This is my pencil drawing, inspired by the proud history of the Montreal Canadiens, "Les Habitants", and their strong fanbase. Â I tried to capture the feeling of being a Habs fan on game day as fans walk toward both The Montreal Forum (left) and the Bell Centre (right). Â
Ghosted in the sky above the two arenas are seven of the many legendary players that have captured the hearts of Habs' fans since their inaugural season in 1909. Â From left to right: Jacques Plante (inventor of the first Goalie Mask), Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Jean Beliveau, Henri "The Pocket-Rocket" Richard (winner of 11 Stanley Cups - more than any other player in NHL history!), Ken Dryden, Guy Lafleur and Patrick Roy. Â
Fan jersey numbers pay tribute to these players as well as many more of the greatest to ever don a Habs jersey. Â
Note that the fan wearing Serge Savard's number 18 is paying tribute to Savard's "Spin-o-rama" (yes, Serge Savard did it first, not Denis; a popular misconception).
One fan's jacket also pays tribute to Montreal's league leading 24 Stanley Cups; truly a proud, rich history! Â
In the left foreground stands a statue of Howie Morenz, also known as the "Stratford Streak" and "Mitchell Meteor", the Canadien's first superstar. Â
A young fan paying homage to Doug Harvey, one of the greatest defensemen to ever play the game, brings his Youppi! doll to help him cheer.