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Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and other NHL stars unanimously name iconic arena as best venue to play hockey
The National Hockey League has boasted some of the more iconic venues in sports history, many of which no longer exist but are still held in high regard in the memories of generations of fans.
As the passage of time dictates, newer venues have been constructed to replace those legendary buildings where so many historical moments took place and iconic players called home. But even so, there remain special places to lace up one's skates in the NHL today.
According to star players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid among others, one particular venue stands out above the rest – the Bell Centre in Montreal, home of the Canadiens.
"I'll say the Bell Centre," McDavid said. "The fans in Montreal are really passionate, I love when they get on me and boo me. They make it really fun to play there."
For youngster Connor Bedard, his first NHL game in Montreal was one he'll never forget.
"I loved playing in Montreal, we got to play their home opener last year which was awesome, it was a great experience," Bedard said. "Everyone there is so invested in the Canadiens, so it's fun."
The history of the Montreal Canadiens, who have won the Stanley Cup on more occasions (24) than any other NHL team, is on full display throughout the venue with multiple banners commemorating team legends and their retired jersey numbers, the multiple championships and division/conference titles, and more throughout the concourses.
Bell Centre replaced the legendary Montreal Forum as home of the Canadiens
The Bell Centre opened in March of 1996 to replace the Montreal Forum, which had served as the home of the Canadiens for 70 years.
With a seating capacity of just under 22,000 for hockey, it is the second-highest capacity hockey venue in the world behind only the newly-constructed SKA Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Habs have yet to win the Stanley Cup since moving to the venue, whose construction began shortly after their most recent championship won over the Los Angeles Kings in 1993.
Meanwhile, McDavid had the chance to play in a historic venue for one season as an Oiler; Rexall Place, formerly known as the Northlands Coliseum, which was home of the legendary Oilers dynasty that won five championships and boasted players like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri and many others.
The Edmonton Oilers now play at Rogers Place, and like the Canadiens at Bell Centre, have yet to win a title in their current home.
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