Canadiens Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

Head Coach: Claude Julien

Team Mascot: Youppi!

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 21273

City / State: Montreal / Quebec

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Canadiens vs Bruins

Rival Team: Boston Bruins

The Canadiens-Bruins rivalry is one of the best in not only the NHL but all of sports. These two Original Six franchises have been battling each other since 1926 and have squared off more than any other NHL teams. Boston and Montreal have met in seven Stanley Cup Finals with the Habs winning the most recent one in 1978 four games to two. Don’t miss it when the Bruins come to town as you’ll be in for a treat as everyone in the arena brings their A game when Boston visits.

Canadiens vs Maple Leafs

Rival Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

The rivalry between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs extends beyond the ice and is a reflection of the rivalry between Montreal and Toronto. The two teams are the most decorated in the NHL having won 24 and 13 Stanley Cups respectively. They have also met in the Stanley Cup Finals five times over the years with their most recent clash taking place in 1967. There is always a lot at stake when these two get together, so make sure to be in attendance for the hotly contested Canadiens-Maple Leafs games.

Canadiens vs Senators

Rival Team: Ottawa Senators

The Canadiens and Senators rivalry dates back to the original Ottawa Senators franchise that existed from 1917 to 1934. The rivalry was dormant for several decades, however, in 1992 the Sens were reborn and so was the fierce rivalry between these two. The Habs and reincarnated Sens squared off in their first postseason series in 2013, which was won by the underdog Sens four games to one. A couple of years later, the Habs got their revenge beating the Sens four games to two in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. These two always put on a show when they meet, so don’t miss your chance to see a Habs-Sens game.

Canadiens Stadium Guide

In Game

Montreal is home to the most decorated team in the NHL, as well as some of the most passionate fans the league has to offer, which results in a trip to the Bell Centre being on the bucket list of hockey fans everywhere. Before even entering the Bell Centre you’ll be greeted with the history and aura surrounding the team, thanks to the statues at Centennial Plaza. The statues pay tribute to some of the greatest players to lace them up for the Habs including Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau.

Once inside the Bell Centre, there is, even more, Habs history on display. The many banners hanging from the arena’s rafters honor all the best players and teams in franchise history. You’ll also see nods to these same greats all throughout the concourse as well.

The passion and pride Habs fans have in their team will also make a trip to Montreal an unforgettable experience. The city lives and dies with this team and when inside the arena you’ll be treated to one of the best crowds in the NHL. If the Habs win, you’ll even get the opportunity to take part in their famous “Ole” chant, which is worth the price of admission all by itself.

You’ll feel right on top of the action no matter where you’re sitting at the Bell Centre. The upper deck is very steep but puts you as close to the ice as possible making for an excellent viewing experience. The one downside to the arena, though, is that some of the further seats have an obstructed view of the scoreboard.

You can’t go wrong attending a Habs game, which will provide you with an unforgettable experience that every hockey fan should experience at least once.

Things to check out

Retired Numbers and Championship Banners

The Canadiens are one of the most decorated teams in pro sports having won a record 24 Stanley Cups over the course of their history. The team has also had many legendary players come through their doors including Maurice Richard, Jacques Plante, Doug Harvey, and many more, so take in the team’s numerous championship and retired number banners during your visit to the Bell Centre.

Centennial Plaza

Stop by Centennial Plaza to see statues honoring Habs all-time greats including Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur, and Howie Morenz. No trip to the Bell Centre is complete without snapping a pic with these statues.

Ring of Honor

If the banners hanging from the rafters weren’t enough of a shrine to Montreal’s players, coaches, and executives in franchise history then the Ring of Honor certainly fits the bill. The Ring of Honor does an excellent job of showcasing all the Hockey Hall of Famers in Canadiens history, so take a minute to take it all in.

Bell Centre Tour

Those of you getting into town ahead of time will want to take a tour of the Bell Centre to get the full Canadiens experience. The tour gives you unparalleled access to the facility and even lets you see the Habs dressing room in person.

