“This is spectacular,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, wearing a “Make It Seven” hockey shirt. “It’s a clear indication that hockey in Hamilton is viable. This is great encouragement for (RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie) and a message to the NHL that its time to get down and have some discussions.”

Mr. Eisenberger said the mayors of Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Kitchener pledged their support for a seventh team in Hamilton. The noon-time gathering of over 3,500 people beside Copps Coliseum comes on the heels of Mr. Balsillie extending his deadline to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes to Sept. 15 from June 29.

In documents filed in an Arizona bankruptcy court June 18, Mr. Balsillie indicated he wants mediation meetings to occur with the NHL over the possible move of the Coyotes, including a relocation fee, which could add up to $100 million.

Mr. Balsillie wasn’t at the rally, but Bill Walker, his spokesperson, confirmed the billionaire would be interested in offering a relocation fee to purchase the Coyotes.

“He is willing to pay a reasonable relocation fee,” said Mr. Walker. “Nothing is stopping us. We had a bit of a speed bump this week. But that was a fast track version of getting a team. Now we are in a slightly longer process that will take a few months.”

Mr. Walker read a letter by Mr. Balsillie to the crowd, who chanted “Thank you Jim” while his statement was read.

Mr. Balsillie thanked Hamiltonians for their passion and enthusiasm for proving that the city is the most underserviced hockey market in Canada.

He pointed out the last time the city had an NHL hockey team was the Hamilton Tigers, who led the league with a 19-10-1 record.

“Eighty-four years later, it’s time Hamilton got its team back,” said Mr. Balsillie.

“It’s unbelievable when you see over 5,000 people take the time out there on a sunny Friday to cheer, yell and scream,” said Mr. Walker.

The rally was coordinated by city officials, Make It Seven supporters, including Labatt, Home Hardware, First Credit Union, and was started by Mountain resident Michelle Febers, who originally proposed the idea, was ecstatic with the turnout.

“Nothing is ever out of reach,” she said. “We’ve tried before, but we will not be denied. Hamilton will be heard.”

Mountain councillor Tom Jackson, who along with most of the city’s politicians appeared on stage, pointed out when the city of Glendale held its rally in support of the Coyotes, only about 200 people appeared in front of a super market.

“Hamilton is more of a hockey town,” he said. “(The NHL) is anti-Hamilton, anti-Balsillie, and anti-Canadian. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Throughout the hour-and-a-half gathering, people, some wearing Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys, others had Hamilton Bulldogs T-shirts, while still others wore Montreal Canadiens shirts, cheered and waved signs in support of an NHL team for the city. One sign said “Hamilton Makes Sense”, while another stated “Bring Hockey Back to its Roots.” Some Bulldog supporters, who believe the AHL team is being ignored, carried signs that stated “Support the Bulldogs”, and “Hamilton does have pro hockey.”