After an exhilarating hockey game, fans of the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their team’s victory over the Buffalo Sabres late Monday night into Tuesday morning. The atmosphere in downtown Montreal was electric, marked with honking horns, fireworks, and smoke bombs. Fortunately, police reported no major incidents amidst the festivities.
Celebration in Montreal
At around midnight, Sainte-Catherine Street bore witness to overturned trash bins and strewn flags. This scene followed the “viewing party” that took place at the Centre Bell, where fans gathered for the seventh and final match against the Sabres.
Police Presence
Officers on horseback, bicycles, and foot patrols were deployed throughout the area, including riot control units. According to Manuel Couture, a spokesperson for the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), most attendees left the premises peacefully, avoiding large-scale disturbances. However, around 11:40 PM, a small group threw bottles and trash at officers, prompting the use of irritant gases.
- Time of Celebration: Late Monday to early Tuesday
- Location: Downtown Montreal
- Key Events: Fireworks, smoke bombs, and honking horns
- Police Response: Presence of various police units with no major incidents reported
Fan Engagement at Centre Bell
Before the match, fans eagerly lined up outside the Centre Bell, with $12 tickets selling out quickly. By 7:25 PM, attendees were in place as they awaited the game screening. The crowd united in singing the Canadian national anthem, while jeers echoed during the American anthem.
Cheers erupted when the Canadiens scored their first two goals, while disappointment filled the air with the Sabres’ equalizer at 2-2. The final minutes of regulation and overtime saw fans on the edge of their seats, cheering for every close play and save.
Emotional Moments
Joyful shouts filled the arena after the Canadiens clinched their victory, with fans celebrating together. Don Thompson, a longtime fan, expressed his delight through tears, having traveled from New Jersey to attend the match. “I have been a Canadiens fan since 1971,” he shared in fluent French.
Many supporters greeted each other with hugs and high-fives as they exited the Centre Bell, exuberantly chanting, “We won! We won!”
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The game drew families, with children like 4-year-old Benjamin confidently cheering for the Canadiens, excitedly proclaiming his favorite player to be Youppi!, the team’s mascot. Many parents also took the opportunity to purchase merchandise, including stuffed toys, for their kids.
The Canadiens are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference finals starting Thursday.