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La Cage-Brasserie Sportive

La Cage-Brasserie Sportive offers an incredible sports bar experience inside the Bell Centre. The restaurant features two stories and is an excellent place to grab something to eat or drink before the game.

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Tricolor Sports

If you want to pick up some Canadiens gear during your trip to Montreal then the Habs pro shop is one of the best places to do so. Here you’ll find a great selection of Canadiens gear including jerseys, hats, and much more.

Montreal Expos

Hanging from the rafters along with Habs banners is one honoring Montreal’s former professional baseball team the Expos. The banner shows off the franchise’s retired numbers including Hall of Famers Gary Carter and Andre Dawson, the only player to win the National League MVP on a last place team.

End of Period Siren

The Habs are one of only two teams with an end of period siren instead of a horn. The siren at the Bell Centre harkens back to hockey’s earlier days, so listen for the difference when attending a Habs game.

Ice Torch

Before every home playoff game at the Bell Centre, a local youth hockey player comes out with a torch and promptly places the torch at center ice. The ceremony is quite the sight to behold giving the impression the ice is engulfed in flames. Everyone works themselves into a frenzy during this incredible tradition, so don’t miss it if you’re attending a playoff game in Montreal.

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Youppi!

Youppi! was the mascot of the Montreal Expos from 1979 to 2004 when the team moved to Washington, D.C. Following the Expos move Youppi! found a new home with the Canadiens and has been entertaining fans at the Bell Center ever since. Youppi! is one of the most famous and beloved mascots in hockey, so keep your eye out for him during your next trip to the Bell Centre.

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Fight Songs

  1. MTL Stand Up

    THIS VERSION IS FOR THE FANS (YEA)
    YOU DON’T WANNA STEP INTO OUR BUILDING,
    HABS FANS, STAND UP.

    Montreal stand up, let ’em hear us,
    It’s 25 for 67 now can you feel it,
    Come on Habs fans stand up all together,
    Yell MTL for life, les Canadiens forever

    Annie Slayd’s got a change in the rally theme in the same rhyme,
    Take back the game and cup at the same time,
    It’s like, it’s us against the world right now,
    But were Habs, we never let the torch die down,

    A unified city has spoken,
    ‘Cause we don’t wanna see another young man broken,
    This is a movement,
    And you don’t gotta chance to stop it,

    SO I BUST MY PACIORETTY SHIRT AND ROCK IT

    If that’s a hockey play, then hockey must change,
    Wanna be proud of our sport, not ashamed,
    It ain’t about attempt, it ain’t about blame,
    Were doin’ this for Max, were doin’ it for the game,

    Tryin’ to open some eyes,
    But you can’t break the spirit and Canadiens pride,
    I know one way to keep this feelin’ alive,
    How about 67 for 25…

    Chorus:
    Montreal stand up, let em’ hear us,
    It’s 25 for 67 now can you feel it,
    Come on Habs fans stand up all together,
    Yell MTL for life, les Canadiens forever

    ‘Betcha didn’t know that blood was thicker than ice,
    This team is a family, we stand together in a fight,
    The ones who riot, you know they ain’t the real fans,
    It’s the twenty-one thousand in the stands,

    The ones who give the 10 minute ovations,
    Can’t appreciate it unless you’ve felt the vibrations,
    Were the home team you don’t wanna be facin’,
    The one’s who’ve celebrated more than any in the nation,

    It’s easy to hate on the ones who speak up,
    It’s easy to hate the one with all the cups,
    Boston and Philly love to slander us,
    But they don’t got half as many fans as us,

    Pickin’ on PK, they got a hate on him,
    Maybe because they know they can’t skate with him,
    T-Dot, it’s like they’re afraid of him,
    I wouldn’t take the whole team in a trade for him,

    No more nice guy, Annie Slayd,
    Best fans in the game, (screw?) what they say,
    I know one way to keep our spirits high,
    How about 76 for 25…

    Chorus:
    Montreal stand up, let em’ hear us,
    It’s 25 for 67 now can you feel it,
    Come on Habs fans stand up all together,
    Yell MTL for life, les Canadiens forever
    Greatest fans in the world, are you ready,
    Why not win it all for Max Pacioretty,
    Come on Habs fans stand up all together,
    Yell MTL for life, les Canadiens forever

    THIS ONE’S FOR THE GREATEST FANS IN HOCKEY,
    JUST WANTED TO REMIND THE HATERS,
    ’77, ’78, ’79, ’02, ’04, ’08,
    THOSE NUMBERS MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU BOSTON?

    YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR HEAD,
    CUZ WE ALWAYS WILL BE,
    MTL STAND UP!

    Habs for life, MTL forever,
    Montreal for life, Canadiens forever! (x2)

  2. Le But

    Canadiens goal song

    Icitte au Qubec y fait pas froid, y fait frette
    C’est de même parce que c’est de même pis c’est ben correct
    On a de la place en masse
    Et nos face-à-face on les fait sur la glace
    Alors, on lace nos patins pis nos casques
    Et comme Maurice, on glisse dans l’arène avec la haine de la défaite
    Et le feu dans les yeux
    En fait, Quand on veut, on peut…
    Gagner !

    En des temps si lointains qu’les franco s’appelaient Canadiens
    À une époque où les Puck étaient faites de crottin
    On a réuni des hommes dont le destin commun est comme un film sans fin
    En Technicolor, et tricolore :
    Bleu comme le St-Laurent
    Blanc comme l’hiver
    Rouge comme le sang qui nous coule à travers
    Le corps de l’équipe c’est le coeur de la nation
    Et chaque année, faut clore avec une célébration

    Ils l’diront jamais tel quel aux nouvelles
    Mais le tissu social de Montréal
    C’est de la Sainte-Flanelle
    Quand y est question de hockey
    Nous on fait pas dans la dentelle, OK?
    C’est plus qu’un sport :
    c’t’ une métaphore de notre sort
    C’est ça qui nous ressemble
    C’est ça qui nous rassemble
    Anglo, franco peu importe ta couleur de peau
    Si tu détestes Toronto le sang qui bouge dans tes artères
    Est aussi rouge, mon frère, que les chandails de nos

    Vingt coeurs de vainqueurs qui luttent avec honneur
    Les Canadiens pour une fois rallient tous les Québécois
    Vingt coeurs de vainqueurs pour le pire et le meilleur
    Les Canadiens de Montréal : notre équipe nationale

    Un plan de match qu’on respecte à la lettre
    Un gardien alerte
    Des bonnes mises en échec
    Des passes drettes sur la palette
    Pis des lancers précis et secs
    C’est comme ça qu’on va gagner nos épaulettes !

    Mais quand ça va mal, quand on cale ou on dévire
    Que j’voie pas un sale quitter le pont du navire
    C’pas à matin -non!- qu’on accroche nos patins
    Un Flying Frenchman, franchement!, ça franchit sans flancher

    Allez-y les Habitants, quand vous la mettez dedans
    Y a un petit peu de nous autres la d’dans
    On est debout avec vous on ira jusqu’au bout
    Durantant la saison c’est toute la nation qui vibre au même diapason

    Comme quand le gens criaient “Guy Guy Guy”
    C’tait en dépit du combat constant de la vie
    ça leur donnait des forces
    Ils pouvaient bomber le torse
    Voil l’amorce d’un ralliement réussi

    On peut Gagner ! On veut plus que participer nous on veut
    Gagner ! soir on fonce sur la patinoire pour
    Gagner ! Si on se défonce pour la victoire, on va
    Gagner ! On va gagner !

