In an innovative gesture to rekindle the connection between Montreal’s beloved Canadiens and their passionate fanbase, the city’s transit authority has introduced a unique initiative. Following previous backlash over the removal of “Go! Canadiens Go!” from bus displays, the agency has now enlisted four players from the NHL team to announce metro station names in French, creating a delightful experience for commuters as they navigate the city.
A New Way to Ride
Passengers travelling through the heart of Montreal will soon hear familiar voices as they approach key metro stations near the Bell Centre. Defenceman Lane Hutson, alongside teammates Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, and Alexandre Texier, will be featured in recordings announcing stops such as Bonaventure and Lucien-L’Allier.
“This is Lane Hutson, next station Lucien-L’Allier,” can be heard echoing through the transit system, offering fans a thrilling reminder of their team’s presence. Texier, who recently represented France in the Winter Olympics, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “It felt incredible to hear my voice in the metro. I think people might be excited to take the metro to hear the voices because Montreal is all about hockey.”
Revitalising Commuter Experience
Laurence Houde-Roy, a spokesperson for the transit agency, highlighted that this campaign marks a significant first for the metro system. “This is the first time we’ve specifically switched that voice for the next station to this one, featuring our four Canadiens players,” she noted. The initiative is designed to infuse the everyday commute with the energy of the Stanley Cup playoffs, providing riders with a small yet impactful reminder of the excitement surrounding the team.
Jean-François Dumas, president of Influence Communication, praised the campaign for tapping into the emotional ties Montrealers have with the Canadiens. He suggested that the initiative showcases how deeply embedded the team is in the city’s cultural fabric. “It draws on the strong emotional attachment and sense of belonging Montrealers have toward the Canadiens and their roots in the community,” he said.
A Partnership with Purpose
The inspiration for this initiative arose from a successful social media video featuring players in a metro station, delivering short phrases in French. “It generated so much interest that we thought, ‘Why not recreate the voices saying that famous next-stop line?’” Houde-Roy explained.
The selection of players was based on their availability, with a focus on including Québécois representatives. Although scheduling constraints limited the inclusion of more francophone players, the presence of Texier ensures a connection to French-speaking fans.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with commuters expressing their enthusiasm online. “They’re really eager to take part in this recording. We really appreciate that,” Houde-Roy remarked.
Buses Join the Celebration
In addition to the metro announcements, city buses have also joined the playoff fervour by displaying “Go Habs Go!” on their digital signs. While the responsibility for updating each bus falls to the drivers, the agency plans to have all buses displaying the message by April 30. Currently, approximately 38 per cent of the fleet, or 705 out of 1,838 buses, have been updated.
Previously, the transit agency faced criticism for omitting “Go!” from the bus displays after a complaint to Quebec’s language watchdog. The agency later reinstated the phrase following public outcry and clarifications regarding its acceptability in expressing support for sports teams.
Why it Matters
This initiative not only strengthens the bond between the Canadiens and their fans but also serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of sports in Montreal. By incorporating the voices of players into everyday transit, the agency fosters a sense of community and excitement that transcends the usual commuting experience. As the Canadiens continue their playoff journey, the transit agency’s efforts to celebrate local pride and identity reinforce the integral role sports play in the fabric of Montreal life.
