Have you heard that there's a university course in Montreal that compares following the Canadiens to a religion?
http://www.physorg.com/news153144968.html
That reminds me of the thousands of people filing past Maurice Richard's coffin, which was pretty much a state funeral.
Without a DOUBT it's tantamount to a religion in MANY cities in Canada. Montreal is home to one of the original 6....
They also have won the friggin Stanley Cup..........TWENTY FOUR.............times! The most any team has ever won in this game.
While Professor Bauer may look at the possibility of hockey and religion - other Universities in Canada offer courses on the sport as well. Here in BC it's offered at Simon Fraser Univ. (Hockey in Canadian Popular Culture). http://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/GenEdSocSci60.pdf
The way I see it, it's not a religion so much as an integral part of the culture.
GUYLAFLEUR!
I think it's interesting, and I would also be interested in a comparison of the experience of being a Canadien fan to something like a Brooklyn Dodgers or Yankee fan.
I know it's oranges and apples, but I think there would be similarities. But can you imagine the Canadiens leaving Montreal, as the Dodgers left Brooklyn?
You left out the Packers, my friend!
Looking for peace, and finally getting it...... 
I always say that sports is my religion. It was a religious holiday last year, as I could not work during the Stanley Cup. As well, I have Red Wings icons everywhere.
You left out the Packers, my friend!
So I did... I just happen to be more familiar with hockey and baseball, but football season's approaching.
Actually I think the Argos beat Hamilton last night in the CFL.
