Moe Taylor

Business Traveller,

Rank: 20

Pincourt, Canada.

Age: 24-35

Hockey - Montreal Canadiens
(Montreal - Sights & Activities)

Drink BEFORE the Game

It is no secret. Montreal is hockey crazy. Those that probably know this best are the ones cashing all the dime notes (10$ bills) you’ve been paying PER BEER all night long. Security does a pretty thorough check of bags and the like at the gate if you are budget-challenged and are hoping to sneak anything in – so you’ll have to be creative. One thing they don’t advertise is that they stop selling beer after the 2nd period intermission – which can be a good or a bad thing I guess – so be sure to stock up.

One thing is for sure, if you can, make it to a game. The new(er) Bell Centre offers great seating at any price range, and my preference is sitting in the upper bowl in what’s called the Molson Ex (domestic beer brand) Zone. Fans are a lot more raucous and tend to be a lot more involved than the corporate stiffs in the lower bowl. This section offers quick access to multiple beer kiosks as well as a persistent flock of ‘‘Molson Ex’‘ girls who are constantly trying to get the crowd pumped up. Beer, Girls and Hockey = a Montreal guy’s fantasy. Fans live and die with the ups and downs of our team.

The Canadiens are in fact the second-winningest sports franchise in modern sports history – second only to the New York Yankees. Management are in a constant struggle between signing players that please the fans (homegrown French Canadian talent) and players that can make a difference. A winning formula is embedded in this franchise, and it is only a matter of time before they get back to their winning ways.

Kim Anderson

Leisure Traveller,

Rank: 24

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 24-35

Hockey - Montreal Canadiens
(Montreal - Sights & Activities)

Go HABS GO!!!!

Okay…so if you come to Montreal anywhere from October through June (playoff season has to be included cause we expect to make them each and every year!), do yourself a favour, and get yourself tickets to a Montreal Canadiens game. You won’t be disappointed!!! (And if you were every wondering why they are nicknamed the Habs – it comes from the French word Habitants meaning inhabitants…now you know.)

Like most other arenas, most of the lower seats are corporate but don’t be deceived cause there are some pretty rowdy people in those seats :) I mean, Montreal was voted, by the players themselves, as the city with THE BEST FANS!!! What more is there to say??!!

If you are unlucky enough to not get tickets to the live event, don’t fret because there are many pubs and bars around town designated to the event. It might not be the exact same thing but you will feel the same excitement and disappointment as if you were in the arena. You can always count on a lot of passion for the game from the fans and the players alike! Just enjoy the history of one of the original NHL teams and understand where the love of the game comes from as you will be privileged to see a photo montage of past and present players keeping the history of the team alive. Our city loves Maurice “the Rocket” Richard just as much as Alex Kovalev. Montreal fans are proud and are never shy to show it!!!!

Comments

on 9/7/09

Jazz Poulin

Travel Professional,

Rank: 1

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 24-35

Now that Kovy is with Ottawa, that's going to be a good game too!

on 6/7/09

James Poulin

Budget Traveller,

Rank: 14

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 24-35

I'm curious to see them next season, now that they haven't re-signed some of their top players! Toronto vs Montreal is going to be a bit more exciting this year too :)

on 22/6/09

Jazz Poulin

Travel Professional,

Rank: 1

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 24-35

I agree Kim, this city has some hard core fans!

Andrew Jamieson

Leisure Traveller,

Rank: 33

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 15-23

Hockey - Montreal Canadiens
(Montreal - Sights & Activities)

Habs fever!

Every year I make sure I find a way to make at least one game. Many Montrealers consider the Habs their religion. The Bell center is our church and the players are our gods. (until they get traded) Hockey just seems to run through our veins! However, you don’t need to be from Montreal or even a fan of hockey to enjoy this franchise.The excitement that this team brings to Montreal is incredibly contagious.

Walk through the city during hockey season and you’ll know when the puck has dropped. The streets become much less crowded, because everyone on the street has headed to the nearest pub to watch the game!

The Bell center is like most arenas, the only thing that makes it any different from the rest are the fans that sit in its seats. The red seats are mostly executives who wear business suits and couldn’t name three players on ice if their lives depended on it. The true rowdy supporters are located in the Molson nosebleeds.

So if you’re around Montreal during hockey season make sure you look into watching the best hockey team play. Whether it be on t.v. or the real deal its always worth every second!

Comments

on 22/9/09

Jazz Poulin

Travel Professional,

Rank: 1

Montreal, Canada.

Age: 24-35

Gionta baby!