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Habs: The French Secret Behind Canadiens' Name
7 May
Summary
- The nickname 'Habs' originates from 'Les Habitants,' French settlers in 17th-century Quebec.
- The name 'Habitants' was first linked to the team in a 1914 news article.
- The 'H' in the Canadiens' logo stands for 'Club de Hockey Canadien,' not the nickname.
The Montreal Canadiens often go by the moniker 'Habs,' a nickname that carries significant historical weight. This endearing term originates from 'Les Habitants,' a historical reference to French settlers in 17th-century Quebec. The team's association with the name 'Habitants' was first documented in a news article from 1914.
While the 'Habs' nickname is widely recognized, a common misconception surrounds the 'H' in the Canadiens' official logo. This prominent letter actually signifies their formal designation as 'Club de Hockey Canadien,' rather than being a direct nod to the 'Habs' nickname. The team's home uniforms also display the French version of the NHL logo, LNH, underscoring their deep connection to heritage.
