THUNDER BAY – Hockey has its traditions. In Detroit, it is tossing an octopus on the ice. In Thunder Bay it is producing amazing and classy champions. In Montreal, along with a storied history of winning Stanley Cups, it is fans rioting in the streets after a win.
The incredible journey of the Montreal Canadians during this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs continued last night with another victory over the reigning Stanley Cup champs the Pittsburgh Penquins.
The tradition of fans in Montreal taking their celebrations too far continued last night with fans taking to the streets. Sadly some of the individuals decided that smashing windows, rioting and vandalizing were more important than the actual celebration of a great win.
There were 32 people arrested in the riots that started just after midnight changing the celebrations to an ugly scene.
The tradition of Montreal mayhem is one that no city needs, or wants. It can be expected that in the next series, that Montreal police will be braced for even more street scenes.
It’s a shame that the actions of a few misguided people can take over a celebration that should be fun.
James Murray