The Origin and Significance of 'Habs' for the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are a legendary professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Despite their deep history and storied past, the team's nickname 'Habs' is often misunderstood. Many believe it has ties to the historical Habsburg dynasty, but this assumption is far from the truth. In reality, 'Habs' shortens a more historical and cultural reference: the French settlers of the early days of Quebec.

The name 'Habs' is actually an abbreviated form of the team's French nickname 'Les Habitants', which is derived from the early farmers and settlers of Quebec Province in Canada. The term 'Habitants' refers to those early residents who lived and worked on the land in this region.

A Historical Context

Back in the early 17th century, when the Habsburg dynasty was ruling over much of central Europe, Quebec was still a wilderness area, with no actual connection to these remote royal entities. However, the nickname 'Habs' serves as a reminder of the early settlers who made their homes in this new land, much like the Habsburgs made their mark on regions far to the west.

The Name 'Les Habitants'

Les Habitants, pronounced 'ah-bee-taunts' (where the second 't' is silent), refers to the early French farmers and settlers of the North American region. The name is a nod to the settlers who established roots in what would later become Quebec Province, and its rich history is reflected in the team's choice of nickname.

The team's sweater often features a 'C' with an 'H' in the middle, reflecting the shortened reference to the French settlers. 'Go Habs Go' is a familiar chant that encapsulates the team's spirit and history, much like similar chants for other NHL teams.

Translating 'Habitants'

In French, 'Habitants' means 'inhabitants' or 'residents', similar to the English usage. The nickname 'Habs' thus encompasses the idea of being the 'home team', the 'team from the area', or the team that has a special connection with Montreal and Quebec.

For many years, especially in its early days, the Montreal Canadiens played intersquad games with no permanent rivals. However, as the team was slowly relocated and adapted to its new environment in Montreal, it found its place among the other teams, including teams in Toronto and other parts of British North America.

Arch Rivals and Use of 'Habs'

Even with the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs being arch rivals, both teams use the term 'Habs' to refer to the Canadiens. This usage shows a level of respect and familiarity shared between teams in the NHL, recognizing the historical importance of the Canadiens in the league's heritage.

In conclusion, the nickname 'Habs' is more than just a catchy term; it’s a nod to the early settlers who made Montreal and Quebec their home. From those early French farmers to the modern era of professional sports, the name 'Habs' has remained a symbol of the team's deep history and connection to the city and province of Quebec.

The Montreal Canadiens, also known as 'Les Habitants' in their original French, continue to honor this rich history, and fans and rivals alike use the term 'Habs' with a spirit of respect and affection for this legendary NHL team.