In a celebration of hockey's rich history in Québec, dignitaries and members of the Canadiens organization gathered to unveil two commemorative plaques on Sunday. These plaques honor significant milestones in the sport's past, right in the heart of Montréal.
The first plaque pays tribute to the first organized hockey game, which took place on March 3, 1875, in Montréal. This historic match featured players from the Victoria Skating Club, led by captains James G.
A. Creighton and Charles E.
Torrance. Team Creighton emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, just a stone's throw from where the Canadiens call home today.
The second plaque celebrates the legendary Maurice "Rocket" Richard, a former captain of the Canadiens who left an indelible mark on the franchise over his 18 seasons. Richard's impressive tally of 544 regular-season goals and 82 playoff goals remains a team record.
Captaining the team from 1956 until his retirement in 1960, Richard's legacy was cemented with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1961. In May 2025, he was also named a historical figure of Québec, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his passing.
Among those present at the ceremony were Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications; Isabelle Charest, Minister responsible for Sport, Recreation, and the Outdoors; France Margaret Bélanger, President of Sports and Entertainment for Groupe CH; Andréanne Moreau, City Councillor; and Christine Black, Borough Mayor and Executive Committee Vice-President. Members of the Richard family also attended the event.
These plaques are now proudly displayed near the main entrance of the Bell Centre, located at 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, serving as a lasting tribute to the storied past of hockey in the province.