First NHL Franchise Founded (1917)

Older than the NHL itself.

The Montreal Canadiens were founded on December 4, 1909, by industrialist Ambrose O'Brien as a charter member of the National Hockey Association (NHA), the forerunner to the National Hockey League. They are the oldest continuously operating professional ice hockey team in the world and the only existing NHL club to predate the league's founding.

Quick Facts

Founded: December 4, 1909
Founder: Ambrose O'Brien
Original league: National Hockey Association (NHA)

Founding

The NHA was founded on December 2, 1909, and Les Canadiens were created two days later, initially financed by O'Brien with the intention of transferring ownership to francophone sportsmen in Montreal as soon as possible.

More in Stanley Cups & Records

Stanley Cup Prince of Wales Trophy Norris Division Title Clarence S. Campbell Bowl Conn Smythe Trophy Calder Memorial Trophy Hart Memorial Trophy Frank J. Selke Trophy Jack Adams Award Vezina Trophy Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Elsewhere in Montreal Canadiens

Bell Centre · Stadium & Culture Maurice Richard · Club History Toe Blake · Legendary Players Doug Harvey · Legendary Players 2007 Stanley Cup Final · Iconic Matches 2018 Stanley Cup Final · Iconic Matches

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