In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, an unexpected blend of sports and spirituality has emerged as hockey fans gather at St-Jean-l'Évangéliste Cathedral for lively watch parties during the NHL playoffs. What would typically be a place for religious services is transformed into a hub of excitement, where fans don Montreal Canadiens jerseys and chant familiar sporting anthems like "Olé! Olé! Olé!".
Organized by La Cargaison, a nonprofit multimedia organization, these watch parties have drawn significant interest, exceeding the expectations of the organizers. Marjolaine Quintal, the director of content and communications, noted that the communal experience of watching hockey resonates deeply with Quebecois culture. "People in Quebec and Canada gather together around hockey games — it’s almost a religion, so we find it works wonderfully,” she stated.
At these events, which are held within the historic church, attendees can watch games on a 35-foot screen, accompanied by DJs who energize the crowd and dynamic lighting that showcases the church's architecture. The atmosphere is electric, as fans line up around the block for sold-out shows. A humorous element to the event is added by a fan dressed in a red, priestlike garment, known as "St-Flanelle," who leads a mock prayer invoking the memory of Canadiens legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard.
David Ouellet, the man behind the "St-Flanelle" persona, explained that his caricature aims to add levity to the experience, saying, "It’s to make people laugh." Many attendees, like Antoine Dubé, expressed a strong desire to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow fans, admitting they were not regular churchgoers but were eagerly praying for a Canadiens victory.
Isabelle Brulotte, head of the Corporation Monseigneur Forget, which manages the church, highlighted that watching hockey in church settings is not a novel concept. Historically, churches served as community gathering places where residents would gather to listen to hockey games when they lacked access to radios or televisions. To enhance the experience, the church offers Canadiens-themed candles that fans can light as part of their rituals for victory.
Despite the joy and enthusiasm surrounding these events, there has been some criticism. A few individuals have contacted Brulotte to voice concerns over the appropriateness of broadcasting sports within a sacred space. However, she remains steadfast in her belief that these events fulfill the church's mission to engage with the community and attract younger generations. "Just in 2025, 10,000 people walked through the cathedral doors, other than for a religious celebration," she pointed out, noting that some ended up returning for mass afterward.
The Canadiens organization has also acknowledged the unique atmosphere. Star winger Cole Caufield remarked on the intense passion of the fans, noting, "It literally is (a religion). That’s a story that makes it make sense." This sentiment ties into broader discussions about the intersection of sports with cultural and even spiritual dimensions, as expressed by Matt Hoven, a religious education professor. While Hoven claims that sports do not address life's most profound questions like religion does, he recognizes that the emotional investments in sports can evoke religious feelings among fans.
As Quebec's culture continues to celebrate hockey as a vital part of its identity, the melding of spirituality and sports at St-Jean-l'Évangéliste Cathedral exemplifies how community practices can adapt and thrive in modern society, drawing people together in ways that reflect both their long-standing traditions and contemporary interests. The phenomenon raises intriguing questions about the nature of community, belonging, and the shared rituals that unite individuals beyond conventional boundaries.
