Hockey, Montreal

This is hockey 'like in the good old days!' about 5 fights a game and high scores makes these games very popular! Come in early because it's first come, first serve! And when I say popular, i mean popular!! One of the most exiting team is the Laval Chiefs, named after the Chiefs in cult hockey movie : 'Slapshot'

ONE LITTLE WARNING: These guys play a rough game and the crowd can get a bit exited..I wouldn't bring my kids here..

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Montreal is the home of the NHL team, 100 year old this year (2009), the Montreal Canadiens. For years their home was the Montreal Forum but the new Bell Centre has been built and they have moved there. the old Forum now contains retail and exhibit space though you can see momentos of the old Forum there. The Bell Centre is a large modern arena that houses the Canadiens as well as other events such as concerts. It's actually not that easy to get tickets for a Canadiens game. You have to go to their site the day the tickets get released and get into a virtual queue. It sells out pretty quickly. This seems to be because many people buy tickets and season tickets and then resell them on eBay! Much as i hate putting money into the pockets of people that do that, it was the only way i was able to get two tickets. I set my limit to about what i would have paid anyway and though i suspect the auction got bumped up on purpose, i didn't pay more than i intended to.

There did seem to be tickets available on the night of the game, according to the sign outside the Bell Centre so you could take your chances but They could have been the most expensive seats. Anyway....

If you get tickets, it will be a great experience. There was a video and music show before the game to introduce you to the team's history and current players and they make a big deal of the team when they come out on the ice. Montreal fans are passionate about their hockey and are very engaged in the game. It was a real buzz for me! I no longer follow hockey but i used to and Montreal was "my" team so I really enjoyed this experience.

The Bell Centre, where the Montreal Canadiens play, is centrally located and easy to reach while you are in the city. The hockey's always great and the fans are just as passionate about the game as the players.

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Canadiens love winter sports, and in particular... HOCKEY! They are very serious about it! If you're here, and you have the chance, you should try to catch a match. You might run into several games on all of the ice rinks around town, but you can see the Montreal Canadiens play right here at the Bell Centre. Their nickname is "Habs," and their colors are red, white and blue. Go Habs!

Equipment: Layered clothing is always best in Canada. Buy a Montreal Canadiens jersey or T-shirt, and you'll really fit in!

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I have already recommended the Montreal Canadiens hockey as a must see if you are in Montreal during those times. The Habs hockey experience is great because they love their hockey.

As a result the games are often sold out especially for big games. Like in one of my experiences the Habs where playing the Philadelphia Flyers. A very strong and competitive team. The game was sold out and I couldn't get a pair of tickets.

So two hours before the game I head toward the Bell Center and like most sporting events I guess you hear a lot of people yelling, "tickets! tickets! tickets!".

I didn't think they were aggressive but they do want to sell them that is for sure. I bargainned an managed to get a pair of tickets for $80 each. Down from $120. Try to get on the sides of the arena for a good view of the two way action. On the ends hockey arenas now place a safety net.

I have a couple of numbers of scalpers you could probably call if the weather is bad. 978-3949 for Kelly and Franco at 996-2785. I got a couple off of Franco who was there working with a partner. They would always confer with each other when I was negotiating.

They say if you wait until the game is started you will get the best prices but I would only do that if you were going alone. I don't know if you would get a pair at that point and not neccessarily much of a view either. They were scarce and going quickly when I was negotiating a couple of hours in advance.

So you sort of have to take your chances. They will usually tell you all they have available and they carry a map of the arena to show you where they are located so they were helpful that way.

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With 24 Stanley cups won, The Montreal Canadiens is the best hockey team in the world, period (the second best team in any sports after the New-York Yankees who won two more championships). Like many european cities where football (or what we call soccer here) is a religion, here it is hockey.

The Canadiens are hot this year and at the top of the NHL. Season 2006-2007 is still young but for the first time in recent memory, the unique team spirit is back (maybe in part because of Guy Carbonneau has the new head coach).

If you want to live something unique, treat yourself and reserve your tickets or go to La Cage aux sports...

Go habs go !

Equipment: A good tv set or a pair of good tickets or a place in any La Cage aux sports, a restaurant with many screens.

Home of the Montreal Canadiens which is a National Hockey League team. Some of the finnest hockey in the world. Don't miss out on seeing such a great event!!!

Equipment: Don't forget your Canadiens shirt!

You can catch a Montreal Canadians game at the fairly new Centre Molson in downtown. This arena opened in 1996 and reflects the excellence of the most successful franchise in NHL history.