Canadiens Curiosities: 10 Surprising Facts About the Montreal Canadien (2024)

By Arslan Saleem August 30, 2024 06:11

Photo by Espn.com

The Montreal Canadiens are not just a team; they are an institution.Formed in 1909, the franchise is still the longest-running professional ice hockey team on earth. The Canadiens are a storied franchise with enough history and stories to last several lifetimes, as evidenced by their winning 24 Stanley Cups. Here, we highlight oddball facts which capture part of what makes the Montreal Canadiens so unique in hockey.

1. The Birth of the Canadiens

Founded in 1909, the Montreal Canadiens are an original NHL franchise and were one of four teams to join when that league formed itself Aug. It was made to attract the people of Montreal francophone, and it first had all French-speaking players. This cultural importance separated the Canadiens from every other team, bonding them with their home-town followers.

2. The Legend of Howie Morenz

One of the first super-stars for the Canadiens, Howie Morenz, was dubbed fan favorite “Stratford Streak.” Morenz joined the team in 1923, and his speed, on top of his advanced skill level when he was handling the puck, made fans at Montreal Forum migrants along with those from other teams. He captured three Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player, leading Montreal to a trio of Stanley Cup titles.

3. The Rocket's Legacy

Stalwart of Canadiens Legends is forward Maurice "Rocket" Richard. Richard was the first person in NHL history to score 50 goals in 50 games, a record that lives on. While that passion and fiery attitude made him a favorite, it also contributed to the riot named after him, during which 16 shots were fired in 1955. The #Habs fans revolt rewrote NHL history on November 11, 2017. The on-ice altercation led to his suspension and Montreal rioting in protest over losing their identity piece, becoming an urban legend about Le Habitants.

4. Historical Rivalries: The Habs

Whether you like it or not, the Canadiens have one of their biggest rivalries with Boston. This rivalry dates back to the 1920s; over time, it has become a great confrontation in athletic competitions. The two teams have faced off over 900 times and met in several memorable playoff series. Geographical proximity certainly contributes to the rivalry but contrasts in team culture also contribute to the battle between two must-watch teams.

5. Stanley Cup Record

Montreal's 24 Stanley Cup victories are the most by any team in NHL history. This was especially clear during the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Led by coach Toe Blake and star players Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur, the Canadiens won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960. A legacy of winning that has indeed made them the greatest team to ever take the ice in NHL history.

6. The Forum is a Hockey Cathedral

The Canadiens played at The Montreal Forum from 1926 to 1996, and the venue is often called the "Cathedral of Hockey." This was where the team enjoyed many of their greatest victories. Fans were loud, and the Forum had its traditional electric atmosphere. And when the team moved to the Bell Centre in 1996, Gallagher said aspects of what was borne at the Forum continued in terms of affecting Canadiens culture and identity.

7. The Innovators of Hockey

The Canadiens were pioneers of the game, progressively innovating it. In the 1950s, they were the first team to consistently use a Zamboni ice-resurfacer. The Canadiens also spent much time popularizing the slap shot among NHL teams, although Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion first used it.

8. The Language of Hockey

The Canadiens have long been hailed for their impact on the growth of French-Canadian talent, which only makes sense as they are a deeply Francophone team in Quebec. Many of the greatest Canadian players in history, including Jean Béliveau and Patrick Roy, are Francophones. The Canadiens symbolize French pride and commitment to staying bilingual, and fans live across a language-divided country.

9. The 1972 Summit Series

This wasn't just one of the most crucial moments in hockey history; it was a moment for which Canadiens players made essential contributions. Canadiens such as Ken Dryden and Frank Mahovlich played crucial roles in helping Canada win the monumental series. The series highlighted the skill of the Montreal Canadiens and united all Canadians under a sense of nationalism.

10. American Influence

The Habs won nine Stanley Cups when there were still only twelve teams competing forthe Stanley Cup. They have countless players worldwide, and it has motivated all those to play hockey as a career. The Canadiens' brand looms large, stretching worldwide, and easily capable of drawing fans from all corners. The international spectrum of hockey has helped promote it as a global sport.

The Montreal Canadiens are THE Hockey team; more significantly, they have become a part of sports history. From their inception to an on-ice dominance that has been without equal in hockey history, the Canadiens have always set standards of achievement for others to follow.

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