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In a remarkable display of devotion to hockey, many Quebecers have chosen to prioritise watching the Montreal Canadiens during the Stanley Cup playoffs over seeking medical care. Hospital officials in the Montreal area have noted a significant decline in emergency room visits on game nights, particularly during the Canadiens’ thrilling seven-game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This phenomenon highlights the cultural significance of hockey in Quebec, where the love for the sport may even influence health-seeking behaviour.
A Notable Drop in ER Visits
Zackary Levine, the head of emergency medicine at McGill University Health Centre, has observed that many individuals appear to postpone non-urgent medical issues until after the final whistle of Canadiens’ games. This trend has provided a temporary reprieve for emergency departments, which frequently operate at overcapacity. “People really want to watch the game,” Levine remarked. “Perhaps people don’t mind missing work as much as they mind missing a playoff hockey game.”
This pattern is not unprecedented in Canada. A study published in 2011 revealed that emergency visits in Ontario fell by 17 per cent during the men’s hockey final at the 2010 Winter Olympics. The impact was striking, with approximately 136 fewer patients arriving per hour during the pivotal match between Canada and the United States.
Broader Trends Across Quebec
According to Santé Québec, the provincial body responsible for public health, emergency rooms across the province have also recorded a slight decrease in visits during Canadiens’ games. Spokesperson Catherine Brousseau reported that, on average, around 100 fewer patients sought care between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on game nights compared to non-game nights. This trend is particularly evident in the regions surrounding Montreal.
At the McGill teaching hospitals, the phenomenon is palpable. During the playoff games, both the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital have seen a noticeable reduction in patient wait times. For instance, on May 1, after the Canadiens’ intense Game 6 loss to the Lightning, the Montreal General Hospital’s emergency room registered an occupancy rate of approximately 135 per cent, down from an average of 159 per cent. The Royal Victoria Hospital reported similar figures, with an occupancy rate of nearly 167 per cent compared to its usual 205 per cent.
Post-Game Surge in Demand
However, the calm during the games often gives way to a surge in emergency visits immediately afterward. Ellen Caracas, a spokesperson for the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, noted that emergency rooms typically see a return to normal levels, or even a slight increase in patient numbers, once the games conclude.
This trend extends beyond hospitals as well. Urgences-santé, the ambulance service for Montreal and Laval, has noticed a drop in emergency calls during Canadiens games, which tend to rise again once the final whistle blows. “It becomes more noticeable during the playoffs,” spokesperson Thamara Antoine-Germain remarked, although she acknowledged the lack of formal data to support this observation.
Mixed Responses from Other Hospitals
Not every hospital has reported the same trends, however. The Montreal Children’s Hospital, which focuses on paediatric care, has not identified a consistent relationship between Canadiens games and emergency room activity. Similarly, CHU Sainte-Justine, Quebec’s largest mother-and-child university hospital centre, has not observed a clear correlation between game nights and emergency visits. “There are times when parents watch the game in progress from the waiting room,” said Danika Landry, a spokesperson for the CHU Sainte-Justine.
Conversely, the Montreal Heart Institute, a cardiology hospital affiliated with Université de Montréal, has noted a 20 per cent increase in cardiac-related cases during playoff games. Dr. Audrey-Jane Hall, the ER chief, emphasised the potential health risks associated with the emotional highs and lows of playoff hockey. “Reducing stress where possible and not watching alone if you’re at risk can make a difference,” she advised.
Levine also urged patients with non-urgent health concerns to consider alternative options, such as visiting clinics or contacting Quebec’s 811 health line before heading to emergency departments. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of safe practices during playoff celebrations, advising against driving after partying.
Why it Matters
The interplay between sports fandom and health-seeking behaviour reflects a unique aspect of Quebec culture, where the passion for hockey can overshadow even urgent medical needs. This phenomenon raises important questions about how social behaviours influence public health and emergency services. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for healthcare providers as they navigate the challenges of capacity and patient care during major sporting events. As the Canadiens continue their playoff journey, it remains to be seen how this fervour will impact the healthcare landscape in Quebec.