    Enfin on fait les séries, fini les folies
    Là c’est baston et rififi
    Boston, Philadelphie
    Avec les fantômes du forum
    On n’a pas peur de personne
    Chaque homme donne le maximum
    Pour que cette année soit la bonne

    Au printemps la fièvre est universelle
    Pis y’a juste une place où la glace il faut pas qu’elle dégèle
    Ici le sang c’est de la sève qui monte jusqu’ nos lèvres
    Le cri se change en un chant de ralliement qui s’élève
    ( … Allez Montréal … )

    Nos chevaliers sont en cavale pour ramener le Graal Montréal
    Le tournoi est un chemin de croix parsemé d’émoi
    Mais la coupe on y croit,
    Comme autrefois, on a la foi
    Pis si c’est pas c’t’année,
    ben comme dirait René ” la prochaine fois ”
    Québécois ! On va
    Gagner ! On veut plus que participer nous on veut
    Gagner ! À soir on fonce sur la patinoire pour
    Gagner ! Si on se défonce pour la victoire, on va
    Gagner ! On va gagner !

    Allez Montréal!

    Du sang neuf depuis 1909 avec
    Jack Laviolette, Lach
    Pitre et Pit Lépine en passant par
    Newsy Lalonde et Joe Malone
    Aurèle et Morenz
    Hains’, Plante, Gump et le Concombre,
    Pocket Rocket, Boum Boum, Cournoyer, Coco, Carbo, Casseau, Naslund
    (Oublie pas les anglos, yo )
    Toe, Dickie, Doug et Scotty
    Shutt, Larry, Ken et Bobby
    L’arrêt de Roy , rebond, Butch Bouchard à Savard,
    vers Béliveau qui esquive un joueur
    Passe à Lafleur, Lafleur accélère remet au Rocket Richard,
    deux hommes sur le dos, rien de trop gros
    ET LE BUUUUUT!

    On a GAGNÉ, on a gagné!
    Allez Montréal!
    On peut gagner!
    On peut gagner!
    On va gagner!

    Allez Montréal!
    On veut gagner!
    On peut gagner!
    On va gagner!

  3. Ole, Ole, Ole!

    The Canadiens “Ole” chant is one of the most famous in NHL and gets louder as the Canadiens approach a victory, You can’t help but join in on this cheer if you’re a fan attending a game at the Bell Centre.

    Ole, Ole, Ole!

    Ole, Ole, Ole!

    Ole, Ole, Ole!

  4. Go Habs Go!

    Go Habs Go!

    Go Habs Go!

    Go Habs Go!

Canadiens Bars & Restaurants

  1. Taverne1909

    1909 Taverne Moderne

    Unbelievable atmosphere to go with your love for Sports as they have the largest screen in the country with 46 feet, and 65 HD televisions!

    1280 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 1B3, Canada

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$$

  2. Brouepub – Dieu du Ciel!

    Brouepub Dieu du Ciel Beer

    Fresh-tasting beer that's sure to keep you coming back for more.

    29 Avenue Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N3, Canada

    514-490-9555

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Restaurant Decca 77

    Restaurant Decca

    Swanky destination for fine French dining, with 3 wine cellars & a brasserie for more casual fare.

    1077 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3B 4X4, Canada

    514-934-1077

    Bar website

    european - $$$

  4. Reuben’s

    Reubens Steak

    Cheesecake, steaks & smoked meat sandwiches are the stars at this casual eatery with marquee lights.

    1116 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3B, Canada

    514-866-1029

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $

  5. Madisons New York Bar & Grill

    Madisons New York Bar Grill Lunch

    Spacious establishment offering gourmet steakhouse dishes & cocktails in a contemporary interior.

    1065 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3B 4X4, Canada

    514-937-4004

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  6. Grinder

    Grinder Steak

    Raw & cooked meats & seafood for sharing, plus boutique wines, in urban digs with a canopied patio.

    1708 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1M3, Canada

    514-439-1130

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  7. Boustan

    Boustan Lunch

    Boustan offers you premium fast-food and a variety of delicious and healthy meals at reasonable prices where the friendly staff always welcomes you with a smile.

    2020 Rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B8, Canada

    514-843-3576

    Bar website

    asian - $

  8. Rotisserie St Hubert

    Rotisserie St Hubert BBQ

    Facing the Place des Arts in the heart of downtown Montreal, the Complexe Desjardins St-Hubert is the ideal place to meet before or after a show, a work day or a festival.

