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2009: The Year of the Habs

Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League

Jul 16, 12:57 PM | Hype this story!

Next year is a very special year for the Montreal Canadiens. In December, 2009, they will become the first professional hockey team to celebrate 100 years of existence. The NHL is intent on helping the Habs celebrate that milestone.

It was announced yesterday that the 2009 NHL Entry Draft will take place at the Bell Centre on June 26th and 27th, the first time the draft will be held in the city in 17 years.

The Draft was first held in a hotel ballroom in Montreal in 1963. The city continued to host the Draft until 1985, with the event being opened to the public in 1980. Since the mid-1980’s, the Draft has been held in a number of cities around North America, returning to Montreal only three times, the last being in 1992.

The franchise will also hold a number of special events throughout the season, and Centennial products will be on sale for fans. One of those events will be the 2009 NHL All-Star Game.

With all eyes focused on Montreal this year, Habs fans have a feeling that it is the year that the Stanley Cup will return after its longest absence in franchise history. The team did much better than expected last season and a year’s experience – along with a few roster additions – could make them Cup contenders in 2009. At least that’s the plan.