Quebec honours 150th anniversary of first indoor hockey game played in Montreal
Posted March 3, 2025 1:50 pm.
Last Updated March 4, 2025 10:02 am.
According to the Quebec government, March 3 marks the 150th anniversary of the first official hockey game played indoors – in Montreal.
It was on March 3, 1875 that the game was played at the Victoria Skating Rink – which was located in a building that is currently a parking garage behind the Centre Sheraton Hotel in downtown Montreal.
According to the CAQ, this game was considered the starting point for the sport and led to the modern ice hockey game we play today.
To mark the day, Mathieu Lacombe, Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, responsible for Youth and for the Outaouais region, announced that the 1875 game will now be known as a historic event under the Cultural Heritage Act.
“The game of March 3, 1875, marks the emergence of ice hockey as we know it today, as well as the beginning of a sporting heritage that is deeply rooted in our Quebec culture and traditions,” said Lacombe. “With the recent legislation to make ice hockey our national sport, I am proud to contribute to the recognition of the significant place this sport occupies in our history and identity.”
To celebrate the event, a a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the presence of the Minister responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors, Isabelle Charest.
The press conference on Monday took place at the Centre Sheraton Hotel, near where the Victoria Skating Rink was located – not far from the Bell Centre where the Montreal Canadiens play and the PWHL Victoire played on Saturday night.
“Montreal is a hockey city,” said Charest. “It is impossible to dissociate this sport, now practiced in many countries, from the city where it was born and raised. From neighbourhood rinks to the professional sports scene, hockey has evolved in extraordinary ways and continues to arouse passions. Since March 1875, Quebec has become the epicentre of hockey. This is a source of real pride for all Quebecers.”
Today’s announcement follows the recent bill to recognize ice hockey as Quebec’s national sport.
“We are very proud to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the anniversary of the very first organized hockey game, played right here in Montreal on March 3, 1875,” said Christian Labbé, chairman of the Board of Directors of Hockey Quebec. “This historic event marked the beginning of a national passion that continues to vibrate in the hearts of Quebecers. Hockey is much more than a sport for us: it is a symbol of our identity, our passion, our national sport. On this memorable day, Hockey Quebec wishes to recognize and pay tribute to all those who have contributed to the development of our national game and is committed to inspiring future generations to continue this great tradition.”
