In a spirited move to rekindle local enthusiasm for the Montreal Canadiens, the city’s transit agency has collaborated with four players from the storied NHL team to announce metro station names in French. The initiative follows public backlash over the removal of the iconic “Go! Canadiens Go!” phrase from city buses, as concerns regarding Quebec’s language laws came to the fore. Now, commuters can enjoy the familiar voices of Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, and Alexandre Texier as they approach key stops near the Bell Centre.
A New Sound for Commuters
Passengers travelling through Montreal’s metro will soon hear Lane Hutson’s voice announcing, “This is Lane Hutson, next station Lucien-L’Allier,” as they navigate the underground system. This new feature aims to infuse everyday commutes with the energy of the Stanley Cup playoffs, providing a unique audio experience that resonates with the city’s deep-rooted hockey culture.
Alexandre Texier, who represented France at the Winter Olympics earlier this year, expressed his excitement about the project, 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.” The transit agency hopes this initiative will evoke a sense of community pride and enthusiasm for the team.
A First for the Metro
This campaign marks a significant first for Montreal’s metro system, which has never before featured player voices in station announcements. Laurence Houde-Roy, a spokesperson for the transit agency, explained that the idea originated from a viral social media video where Canadiens players delivered short phrases in French while at a metro station. The overwhelming public interest prompted the agency to expand on this concept with full station announcements.
“We wanted to create something special that would resonate with fans during the playoffs,” Houde-Roy said. “This is a way to capture the excitement of the Stanley Cup run and bring it into the daily lives of our commuters.”
Positive Public Reception
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commuters sharing their delight on social media. The initiative not only highlights the Canadiens’ role in Montreal’s cultural fabric but also fosters a sense of belonging among fans. Jean-François Dumas, president of Influence Communication, a media analysis firm, noted, “This campaign taps into the emotional connection Montrealers have with the Canadiens, reflecting the team’s significance in the community.”
While the selection of players was influenced by their availability, the agency ensured that at least one player, Alexandre Texier, is fully bilingual. The recordings are intended to remain in use throughout the Canadiens’ playoff journey, further energising the fan base during this critical time.
A Return to Tradition
In addition to the metro announcements, some city buses are being retrofitted with “Go Habs Go!” displayed on their digital screens, a phrase that has become synonymous with the team’s support. Although the process requires manual updates for each bus, the transit agency is working diligently to ensure that this beloved slogan reappears in time for the playoffs. Currently, approximately 38 per cent of the buses have been updated, with plans to complete the rollout by the end of April.
This resurgence comes in the wake of a previous controversy where the transit agency removed “Go!” from the signs due to scrutiny from Quebec’s language watchdog. The outcry led to a reconsideration of the term, which was ultimately deemed acceptable for sports encouragement, although “allez” remains the preferred term in official contexts.
Why it Matters
This initiative underscores the deep connection between Montreal’s identity and its beloved hockey team. By infusing public transit with the voices of Canadiens players, the transit agency not only enhances the commuting experience but also strengthens the communal bonds of a city that proudly celebrates its hockey heritage. As the Canadiens vie for Stanley Cup glory, these creative efforts serve as a reminder of the role sports play in unifying and energising communities.