The history of the Montreal Canadiens professional ice hockey club dates back to its founding on December 4, 1909, as a charter member of the National Hockey Association. Created to appeal to Montreal's francophone population, they played their first game on January 5, 1910, and captured their first Stanley Cup in 1916. The Montreal Canadiens were one of the four founding teams of the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1917. The club struggled during the Great Depression, nearly relocating to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1935 and contemplated suspending operations in 1939. Maurice Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season in 1944–45 and sparked the Richard Riot in 1955 when he was suspended for attacking a linesman. The Canadiens won a record five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960, and nine more between 1964 and 1978 under general manager Sam Pollock. Led by goaltender Patrick Roy, they won their 24th Stanley Cup in 1993, the last Canadian team to do so. The Hockey Hall of Fame has inducted over 50 former Canadiens players, as well as 10 executives. The team has retired 14 numbers and has honoured 10 off-ice personnel in its Builder's Row. (more...)

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