Bell Centre (French: Centre Bell), formerly known as Molson Centre (French: Centre Molson), is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), replacing the Montreal Forum.
Subsequently, where did the Canadiens play before the Bell Center? After spending seven seasons in the Mount Royal Arena, the Canadiens moved into the Montreal Forum in 1926, sharing it with the rival Montreal Maroons until 1938. After 72 years in the Forum, they moved to the Bell Centre in 1996.
Moreover, where have the Montreal Canadiens played? Since 1996, the Canadiens have played their home games at Bell Centre, originally known as Molson Centre. The team previously played at the Montreal Forum, which housed the team for seven decades and all but their first two Stanley Cup championships.
Furthermore, when did the Habs move to the Bell Centre? The building officially became the Bell Centre on September 1st, 2002 following a transaction between Molson and Bell Canada in February 2002. The Molson Centre officially became the new home of the Montreal Canadiens on March 16, 1996.
Similarly, what happened to the old Montreal Forum? In 1996, the Forum was gutted and many of its parts were auctioned off. After bidding farewell to the Forum, the Canadiens moved into the Molson Centre (then called the Bell Centre). The storied Forum de Montreal has since been converted to a Cineplex movie theatre and entertainment complex.The Molson brothers sold the club and the Canadian Arena Company in 1971 to the Bronfman family from Montreal for $15 million, and the Bronfman family sold the club to the Molson brewery this time, and only seven years later.
Where did the Habs nickname come from?
The nickname “Habs” is short for Les Habitants, which refers to the French settlers and inhabitants of the land along the St. Lawrence Gulf and River in Quebec beginning in the 17th century. The “H” in the logo stands for hockey, not Habitants, a popular misconception.
Why are the Habs called the Habs?
Montreal Canadiens, a National Hockey League team, whose nickname is ‘Habs’, short for ‘Les Habitants’ Habitants, the early farmers of Quebec. Haberdashers’ School for Girls, (formerly Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls) a renowned independent girls’ day school in Elstree, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
Who founded the Montreal Canadiens?
The Montreal Canadiens were founded on 4 December 1909 by John Ambrose O’Brien, who named Jean-Baptise “Jack” Laviolette as the coach and general manager. In one month, Laviolette recruited 15 players for the team, and they played their first game as a member of the Canadian Hockey Association on 4 January 1910.
How old are the Habs?
The Canadiens were established in 1909 as one of the founding teams of the National Hockey Association, the forerunner of the NHL (which was formed in 1917). The Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup championship in the 1915–16 season, triumphing in a thrilling five-game series against the Portland (Ore.)
What was the NHL called before?
The National Hockey League was established in 1917 as the successor to the National Hockey Association (NHA). Founded in 1909, the NHA began play in 1910 with seven teams in Ontario and Quebec, and was one of the first major leagues in professional ice hockey.
Where do NJ Devils play?
Prudential Center primarily serves as the home arena for the New Jersey Devils hockey franchise, who previously played at the Meadowlands Arena from 1982 to 2007, as well as the home court of the NCAA’s Seton Hall Pirates men’s basketball program, who also played in the Meadowlands from 1985 to 2007.
When did the Habs leave the forum?
On March 11, 1996, the Canadiens play their last game inside the Montreal Forum in a match-up against the Dallas Stars.
When was the Montreal Forum built?
Originally constructed in 1924 for the Montreal Maroons hockey team, the Forum was home to the Montréal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996. Its long association with the Canadiens made this former arena an important symbol in the history of sport in Canada.
Which NHL arena has the largest capacity?
Montreal’s Bell Centre is the largest arena in the NHL with a seating capacity of 21,302.
Why does Montreal have Bell on their helmets?
Montreal Canadiens x Bell The season-long sponsorship will see the team feature a Bell logo on both sides of their helmets for home and away games and practices. Bell is a longstanding partner of the Canadiens and has the naming rights for the team’s home arena, the Bell Centre.
