Old Photographs of Hockey in Montréal (1950-1961)

In Montréal, hockey is more than a game—it’s part of the city’s identity. At the heart of it all are the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL’s oldest team, founded in 1909. With a record 24 Stanley Cup wins, the Habs are a symbol of pride and tradition.

Legends like Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Guy Lafleur made the team a dynasty, and today, fans pack the Bell Centre with the same passion. Game nights feel like a celebration, with chants, cheers, and a deep love for the red, white, and blue.

Beyond the pros, hockey lives on every frozen pond and outdoor rink. Kids grow up dreaming of playing for the Canadiens, and in winter, the city comes alive with skates, sticks, and shared dreams.

1950 – Photograph of members of the University of Montréal hockey club on the steps of the vestibule leading to the Hall of Honor at City Hall.
1950 – Photograph of the visit of members of the Le Canadien Junior hockey club to the town hall.
1952 – Photograph of Camillien Houde and the Montreal Canadiens hockey club taken between 1952 and 1954.
1955 – Photograph showing hockey referees at the chalet in La Fontaine Park.
1955 – Group photograph of players from the RMC Hochey Bantam team during a playoff series at the Forum.
1957 – Hockey practice at the Montréal Forum.
1957 – Spectators view hockey practice.
1957 – Montreal Canadiens practice at the Forum.
1957 – In far left of photo, we can see a player pass the puck to another player.
1957 – A Montreal Canadien player tries to shoot a goal.
1957 – Two players almost crash into each other at practice.
1957 – Players practice their shooting at the Montréal Forum.
1957 – The goal keeper of the Canadiens, focuses in on the puck.
1957 – Another vantage point of Montreal Canadiens hockey practice.
957 – Jacques Plante, goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens.
1957 – Jacques Plante presents trophies to schoolchildren.
1957 – Jacques Plante signing autographs.
1958 – Photograph of two young hockey players on the outdoor rink at the Maisonneuve Sports Center.
1959 – Photo of player Maurice Richard, on the edge of the Forum ice rink, with two children.
1961 – Photograph showing the kiosk for “National Amateur Hockey Week” on display at the La Fontaine Park chalet.

Find more photos from the Montréal archives on their website.

 

About Dalia Nardolillo 17 Articles
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.