Police cars burned, stores looted in Montreal hockey riot
At least 16 people were detained after riotous celebrations swept through downtown Montreal beginning late Monday, leaving a trail of burned police cars and vandalized shops.
Thousands rushed to the streets for initially peaceful celebrations following the Montreal Canadiens' seventh-game win over the Boston Bruins, which advances Montreal to the next round of the NHL playoffs.
The jubilation degenerated into mayhem around midnight, however, as hockey fans spilled onto the streets.
"Unfortunately, at a certain point some people gathered on Ste. Catherine Street. A couple fights broke out and police cars were also attacked at that point."
A few hundred people, some intoxicated, marched down the downtown avenue, throwing rocks and bottles at police and torching vehicles, the CBC's Steve Rukavina reported from Montreal.
16 police cars damaged
Despite increased police presence deployed to the streets before Monday night's game, rioters burnt or smashed 16 police cars and at least five other vehicles.
At least five businesses were ransacked as well, although Gingras said the damage was limited.
"One minute we were all hanging out and celebrating and then all hell broke out," said Jean-François Hotte, who watched as a Foot Locker store was ransacked by looters. A liquor store was also hit.
"It didn't take five minutes before everyone was up on Ste. Catherine Street. It went really fast."
City police, backed up by riot squad officers, used pepper spray and batons to quell the crowd, which dispersed around 2 a.m. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Gingras said it was not immediately clear if the rioters were just rowdy fans or others who "used the occasion to do their mischief." At least 16 people were detained, including one minor, Gingras said. Possible charges include break-and-enter, mischief against a police vehicle, assault against a police officer and numerous municipal bylaw violations.
A similar riot after a Stanley Cup victory in 1993 caused major damage.
Gingras said that while the investigation is continuing, large numbers of police will be present before, during and after upcoming hockey matches at the Canadiens' home arena, the Bell Centre.
With files from the Canadian Press
Astro Jet said
Apr 22, 2008
That display afterwards was a disgrace. 5 police cars torched and totally destroyed. Those that were charged will probably end up getting off with a warning or a suspended sentence. As for all the insurance claims from the stores that got looted, well we are all going to end up paying for that through our premiums. Disgusting!
sixtywagon said
Apr 22, 2008
I find it odd that they do things like that....Here in Calgary, we don't have riots or major fights, even if the Flames lose...Everyone here Celebrates the Great season they had.
But I guess it only takes a couple idiots to get something like that started(win or lose)
OH YEAH....GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!
427carl said
Apr 22, 2008
nothing to do with French,my friend ! sports fans all over the world do stupid things...
LeeRoy said
Apr 22, 2008
I'll second that. Anyone remember what happened in Vancouver when the Canucks lost game 7 of the 94 final? Ps. The game was played in New York!
sixtywagon said
Apr 22, 2008
Most cities regard their hockey teams as heros, whether they win or lose and don't go crazy because they win??? Theres partying and then theres stupidity. I would hate to see what would've happened had they lost.
The Flames, and Calgary in general, have a great bunch of people here, and they take a loss on the chin and wait for next year. Even in '04, we had a great run, and the fans celebrated wildly(a lot of bare chested ladies) But there was no violence like in Montreal (or Van. for that matter) With sayings like "Flames in Six, Show your T#ts" and "Shirts off for Kiprisoff" how can you get mad???? LOL
sixtywagon said
Apr 22, 2008
What the Hell was that??? After playing the way they did in game 6 to this??? Oh Well....
Excuse me now, I have to go Riot in the streets....LOL
They were totally outplayed.
PS I'm not going to riot....
Police cars burned, stores looted in Montreal hockey riot
At least 16 people were detained after riotous celebrations swept through downtown Montreal beginning late Monday, leaving a trail of burned police cars and vandalized shops.
Thousands rushed to the streets for initially peaceful celebrations following the Montreal Canadiens' seventh-game win over the Boston Bruins, which advances Montreal to the next round of the NHL playoffs.
The jubilation degenerated into mayhem around midnight, however, as hockey fans spilled onto the streets.
"It started pretty well," police spokesman Const. Laurent Gingras told CBC News Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, at a certain point some people gathered on Ste. Catherine Street. A couple fights broke out and police cars were also attacked at that point."
A few hundred people, some intoxicated, marched down the downtown avenue, throwing rocks and bottles at police and torching vehicles, the CBC's Steve Rukavina reported from Montreal.
16 police cars damaged
Despite increased police presence deployed to the streets before Monday night's game, rioters burnt or smashed 16 police cars and at least five other vehicles.
At least five businesses were ransacked as well, although Gingras said the damage was limited.
"One minute we were all hanging out and celebrating and then all hell broke out," said Jean-François Hotte, who watched as a Foot Locker store was ransacked by looters. A liquor store was also hit.
"It didn't take five minutes before everyone was up on Ste. Catherine Street. It went really fast."
City police, backed up by riot squad officers, used pepper spray and batons to quell the crowd, which dispersed around 2 a.m. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Gingras said it was not immediately clear if the rioters were just rowdy fans or others who "used the occasion to do their mischief." At least 16 people were detained, including one minor, Gingras said. Possible charges include break-and-enter, mischief against a police vehicle, assault against a police officer and numerous municipal bylaw violations.
A similar riot after a Stanley Cup victory in 1993 caused major damage.
Gingras said that while the investigation is continuing, large numbers of police will be present before, during and after upcoming hockey matches at the Canadiens' home arena, the Bell Centre.
With files from the Canadian Press