HABS FEATURE | Plan Your Hockey Calendar for the 2019-20 NHL Season: Montreal Canadiens Fan Travel Guide
ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — As a sports fan, you can be sure to be found seated somewhere close to a T.V. screen, fixated on it whenever your favourite team is playing. Whether that is in the comfort of your own home enjoying watching the game free of distractions or at your favourite pub down the street with a group of rowdy like-minded fans.
While these are both great options, everyone knows that there is nothing quite like the atmosphere live at the game – tens of thousands of people electrifying the building. In this article, I will outline five special Montreal Canadiens’ games that you may want to see live this upcoming season.
Montreal at Carolina – Thursday October 3, 2019 (season opener)
The off-season feels like an eternity as a sports fan and trades and contract negotiations just don’t provide the fix we all desperately crave. The first chance to satisfy your cravings after a six month Canadiens’ hockey famine is one you won’t want to miss. If you start planning now, you may find yourself in North Carolina on October 3rd and you will certainly want to venture over to the PNC Arena to watch the Habs take on the Hurricanes in their season opener.
Usually there is not any sense of rivalry at all between Montreal and Carolina but the offer sheet the Canadiens’ offered one of Carolina’s best players, Sebastian Aho, may have marginally changed that. Although Aho did end up signing back with the Hurricanes and the offer sheet largely just sped up that process, it did offer some entertainment. Offer sheets are rare in the NHL and Marc Bergevin may not have put forth a huge offer sheet that the Hurricanes could not match, but he did make a gutsy move and offer him a contract.
On top of this, the Hurricanes made a name for themselves last season namely “a bunch of jerks.” Their post-game antics, they referred to as “storm watch” turned many heads. Some were displeased with these celebrations but most were amused and wanting to see what they would come up with next. If these celebrations continue, it will give you something to look forward to if the Canadiens lose.
The best part about this game though is tickets won’t break your bank and you can purchase them for as little as $25 each.
While you are in Carolina, there are tons of attractions to enjoy. As a sports fan, you may be interested in checking out the Carolina Basketball Museum in Chapel Hill. This special museum offers pieces of history as well as many interactive exhibits, offering hours of fun. Perhaps however; you plan on dragging your spouse on this trip and they’re not much of a sports fan. Walton’s Distillery may then be more appealing. Offering a thorough demonstration as to how moonshine is made, you will both learn something. Because of the free samples though, you may want to make sure you take a cab there.
Devils at Montreal – Saturday November 16, 2019
Another game that stands out in the Canadiens’ schedule this upcoming season is on November 16th at 7 pm. at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
There are a number of reasons why this game stands out. Firstly, if you follow hockey, chances are that this year you have heard about Jack Hughes. He was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in this year’s entry draft and for good reason. Watching this game could give you the chance to see if Hughes really lives up to all of the hype.
Also, P.K. Subban is no stranger in Montreal and it would be impossible to write this article and not include him. Subban spent the last three seasons in Nashville after the blockbuster trade with Montreal in 2016, but was dealt again this summer to New Jersey. This will be Subban’s first game back in Montreal as a New Jersey Devil. Many Habs fans still proudly wear their Canadiens’ Subban jersey and this game is the perfect opportunity to bust out yours.
Because the game is in Montreal, before the game, you could head down to the Old Forum and have a drink in one of the most historic buildings in all of sport. There are quite a few opportunities for a photo op in the building, but largely, it is now a place to play some arcade games and enjoy a drink at the bar.
Prior to doing any of these things though, I recommend that you start your day with a bagel from St. Viateur. Be warned though, do not simply go and grab a bagel for breakfast, grab a dozen or two while you are there. Especially if you are travelling from afar! They are delicious and you will highly regret it if you don’t.
Montreal at Pittsburgh – Tuesday, December 10, 2019
If the away games sound more appealing to you, or perhaps you are instead from Pittsburgh, the game on Tuesday, December 10th at 7 pm. in Pittsburgh may appeal to you.
