In a remarkable fusion of sports enthusiasm and community spirit, hundreds of Montreal Canadiens supporters convened at St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for a thrilling watch party during the NHL playoffs. Clad in the team’s iconic blue, white, and red jerseys, the congregation transformed the sacred space into a raucous arena, chanting “Olé! Olé! Olé!” as they rallied for their team’s success against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A Unique Gathering Space
La Cargaison, a nonprofit multimedia organisation that has taken up residence in the cathedral, has successfully hosted a series of concerts and events over the past few years. Marjolaine Quintal, the organisation’s director of content and communications, remarked on the extraordinary turnout. “People in Quebec and Canada gather together around hockey games – it’s almost a religion, so we find it works wonderfully,” she stated, highlighting the cultural significance of hockey in the region.
During the watch parties, a massive 35-foot screen displays the game while a DJ energises the crowd amidst dynamic light displays that illuminate the church’s historic walls. This creative approach to sports viewing not only entertains but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among fans, who share the highs and lows of the game together.
A Playful Spiritual Experience
As anticipation built before the sold-out event, a fan dressed in a priestly red garment took centre stage, inviting attendees to kneel for a humorous prayer dedicated to the late Canadiens legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard. The man, known as “St-Flanelle,” is actually David Ouellet, who uses his playful persona to engage fans. “It’s to make people laugh,” Ouellet explained, as he led the crowd in a light-hearted invocation.
Attendees like Antoine Dubé expressed their excitement for the unique atmosphere, revealing that many were not regular churchgoers but were drawn to the community experience. Despite their diverse backgrounds, all participants shared a common goal: to pray for a Canadiens victory.
A Historical Perspective
Isabelle Brulotte, head of the organisation overseeing the cathedral, noted that the tradition of watching hockey in churches is not new. “Churches were the gathering places of their neighbourhoods and cities, so people would often go listen to hockey games in churches because they didn’t necessarily have the money to buy a TV or a radio,” she explained in a recent interview.
While some have questioned the appropriateness of broadcasting sports within a sacred space, Brulotte defended the initiative, stating that it aligns with the church’s mission to serve the community and attract younger generations. “In 2025, 10,000 people walked through the cathedral doors, other than for a religious celebration,” she said, underscoring the positive impact these events have on community engagement.
Endorsement from Canadiens Players
The atmosphere of unity and excitement hasn’t gone unnoticed by players. Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, who recently became the first player in over three decades to score 50 goals in a season, remarked, “It literally is [a religion]. That’s a story that makes it make sense. I mean, just everybody’s so committed and passionate.”
While some experts, like Matt Hoven of St. Joseph’s College, argue that sports cannot replace religion, they acknowledge the shared identity and rituals that both arenas provide. Hoven noted that the intersection of hockey and faith has historical roots in Quebec, where the sport has evolved from being seen as an English pastime to one embraced by Francophone communities.
Why it Matters
The convergence of hockey and spiritual spaces in Quebec highlights the profound role sports play in shaping community identity and belonging. As fans gather in places traditionally reserved for worship, they create a new form of fellowship that transcends conventional boundaries. This trend not only revitalises interest in the church but also reinforces the idea that shared passions can unite diverse groups, creating lasting connections within the community.
