The Montreal Canadiens

"The Montreal Canadiens discusses and debates the relationship between sport and identities in Quebec society. Its essays are fresh and challenging, breaking new ground and pushing us to think more about hockey's significance in this distinct part of Canada." -- Andrew C. Holman, Department of History and Canadian Studies Program, Bridgewater State University

Featuring a wide range of writing on Le Grand Club and its social significance, the book offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on one of Canada’s greatest sports teams.

One of the most famous and certainly most successful professional hockey teams of all time, the Montreal Canadiens are practically a national institution in Quebec society. More than any other team, the Habs play an important role in the identity, economy, and culture of their home town and province.

The essays in The Montreal Canadiens: Rethinking a Legend offer a panoramic view of this influence. What were the connections between the Maurice Richard Riot of 1955 and Quebec’s Quiet Revolution? Can we say that loyalty to the team constitutes a religion for its fans? How is corporatization affecting how Quebecers connect with their beloved team? Featuring a wide range of writing on Le Grand Club and its social significance, the book offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on one of Canada’s greatest sports teams.