture and gave Marshall McLuhan an unwanted shoulder rub.

Open this photo in gallery

Illustrations by Graham Roumieu

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