Pea-Kay Subban or Pay-Ka Subban? French-language group stirs debate over pronunciation

A Quebeclanguage group is raising a stink over how to pronounce the name of Montreal Canadiens star defenceman P.K. Subban, arguing French broadcasters should say it the French way.

L'Association pourl'usageet lesoutiende lalangue franaise argues French-language broadcasters should use the French pronunciation of his abbreviated first name, "Pay-Ka," rather than the English,"Pea-Kay."

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Robert Auclair, founder of the group, saidthe name should be pronounced in the language of the intended audience.

In a statement obtained by Montreal's La Presse, Auclair saidthe suggestion should be viewedas "constructive" criticism rather than an admonishment.

Auclair points out that, in the past,English broadcastersreferred to former HabJean-Claude Tremblay by the English "Jay-See" rather than the French "Gee-Say."

He said French broadcasters should now dothe same in reference to Subban, the26-year-old Toronto native known for his on-ice play but also his dedicationto charitable work.

In the Habs dressing room, Subban responded to reporters' questions about it, stating, "I heard about this.It sounds kind of sexy, actually. I like it. I'd say, 'C'est trs bienbut my name's P.K. [pronounced Pea-Kay]' But if they want to call me Pay-Kee or Pay-Ka I've heard Pay-Ka before."

Auclairhas not returnedCBC'srequest for comment.