In a bid to rekindle the city’s hockey spirit, the Montreal transit agency has enlisted four players from the Canadiens to announce the names of metro stations in French. This initiative comes roughly a year after the agency faced backlash for omitting the famous rallying cry “Go! Canadiens Go!” from bus signage, due to concerns regarding Quebec’s language laws. The new approach aims to infuse daily commutes with the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A Unique Collaboration
The collaboration features players Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, and Alexandre Texier lending their voices to announce the next stops on the metro as trains approach Bonaventure and Lucien-L’Allier stations, situated near the Bell Centre. Passengers can now hear Hutson’s voice stating, “This is Lane Hutson, next station Lucien-L’Allier,” as they travel through downtown Montreal.
Texier, who recently represented France at the Winter Olympics, expressed his delight at participating in this initiative. “It felt incredible to hear my voice in the metro,” he shared with The Canadian Press. “Some friends sent me the announcement, and I think people might be excited to take the metro to hear the voices, because Montreal is all about hockey.”
Bringing Playoff Energy to Commuters
According to Laurence Houde-Roy, a spokesperson for the transit agency, this initiative marks a significant first for the metro system. “This is the first time we have specifically switched the voice for the next station to feature our Canadiens players,” she explained. The project aims to bring the thrill of the Stanley Cup playoffs into the daily lives of commuters, serving as a small yet effective reminder of the team’s importance to the city.
“This is really a way to get in on the playoffs hype,” Houde-Roy added, highlighting how the initiative seeks to engage fans and enhance their commuting experience. Jean-François Dumas, president of the Montreal-based media analysis firm Influence Communication, praised the campaign for its ability to connect deeply with the community’s emotional ties to the Canadiens, reinforcing their role as a cultural cornerstone in Montreal.
A History of Language Sensitivity
The idea for this unique collaboration was inspired by a social media video featuring players in a metro station, delivering short phrases in French. The positive reception of that video led the agency to consider extending the concept to announce station names. Although the agency aimed to include Québécois players, scheduling conflicts meant that only one francophone player, Texier, was involved in the project.
The public response has largely been favourable, with many commuters sharing their excitement both online and in local media. Houde-Roy noted that the players were eager to participate, which has contributed to a warm reception from the public.
In addition to the metro announcements, some city buses have also joined the playoff celebration by displaying “Go Habs Go!” on their digital destination signs. While bus drivers are responsible for adding the message manually, approximately 705 of the 1,838 buses have been updated to show the phrase as of now. The transit agency hopes to have all buses displaying the message by the end of April.
The Language Debate
This initiative comes on the heels of a contentious period for the transit agency regarding language use. Following complaints to Quebec’s language watchdog about the use of “Go!” on buses, the agency had previously removed the phrase. After public outcry, the language watchdog updated its online dictionary, partially legitimising the use of “go” in sports contexts, although “allez” remains the preferred term.
Currently, around 38 per cent of buses have been updated to display “Go Habs Go!” The transit agency’s dedication to incorporating this phrase reflects its recognition of its deep roots in fan culture and the collective identity of Canadiens supporters.
Why it Matters
The integration of Canadiens players into the metro system highlights the deep connection between sports and community identity in Montreal. This initiative not only brings excitement to daily commutes but also serves as a reminder of the city’s rich hockey heritage. By embracing the cultural significance of the Canadiens, the transit agency fosters a sense of belonging among commuters, reinforcing the idea that hockey is not just a sport in Montreal; it is a vital thread woven into the fabric of the city. As the Canadiens embark on their playoff journey, such initiatives will undoubtedly continue to energise the fanbase and enhance the overall experience of Montreal’s vibrant public transit system.
