In a vibrant display of support for the Montreal Canadiens, the city’s transit agency has introduced a new initiative that allows fans to hear their favourite players announce metro station names during commutes. This move comes a year after controversy arose over the removal of “Go! Canadiens Go!” from bus signs due to concerns surrounding Quebec’s language laws.
A New Sound on the Metro
As commuters traverse the underground network, they will now be greeted by the voices of Canadiens players Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jakub Dobes, and Alexandre Texier. The recordings are played as trains approach the Bonaventure and Lucien-L’Allier stations, bringing a touch of hockey excitement to daily journeys.
“This is Lane Hutson, next station Lucien-L’Allier,” announces Hutson, the talented defenceman, in one of the recorded messages. Texier, who represented France at the Winter Olympics, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It felt incredible to hear my voice in the metro.” He added, “I think people might be excited to take the metro to hear the voices because Montreal is all about hockey.”
A First for the Metro System
The campaign marks a significant first for the Montreal metro, as it features players’ voices in place of the standard announcements. Laurence Houde-Roy, a spokesperson for the transit agency, explained that the initiative aims to infuse the energy of the Stanley Cup playoffs into the daily lives of commuters. “It’s really a way to get in on the playoffs hype,” she stated, highlighting the connection between the team and the city.
The idea was sparked by a social media video featuring Canadiens players delivering brief phrases in French within a metro station context. The positive reception of this video led to the decision to have the players announce the next stops in their own voices.
Community Response and Cultural Significance
Jean-François Dumas, president of Influence Communication, praised the initiative, noting that it resonates deeply with Montrealers’ emotional ties to the Canadiens. He remarked that the campaign underscores the team’s integral role in the city’s cultural identity. “The Habs are woven into everyday life in Montreal,” he asserted, reflecting the profound connection locals feel towards their hockey team.
The four players were selected based on their availability, with the agency aiming for a mix of local representation. Although they hoped for more Québécois players, they managed to include Texier, who is fully fluent in French, adding authenticity to the project. The public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commuters sharing their delight on social media.
Playoff Spirit Extends Beyond the Metro
In addition to the metro announcements, the transit agency is also bringing playoff spirit to city buses. A selection of buses now display “Go Habs Go!” on their digital signs, although this requires manual updates by drivers for each bus. Currently, approximately 38 per cent of buses—705 out of 1,838—have been updated to showcase this rallying cry, with plans to have the remaining buses equipped by the end of April.
The decision to initially remove “Go!” from bus signs had stemmed from a complaint to Quebec’s language watchdog, which had raised concerns about the use of English phrases. Following public backlash, the agency was able to adapt, now embracing both “Go Habs Go!” and its French equivalent, “Allez les Canadiens,” as part of their communication strategy.
Why it Matters
This initiative not only reflects the Montreal Canadiens’ storied place in the hearts of the city’s residents but also showcases the transit agency’s ability to adapt to community sentiment and embrace local culture. By integrating the voices of beloved players into daily commutes, the agency fosters a sense of unity and pride that resonates deeply with Montrealers, particularly during the high-stakes excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs. As the Canadiens seek glory on the ice, their supporters are reminded of their shared passion, making each ride a celebration of local heritage and camaraderie.
