In an extraordinary fusion of sport and spirituality, the St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, has become a vibrant hub for hockey enthusiasts this NHL playoff season. Clad in Montreal Canadiens jerseys, hundreds of fans gather in the cathedral’s pews, chanting in unison, “Olé! Olé! Olé!” as they cheer on their team during electrifying watch parties that blend reverence with raucous celebration.
A Unique Gathering Place
As the playoffs progress, the interest in these gatherings has far surpassed expectations. Marjolaine Quintal, director of content and communications for La Cargaison—a nonprofit multimedia organisation hosting these events—notes the cultural significance of hockey in Quebec. “People in Quebec and Canada gather together around hockey games; it’s almost a religion,” she remarked. The cathedral, known for its concerts and light shows, has adapted seamlessly to become a venue for hockey matches, creating a uniquely festive atmosphere.
A massive 35-foot screen displays the game, while upbeat DJs amplify the excitement and colourful lights dance across the historic walls, enhancing the communal experience. On Friday night, a sold-out audience formed a queue that wrapped around the block, eager to take part in the spirited festivities.
A Playful Spirituality
Adding a whimsical element to the proceedings, a fan dressed in a red garment reminiscent of clerical attire invited attendees to kneel for a light-hearted prayer. This figure, known as “St-Flanelle,” invoked the spirit of the late Canadiens legend Maurice “Rocket” Richard, beginning with the words, “Our rocket, who is in heaven, may your talent be shared.” David Ouellet, the man behind the persona, emphasised that his aim is to entertain and bring laughter to the gathering.
While many fans admitted to not being regular churchgoers, the camaraderie and shared hopes for victory drew them in. Antoine Dubé, one such attendee, expressed his desire to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the communal experience that the watch party offered.
Embracing Community Heritage
Isabelle Brulotte, head of the Corporation Monseigneur Forget—the body managing the church—explained that such gatherings are not entirely unprecedented. Historically, churches served as communal gathering spots where people would listen to hockey games, particularly in times when they could not afford televisions or radios.
La Cargaison has collaborated with the church to provide blue, white, and red candles, allowing fans to light them as a symbol of their prayers for the beloved “Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.” While some have raised concerns about the appropriateness of broadcasting sports in a sacred space, Brulotte insists that the events align with the church’s mission to engage with the community and attract younger generations.
“It’s quite significant,” she stated, noting that nearly 10,000 visitors came through the cathedral in 2025 for non-religious events, some of whom returned for Mass.
Endorsement from the Ice
Even players from the Canadiens are recognising the cathedral watch parties. Cole Caufield, a star winger and the first Canadiens player to score 50 goals in a season since 1990, commented, “It literally is (a religion). Just everybody’s so committed and passionate. No matter what kind of lifestyle you live, I think everybody’s on the same page with their hockey team.”
However, not everyone agrees with the comparison between sports and religion. Matt Hoven, a professor of Catholic religious education at St. Joseph’s College, argues that while both foster community, hockey does not address life’s profound questions as religion does. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that the two spheres can overlap, particularly in Quebec, where hockey has been embraced by both Francophone and Anglophone communities alike.
Why it Matters
The blending of sports and spirituality at St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral highlights the deep-rooted cultural significance of hockey in Quebec society. These watch parties transcend mere entertainment, transforming the cathedral into a sanctuary for communal hope and shared passion. As fans unite in their fervour for the Canadiens, they reaffirm the power of sport to bring people together, fostering community bonds that resonate far beyond the ice.
