question

[Cane Says]

I have a question, as a newcomer to hockey, could someone tell me why Montreal is often referred to as the Habs? I see the 'H' in the symbol, but i am interested in its origins. Thank you.

[cASe SenSiTive]

Well, the "H" doesn't actually stand for "Habs". It stands for "Hockey". The original, full name of the team was Club de Hockey Canadien.

Legend wants it that the "H" on the Canadiens logo stands for "Habs" instead of Club de Hockey Canadien. The fable began in 1924 when US reporter Tex Rickard was falsely informed by someone that the "H" stood for "habitant", a french word that in those days was used to refer the farmers of Quebec.

Rickard was told that the french players on the team came from farms and were therefore, "habitants". At the time, the Canadiens were viewed upon as the french team of Montreal, whereas the Montreal Maroons were the English team.


Yes, I know far too much about this team.

[Cane Says]

Thanks Case Sensitive, i appreciate that. it's interesting how some things stick around even when incorrect.
have a good one.