The National Hockey League (NHL) playoff frenzy is in full swing. In the region, the majority of citizens support blue, white and red.
Photo Montreal Canadiens Facebook
The performances of the Montreal Canadiens bring many smiles. The supporters started to believe. The year 2021 could be the year when a 25th banner will be hoisted to the ceiling of the Bell Center.
While many fans turn up outside the Bell Center to watch the matches, others choose sports establishments. This is the case for Willy’s Pub in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the Station des Sports in L’Île-Perrot.
At the Station des Sports, Sophie explains that on game nights, the atmosphere is electrifying. “The customers are happy, she says. It’s the best of all possible worlds. The restaurants are open, the weather is nice and the team is winning.”
In Quebec, some are supporters of other NHL teams. However, at the Station des Sports, Sophie specifies that the clientele is loyal to the tricolor. “Here it’s the Montreal Canadiens. When the team scores a goal, it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
For 20 years, Willy’s Pub in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield has been recognized as one of the best places to watch a game of hockey. 2021 is no exception to the rule. “It’s playoff fever, confirms Patrick Lamothe, owner of the licensed establishment. It’s good for the morale. The customers are happy and it’s nice to get together to watch a game.”
If the fever of the playoffs brings joy, one fact remains particular. Due to the lack of manpower, it is best to book in order to attend a match of the glorious ones. “I suggest people call. This way they will have a spot. Currently, it is not easy to find staff.”
Licensed establishments with sporting events experience the hustle and bustle of the playoffs, and the same goes for some merchants. This is the case for the company Lavoie La Source du Sport. The employee that was contacted said that the Montreal Canadiens jerseys have all been sold. “We got robbed, the woman said jokingly. We have placed a new order because the demand is so high.”
Asked which player is popular among enthusiasts, the employee is adamant. The new sensation of Sainte-Flanelle, Cole Caufield is on everyone’s lips. “We do the lettering on site. Most people want Caufield’s name on their shirts.”
Similar situation at Sports Collect 2010. The owner of the place, Daniel Émond confirms having received several requests for cards of Cole Caufield. “There aren’t any yet, says Daniel Émond. But, if there were, I would have sold several. Last year people wanted Nick Suzuki’s cards and before that it was Jesperi Kotkaniemi.”
Carey Price
Surprisingly, the value of Carey Price’s cards has jumped. “In fact, in two years, the value of Carey Price’s cards has doubled, confirms Mr. Emond. You have to understand that he is the goaltender with the most wins in the history of the Montreal Canadiens.”
Finally, to stay on the subject of hockey cards, Daniel Émond specifies that the first Cole Caufield cards are expected in stores around November. “Barring a major surprise, Upper Deck has announced that rookie players arriving after February 2021 will only have cards in November. But, there can be surprises.”
