The Montreal Canadiens, a cornerstone of the National Hockey League (NHL), boast a history as rich and deep as any team in professional sports. Founded in 1909, they are celebrated as the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team globally. For fans worldwide, and especially those new to hockey, a common question arises: Why are the Canadiens affectionately known as “the Habs”? This nickname, embraced by players and fans alike, carries a historical weight that resonates with the team’s unique identity. Let’s delve into the story behind this enduring moniker.
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The nickname “Habs” is widely believed to be a shortened, colloquial form of “les habitants.” This term, steeped in history, was informally used in the 17th century to refer to the early French settlers of “New France.” At its zenith in 1712, New France was a vast territory, also known as the French North American Empire or Royal New France, stretching from Newfoundland to the Canadian prairies, and from Hudson Bay down to the Gulf of Mexico, encompassing all of the Great Lakes of North America. This historical connection to the early French inhabitants of Canada is a point of pride for the Montreal Canadiens and their fanbase, linking the team to the very roots of French-Canadian culture.
While “Habs” is perhaps the most common nickname, the Canadiens are also known by a collection of other French monikers, each carrying its own nuance and affection. These include Les Canadiens, a straightforward and proud declaration of their Canadian identity; Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, referencing the team’s iconic blue, white, and red colors; La Sainte-Flanelle, a term of endearment referring to the sacred jersey; Le Tricolore, again highlighting the three colors of the jersey; Les Glorieux, celebrating their storied and victorious history; and Le Grand Club, emphasizing their status as a premier and important sporting institution.
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Interestingly, the popularization of the “Habs” nickname might be attributed to a misunderstanding in 1924. Tex Rickard, a pivotal figure in hockey history as the founder of the National Hockey League and owner of Madison Square Garden, is often credited with first using “Habs” in reference to the team. Rickard reportedly told a reporter that the “H” emblazoned on the Canadiens’ jerseys stood for habitants. However, this explanation is not entirely accurate. The iconic C-wrapped-around-H logo, a symbol instantly recognizable to hockey fans, actually represents the team’s official French name: le Club de Hockey Canadien. In this context, the “H” within the logo stands for “hockey,” not “habitants.” Despite this factual discrepancy, Rickard’s assertion likely contributed to the widespread adoption and acceptance of “Habs” as the team’s enduring nickname.
The Montreal Canadiens’ distinctive CHC logo wasn’t always present. In their inaugural 1909-10 season, the jerseys were blue and featured a simple white “C”. For their second season, a more elaborate design was adopted: red jerseys adorned with a green maple leaf, a “C” logo, and paired with green pants. Just prior to settling on their current design, the team sported a striking “barber pole” jersey with red, white, and blue stripes. This jersey featured a white maple leaf logo with “CAC,” signifying Club athlétique Canadien. In a nod to their rich visual history, during their centenary season in 2009-10, Canadiens players wore jerseys showcasing these early logos, offering fans a glimpse into the team’s design evolution.
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Adding to their unique story, the Canadiens hold the distinction of being the only existing hockey team that predates the formation of the NHL itself. Their on-ice success is unparalleled; they have hoisted the Stanley Cup a record-breaking 24 times, far surpassing any other franchise. Their last Stanley Cup victory was in the 1992-93 season, but the legacy of championships cements their place as one of the most successful and storied sports teams in North American history.
While affectionately called the Habs for almost a century, the Canadiens didn’t officially have a mascot until the 2004 NHL season, when they introduced Youppi! This vibrant orange mascot, designed by Bonnie Erickson – a renowned puppet artist known for her work with Jim Henson on the Muppets, including the iconic Miss Piggy – quickly became a fan favorite. Youppi! had previously served as the mascot for the Montreal Expos baseball team for many years, until their relocation to Washington, D.C., in 2004 (becoming the Washington Nationals). This transition made Youppi! the first mascot in professional sports to switch leagues.
The Montreal Canadiens’ inspiring motto, Nos bras meurtris vous tendent le flambeau; à vous toujours de le porter bien haut, translates from French to “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” This powerful phrase is taken from the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, a poignant memorial to Canadian soldiers who perished in the First World War. This motto encapsulates the spirit of passing the torch, of legacy and enduring commitment, deeply resonating with the Canadiens’ long and illustrious history.
In conclusion, the moniker “Habs” for the Montreal Canadiens is a fascinating blend of historical association and perhaps a touch of misinterpretation. Rooted in the French-Canadian heritage through “les habitants,” the nickname has become an integral part of the team’s identity, warmly embraced by generations of fans. While the “H” in their logo represents “hockey,” the enduring nickname “Habs” serves as a constant reminder of the deep historical and cultural connections that make the Montreal Canadiens a truly unique and cherished franchise in the world of sports.
