Montreal police deployed riot officers and used a chemical irritant Monday night after a small group of Canadiens fans clashed with authorities following the team’s overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7.
Fans had gathered around the Bell Centre to celebrate the win, with most dispersing peacefully as the night wore on. However, a handful of people engaged in what police described as an “altercation” with officers near Peel Street and Ste-Catherine Street, according to Montreal police spokesperson Manuel Couture.
Officers charged the group and released the irritant to disperse them, while a police vehicle broadcast warnings over loudspeakers urging people to leave the area. As of midnight, the operation remained active, though no arrests had been reported.
Witnesses on social media shared videos showing officers moving through the crowd and deploying the substance. One observer noted that most fans had already cleared out by the time the main action occurred, with the primary issues involving knocked-over signs and minor disorder.
The incident followed a pattern seen in past playoff celebrations in Montreal, where large crowds gather downtown after key wins. Police had prepared for potential unrest by positioning additional units in the area around the arena.
Couture confirmed that the majority of supporters left without incident, emphasizing that only a small number caused problems by throwing objects such as trash bins and bottles. “A small group had what he described as an ‘altercation’ with officers,” the police statement noted.
Video footage captured riot police advancing on foot while some fans scattered. The chemical irritant appeared to be a standard crowd-control measure used in similar situations, though its exact type was not immediately specified by authorities.
Local residents and business owners in the downtown core reported hearing the dispersal announcements and seeing officers in formation. One account mentioned that anti-social behavior was limited mostly to the toppling of street signs rather than widespread damage.
The Canadiens’ victory capped a dramatic series against the Sabres, drawing thousands of supporters into the streets for the traditional post-game festivities. Officials had anticipated large crowds and increased patrols accordingly.
By late evening, the situation had largely calmed, with police continuing to monitor the area to prevent any further disturbances. No injuries were reported among either fans or officers at the time of the latest updates.
City officials said they would review the evening’s events in the coming days to assess whether additional measures might be needed for future games. The focus remained on ensuring public safety while allowing fans to celebrate their team’s success.
Similar scenes have played out in Montreal during previous playoff runs, where celebrations sometimes spill into minor clashes with police. Authorities stressed that the response was targeted and proportionate to the actions of the small disruptive group.
Fans who remained in the area after the main dispersal appeared to comply with the warnings, moving away from the intersection as officers stood by. The police operation wrapped up without further escalation, according to reports from the scene.