    100 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X, Canada

    514-284-3440

    Bar website

    european - $

  9. Hurley’s Irish Pub

    Hurleys Irish Pub Beer

    Long-running, low-key neighborhood Irish bar & grill with a pub-grub menu.

    1225 Rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B1, Canada

    514-861-4111

    Bar website

    european - $$

  10. Brutopia

    Brutopia Beer

    Large, 3-level microbrewery known for homegrown seasonal brews, with live music, patios & eats.

    1219 Rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B1, Canada

    514-393-9277

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill

    Ye Olde Orchard Pub Grill Seafood

    Ye Olde Orchard Pub and Grill is a friendly celtic pub that caters to customer’s looking for a cozy and warm atmosphere.

    1189 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 1Z2, Canada

    514-874-1569

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. La Distillerie No.1

    La Distillerie No1 Cocktails

    Discover what it is to drink like a pro.

    300 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2X 1H6, Canada

    514-448-2461

    Bar website

    european - $

  13. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Place Ville Marie

    The Keg Steakhouse Bar Place Ville Marie Bar

    Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.

    5 Place Ville Marie, Montreal, QC H3B 2G2, Canada

    514-868-1999

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  14. Deville Dinerbar

    Deville Dinerbar

    Burgers, meatloaf & rotisserie chicken are reimagined in this whimsical eatery with marble tables.

    1425 Rue Stanley, Montréal, QC H3A 1P4, Canada

    514-281-6556

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  15. Trattoria Trestevere

    Trattoria Trestevere Spaghetti Pasta

    Old-fashioned, long-running Italian eatery offering classic dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

    1237 Rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G 2B1, Canada

    514-866-3226

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  16. Burger Bar Crescent

    Burger Bar Crescent Burger Jack Daniels

    Collegial hangout doling out adventurous, stacked burgers & comfort fare, plus pitchers & cocktails.

    1465 Rue Crescent, Montréal, QC H3G, Canada

    514-903-5575

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Garage Beirut

    Garage Beirut Dessert

    Cozy venue with traditional Lebanese charcoal-grilled meats, plus tea, dips, pastries & a patio.

    1238 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4, Canada

    514-564-2040

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  18. McKibbin’s Irish Pub

    McKibbins Irish Pub Beer Fries

    Cozy, woodsy pub (part of a local chain) for Celtic comfort food, live music, pitchers & TV sports.

    1426 Rue Bishop, Montréal, QC H3G 2E6, Canada

    514-288-1580

    Bar website

    european - $

  19. La Cage

    La Cage Fries Salad

    La Cage - Brasserie sportive is the only restaurant chain in Quebec where the atmosphere and sport are always at the rendezvous.

    150 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y2, Canada

    438-387-3030

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$

  20. Peel Pub

    Peel Pub Beer

    Large university bar with lots of TVs, known for cheap pitchers of beer on game nights & pub eats.

    1196 Rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3B 2T6, Canada

    514-844-7296

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. Bar Champs

    Bar Champs Beer Tailgates Sports Bar and Grill Rhody Joes

    3-storey bar with daily deals on pub grub & games from around the world playing on walls of TVs.

    3956 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y3, Canada

    514-987-6444

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  22. McLean’s Pub

    McLeans Pub Beer

    Storied English sports pub for draft beer tables, grub & billiards, with a patio on historic square.

    1210 Rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3B 2T6, Canada

    514-392-7770

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$

  23. Nextdoor Pub & Grill

    Nextdoor Pub Grill Bread Salad

    Can easily be your second home!

    5175 Rue Sherbrooke, Montréal, QC H4A 1T4, Canada

    514-481-1596

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  24. The Bier Markt

    The Bier Markt Beer

    Bier is an art unto itself, but when it’s expertly matched with food it can transform a meal and open up a whole new world of flavours.

    1221 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, QC H3G 1T1, Canada

    514-864-7575

    Bar website

    european - $$

  25. N Sur Mackay

    N Sur Mackay Bar

    A 1920s speakeasy cocktail lounge in downtown Montreal.

    1244 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4, Canada

    514-938-1244

    Bar website

    european - $$