As the Montreal Canadiens embark on their playoff journey, the city is enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of its storied hockey history. Local barber Domenico Perrazino, affectionately known as “Ménick,” recalls the glory days of the Canadiens, having witnessed numerous Stanley Cup victories throughout his lifetime. Yet, he notes that the current wave of excitement feels unprecedented, even with the team only advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
A City’s Heartbeat
Ménick, 85, reflects on the unforgettable moments he has experienced since the late 1950s when Maurice Richard was leading the Canadiens to five consecutive Stanley Cups. He fondly remembers cutting the hair of Guy Lafleur during the 1970s, forging a lasting friendship with the legendary player. “I’ve seen almost all of them, the Stanley Cups,” he remarked from his barbershop on Masson Street, which features a floor designed like a hockey rink. “Right now, it’s so special. We have so many young stars.”
The Canadiens have not tasted championship success since 1993, a drought that has only intensified the fans’ yearning for victory. “It’s been 30 years since we’ve won anything. That didn’t happen before, so now we’re hungrier,” Ménick stated, echoing the sentiments of countless supporters across Montreal.
Thriving Fan Culture
Even as the Canadiens faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 on the road, the energy in Montreal was palpable. The Bell Centre, with a capacity of 21,000, was filled with fervent fans celebrating their team, while downtown streets transformed into vibrant party zones. Crowds gathered outside sports bars, creating a festive atmosphere that spilled into the sidewalks.
The excitement is palpable at the box office as well. Following the first round of the playoffs, season ticket holders were informed of a record renewal rate, hovering just below 100 per cent. The demand for tickets is soaring, with prices for entry to Game 3 nearing £500. As the playoffs progress, businesses throughout Montreal are capitalising on this hockey fervour.
Community Engagement
Local businesses have embraced the Canadiens spirit wholeheartedly. The historic Rialto Theatre hosted free watch parties, while Hydro-Québec altered its logo to shine in the team’s colours during the first-round clash against the Lightning. Restaurants have creatively adapted their menus, with St-Viateur Bagel shaping its iconic bagels to resemble the Canadiens logo, and a local doughnut shop, Bernie Beigne, experiencing a surge in demand for red, white, and blue treats.
Gabriel Ioannoni from Bernie Beigne noted, “We’re selling at least 300 to 500 Habs doughnuts alone on game days.” Meanwhile, the Double’s bar has even rebranded itself as “Dobes’s” in honour of Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes, further showcasing the creativity and camaraderie that the playoffs have inspired.
The Barber’s Take
Ménick, who has spent 67 years running his barbershop and earning the nickname “le barbier des sportifs,” has witnessed the evolution of the Canadiens’ fan culture. “Even before, the passion wasn’t the same, because today it’s more commercialised, the media attention is bigger than it used to be. It’s everywhere,” he remarked.
Although current players no longer frequent his shop, Ménick still feels a deep connection to the team. He sees a promising future with young talents like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky leading the way, all under the guidance of beloved coach Martin St. Louis. “I say we have a team for the next 10 years,” he expressed, pointing to a photograph of himself with the coach hanging in his barbershop.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of the Montreal Canadiens in this year’s playoffs has not only rekindled the passion of long-time fans but has also invigorated the entire city of Montreal. As businesses flourish and communities unite in celebration, the impact of hockey extends beyond the ice. The Canadiens’ journey is a reminder of the profound role sports play in shaping local identity and pride, fostering a sense of belonging that resonates through generations. In a city where hockey is woven into the very fabric of its culture, the Canadiens’ playoff run is more than a quest for victory; it is a collective experience that unites a community in hope and joy.
