Habs fans’ celebrations register as microearthquakes, says Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf
Posted May 19, 2026 8:24 am.
Last Updated May 19, 2026 2:10 pm.
Montreal Canadiens fans are shaking things up at the Bell Centre, figuratively and literally.
Experts say celebrations during Canadiens goals on Saturday and Monday were so intense they registered seismic activity measuring approximately 0.5 on the Richter scale.
Seismic activity was recorded by a Natural Resources Canada seismograph at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, about 5 kilometres from the Bell Centre, as well as by a sensor in a McGill University basement lab that also picked up spikes following Canadiens goals.
During Game 6 of the series between the Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, researchers recorded spikes in seismic activity following goals by Arber Xhekaj, Ivan Demidov and Jake Evans. More than 21,000 fans packed the Bell Centre for the game, while nearly 20,000 others gathered outside to watch the action.
Tremors recorded at 8:16 p.m. and 8:18 p.m. reached magnitudes of roughly 0.5 on the Richter scale. Experts believe the spikes were linked to fans erupting in celebration after goals.
On Monday night during Game 7, despite the Sabres holding home-ice advantage, the Bell Centre was once again filled with fans cheering on the Canadiens.
Researchers observed additional spikes in seismic activity when Montreal scored at 7:47 p.m. and 8:07 p.m.
Fans causing measurable tremors during major sporting events is not a new phenomenon. In May 2025, an earthquake measuring 1.74 on the Richter scale was reportedly recorded following the decisive goal that secured the English Premier League title for Liverpool FC.
Similar activity has been recorded during large concerts around the world, particularly during Taylor Swift performances. A magnitude 2.3 tremor was detected near Seattle’s Lumen Field during a Taylor Swift concert in July 2023.
