‘Hockey city’: experts say Canadiens fever fuelled by team’s winning history
Experts say the surge reflects the Canadiens’ 117-year history and a fan base that has waited more than 30 years for another Cup.
- As the Montreal Canadiens pursue a second-round Stanley Cup playoff battle against the Buffalo Sabres, 'Habs fever' is intensifying with fans gathering outside the Bell Centre.
- University of Ottawa social sciences professor Nicolas Moreau attributes this enthusiasm to the team's 117-year history as the oldest National Hockey League franchise and its deep roots in Quebec culture.
- Defenceman Noah Dobson said he was 'itching to get back to the Bell Centre,' calling it 'the best atmosphere in the league.' Sabres forward Tage Thompson, a 2026 Winter Olympics gold medalist, agreed it is tough keeping emotions in check.
- Winning against United States teams serves as 'symbolic revenge' against economic dominance, says Moreau, while sports forge a social bond helping Montrealers put economic differences aside temporarily.
- Despite not winning a Stanley Cup in over three decades, fans remain clearly hungry for success, a phenomenon Université de Montréal literature professor Benoît Melancon attributes to a 'feedback loop' where fans live up to their rowdy reputation.
10 Articles
10 Articles
"It's Our National Sport, It's Part of Our Identity": in Quebec, a Spring Where Everything Is Hockey
The good results of the Montreal Canadiens in recent weeks during the playoffs of the National League plunge the metropolis into an almost mystical sports trance.
castanet.net
'Hockey city': experts say Canadiens fever fuelled by team's winning history
Almost everyone appears to agree that the Montreal Canadiens fans are the loudest and rowdiest of any team in the National Hockey League. And the 'Habs fever' is only intensifying as the team pursues a second round battle in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Canadiens players are feeling the love. Defencema...
Why Montreal's playoff energy is like no other
Almost everyone appears to agree that the Montreal Canadiens fans are the loudest and rowdiest of any team in the National Hockey League. And the "Habs fever" is only intensifying as the team pursues a second round battle in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
'Hockey city': experts say Canadiens fever is fuelled by team's winning history
Almost everyone appears to agree that the Montreal Canadiens fans are the loudest and rowdiest of any team in the National Hockey League. And the “Habs fever” is only intensifying as the team pursues a second round battle in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