Sidney Crosby is without a doubt one of the best hockey players in the world and has been for almost a decade. He looks impressive on the television, but the magic of seeing Crosby play live is something else entirely. On top of this, their roster consists of the likes of Evgeni Malkin and former Canadien, Alex Galchenyuk. The amount of talent on the Penguins promises the game to be nothing short of spectacular.
While you are in Pittsburgh, there are a number of attractions that may interest you. Perhaps you are a history buff and would love to visit Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Even if you are not a history buff, it could still be cool to wander through.
Perhaps a museum is not your scene and you would rather test your luck at Rivers Casino. The casino was the winner of the best overall gaming resort. With more than 2,800 exciting games to choose from, there are so many options. You may want to set a very clear budget before heading inside so you do not get caught up in the moment. This establishment is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a flexible item on your itinerary.
Vegas at Montreal – Saturday, January 18, 2020
Perhaps Pittsburgh does not interest you as much as taking in a game at the Bell Centre, so another game to consider is on Saturday, January 18th when the Vegas Golden Knights come to Montreal. Max Pacioretty, former Habs captain, plays for the Golden Knights and was a fan favourite in Montreal. This game offers a chance to see him play again, even if it is in a different uniform.
There are also other great players on the Golden Knights, as just a year ago they made the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. Marc-Andre Fleury, Mark Stone and William Karlsson are some of the notable names who would make this game all the more interesting.
The city of Montreal also offers so many fun options to make it a weekend affair. During the day, venturing out to Mont Royal and taking in the breath-taking view is a must. It does not require a long hike to get to the lookout, but rather simply a short walk. Mont Royal overlooks the city and provides and offers a great Instagram- worthy photo-op.
After taking in the scenery, you can venture over to Schwartz’s Deli for lunch and enjoy a smoked meat sandwich that is so good – it melts in your mouth.
The best part of this option is that you can watch Vegas play without having to nurse the hangover wicked hangover that comes with going to Vegas… unless you hit up McLean’s Pub to either celebrate a win or drown your sorrows after the game. This is something I would highly recommend! The manager is a stand-up guy and the staff members are very friendly. Plus, they offer great food and a place to meet fellow Habs fans.
Montreal at Toronto – Saturday April 4, 2020 (season finale)
On Saturday, April 4th the Montreal Canadiens will be finishing the regular season in Toronto against their rivals. The rivalry is one of the best in sports – spanning more than a century. So, taking a trip to the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto is a great option if you are looking to take in an action-packed game.
The 2018-2019 regular season also ended with these two teams going head-to-head. This game was a nail-bitter, going back and forth and ultimately ending in a shootout. Ryan Poehling made his NHL debut that night with the Canadiens and he not only managed to score three goals during regulation, but also the shootout winner. The only rookie to have a better NHL debut was oddly enough Poehling’s opponent Auston Matthews who scored four in his debut in 2016. If this game is even half as exciting as the one last season, it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
To add to the excitement, it could even be the deciding game as to whether or not either team squeaks into the playoffs or perhaps what the match-ups are.
Outside of the arena, the city has a ton of tourist attractions you can check out. As a hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is most likely on your bucket list, making this trip the perfect opportunity to check it off. Even if you have visited it before, there is always something new to do or look at. Pieces of hockey history from more than a century have been pooled together and displayed in one building, making it an experience unlike any other. You can test your hockey trivia; walk through the Montreal Canadiens’ dressing room; take/stop shots against a virtual player; and of course get your picture taken with the Stanley Cup.
The Toronto Card Show also may have an event that weekend. If they do, it is a can’t-miss for any hockey fan. They have been Toronto’s most popular card show since 2006 so you will want to check out their calendar closer to the date.
===
There are so many games to choose from and researching for this article has made me ever more excited for the upcoming season. Regardless what game you choose to attend, it is sure to be memorable.
By Caitlyn Golem, Staff Writer.
All Habs Hockey Magazine
Copyright © 2019 Rocket Sports