Montreal’s transit agency is engaging fans with a unique initiative that allows NHL players from the Canadiens to announce metro station names. This effort comes after criticism for earlier removing the phrase “Go! Canadiens Go!” from bus signs due to language regulations in Quebec.
Player Announcements in the Metro
Four Canadiens players—Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, and Alexandre Texier—are now the voices heard as commuters approach certain metro stations, including Bonaventure and Lucien-L’Allier. The players’ contributions are aimed at enhancing the daily travel experience for fans and reminding them of the excitement that comes with hockey season.
Feedback and Public Response
The initiative has received positive feedback from the public. Texier expressed his excitement, noting that many of his friends had contacted him upon hearing his voice on the metro. “I think people might be excited to take the metro … to hear the voices, because Montreal is all about hockey,” he stated.
Significance of the Campaign
Laurence Houde-Roy, a spokesperson for the transit agency, highlighted that this is the first time such player-generated announcements are made in the metro. The campaign not only aims to resonate with local fans but also to capture the spirit of the Stanley Cup playoffs during regular commutes.
- Players involved: Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, Alexandre Texier
- Metro stations: Bonaventure, Lucien-L’Allier
- Focus: Enhancing commuter experience while maintaining local hockey culture
Community Connection
Jean-François Dumas, president of a local media analysis firm, remarked that the campaign taps into Montreal’s deep emotional connection with the Canadiens. The players represent a pivotal aspect of the city’s cultural identity, reinforcing how intertwined hockey is with daily life in Montreal.
Expansion to City Buses
The transit agency has also updated about 38 percent of city buses to display “Go Habs Go!” on their digital signs, aiming for full adoption by April 30. While the transition has been manual, the response from fans has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
The special metro announcements will continue throughout the Canadiens’ playoff journey, contributing to the city’s vibrant hockey culture. This initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to adapting services that match the heightened interest in Canadiens games, particularly around the Bell Centre.
