Any hockey fan will know about the iconic the Montreal Canadiens or Habs, which they are more commonly referred to as. For anyone living under a rock, they are a professional hockey team that are based in Montreal. One of the reasons they are so famous is because of the legacy they carry and the successful reputation they have in the NHL and hockey world. This article is going to take a look into their history, success and other interesting aspects of the team that you should know, especially if you’re a hockey or NHL fan.
Origins of the Montreal Canadiens
The team was founded all the way back in 1909, it was one of the original six teams in the NHL. J. Ambrose O’Brien founded the team with the idea of promoting hocking in Montreal. However, this was more than just an introduction, the team quickly became a success in the league and even won their first Stanley Cup championship in 1916.
Since winning their first Stanley cup, the Montreal Canadiens went on to winning even more. They now have a record number of 24 Stanley Cup championships under their belt. This is the highest number of wins across the NHL. Due to the team’s dominance in the 1950s and 1970s, they now have a reputation as one of the greatest franchises in sports history.
Building a Legacy
The Montreal Canadien’s success is a testament to their strong front office leadership. It’s not just about the team, it’s about what supports them too. Thanks to successful general managers Sam Pollock and coaches such Scotty Bowman, the team has always been great at building solid foundations and making teams successful.
Rivalries and Historic Matchups
Through their time, the Montreal Canadiens have made fierce rivalries with teams, most famously with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. These matchups have made up some of the most memorable moments not only for fans but in the whole league, from bench-clearing brawls to overtime thrillers. The Canadiens’ ability to rise to the occasion in these high-stakes games has only added to their legacy. With a strong fan base behind them, supporting them every step of the way.
Legendary Players and Iconic Moments
With over 100 years of play, the Montreal Canadiens have had some of the greatest players in NHL on the team, names including the iconic Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau and Guy Lafleur. These are just a small number of players who have made a name for themselves with their incredible hockey skills. The team is also known for its unforgettable moments that have gone down in NHL history. For example, Richard’s 50 goals in 50 games and Lafleur’s famous spin-o-rama goal.
Team Merchandise, Movies and Online Gaming
The team’s success has led to a huge fan base and a huge amount of team merchandise ranging from clothing to games, this has become a whole branch of the team in itself, brining revenue to the club. Fans are able to wear the team’s logo proudly, from wearing the teams jersey to sporting a logo hat.
However, the team’s success is not just celebrated in the hockey industry. They have also ventured out into the entertainment world too. The team was even featured in a number of different movies including “The Rocket” and “Goon”. Like many other sport teams across the world, the Habs have also ventured into the world of gaming too. There are a wide range of NHL games where you can play as your favourite team, this is a great way for fans to get involved when the season is out. Additionally, for any casino enthusiasts, there are also many Habs casino themed games where you can play with your favourite players and even slot machines with Habs symbols and bonus features. There are a wide of platforms where you can play the best online casino games available and celebrate your favourite sports team at the same time.
Montreal Canadiens in the Community
It’s important to mention the impact that the Montreal Canadiens have had off the ice too. The team is known for their efforts in helping the community too. Their biggest contribution being with the Canadiens Children’s Foundation. The foundation works to help children in need across Quebec. The team and staff regular contribute to this charity, not only raising money for the good cause but raising awareness too. There are countless fundraisers and events being held to raise money for this worthy cause. This contribution shows that the Montreal Canadiens are much more than a hockey team.
In summary, it’s incredible to see just how far the Montreal Canadiens have come since their beginning. In the last century they have built an impressive legacy that makes them stand out in the NHL and that few teams can match. From their origins in 1909 to their 24 Stanley Cup championships, it’s clear that the Habs the have left an unforgettable in not just the hockey world, but in the sporting industry too. With such a strong line up currently, it will be exciting to witness some of their future achievements too.