The vibrant atmosphere of St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, has taken on a unique twist as hockey enthusiasts gather in droves to cheer on the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL playoffs. Clad in the team’s iconic blue, white, and red jerseys, attendees are not just spectators; they are partaking in a communal ritual that blends sports passion with the grandeur of a historic church.
A New Kind of Gathering
Inside the cathedral, the sound of enthusiastic chants fills the air, echoing the fervour typically reserved for religious services. Instead of hymns, fans join together to belt out the familiar “Olé! Olé! Olé!” as they settle into pews transformed into a makeshift viewing area. The watch parties, organised by La Cargaison—a non-profit multimedia organisation—have attracted hundreds of fans eager to share in the excitement of the playoffs. Marjolaine Quintal, the organisation’s director of content and communications, remarked on the phenomenon, saying, “Hockey is almost a religion here, so it works wonderfully.”
The cathedral’s sanctuary, already a venue for concerts and multimedia shows, has embraced the spirit of the game. A massive 35-foot screen broadcasts the match while DJs energise the crowd with music, and colourful lights dance on the cathedral’s historic walls.