Quebec church turns into Montreal Canadiens playoff watch party hub

Inside a Quebec church in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the pews are filling up, but not for mass, for the Montreal Canadiens.

Tuesday night, as the Habs take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of their playoff series, the church south of Montreal is transforming into a hockey haven, where for some, the ritual of playoff hockey rivals religion itself.

“It’s not a secret that hockey is kind of a cultural phenomenon in Quebec,” said Thomas Hodgson, one of two hosts of the playoff watch party. Hodgson is also the sound and musical director of La Cargaison, which is organizing the event.

“Especially during the playoffs, it really does feel like a religion,” said Huguette Hamelin, a Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu resident who heard about the watch party and applauds the idea.

“Religion? Depends who you ask, but it’s deeply rooted in our culture from a very young age,” added Pierre-Marc Denis.

“It’s the perfect word for a great Quebec sport,” said another resident, Dannick Parent.

The Cathedral of Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste hosted Game 1 on Sunday, and Hodgson said the event drew about 400 fans. He expects an even larger crowd Tuesday, with around 600 people anticipated.

Inside, fans watch the game on a giant screen, surrounded by light shows, video projections and surprise entertainment.

Food and drinks are available on site, with doors opening an hour before the game. Tickets are sold online or at the door for $25, while children under five are admitted free.

“What we’re offering here is an immersive version of a hockey match for the series, for the playoffs,” Hodgson said.

The church will mark its 200th anniversary in 2027, and Hodgson said it is being treated with the utmost care during the events, ensuring respect for the space remains front and centre. A council, including retired priests and architects, is overseeing the setup to help preserve the historic building.

Proceeds from ticket sales also go towards restoring the church and supporting organizations that help people experiencing homelessness.

“At the end, we thought we’d have to pick up spilled beers and crushed pizza, but everything was super clean, nothing broken,” said Hodgson. “People who come here know that it’s still in use for sacred reasons.”

After a Game 1 win, fans are hoping for another miracle, proof that faith isn’t just found at the altar, but maybe on the ice.

“They’re good, they’re young, they’re the future. So yes, they’re going to win,” said Parent.

“Tonight, I’ll be watching with some chips and a beer, cheering on the Canadiens,” added another resident.