Citation:
Date Presented:
February 9, 2012Abstract:
In the past decades, the immigrant population in Montreal has undergone rapid growth, blurring the historical divide between Anglophone and Francophone populations. What does this demographic transition mean for hockey fan culture in Montreal? Can hockey reshape interracial relations? Will current Canadiens followers be eager to include new, non-Francophone supporters? Should the Montreal Canadiens expect to see a rise in fan attendance with a more ethnically diverse team? I consider these questions in relation to the perspectives of Montreal residents (via field interviews), literature review, and examining possible correlations between trends in demographics in Montreal and fan participation. Principal findings: (1) Most Montreal residents consider themselves Montreal Canadiens fans and find it easier to relate to a stranger over a common team affiliation than common ethnicity. (2) Old and new immigrants do not encounter obstacles when wanting to root for the Canadiens, and very few people, if any, feel the need to find another team that will accept them. (3) In general, Montreal residents are not looking for a more ethnically diverse team. While some Canadiens fans reminisce of the old traditions and nationalistic symbols of the roots of the franchise, there is something to be said for the entire fan base being at a point where they can judge players based on their skill, and not their ethnic origins.