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The sound of the faceoff
On hockey game nights in Laval, Place Bell lights up and the stands fill with red and blue scarves; the fans’ chants rise even before the puck drops. Time stands still and the tension builds to the rhythm of the skates pounding the teams’ entrance tunnel. People come for the thrill of a sport that’s experienced just as much in the stands as on the ice. For some, it’s their first hockey game; for others, a regular outing—but in every case, everyone leaves with the feeling of having been part of a shared moment.
The Laval Rocket
Every year, the Canadiens’ farm team draws crowds eager to see the next big names in hockey emerge. The atmosphere at Place Bell is electric. The experience goes beyond just the game. There are family zones with activities for the little ones, concession stands where poutine competes with nachos, and a store that makes jersey fans’ eyes light up. The Rocket offers the promise of witnessing the debut of a player who, a few months later, might just score a goal at the Bell Centre.
Montreal Victory
Women’s sports are coming into their own, and Laval is becoming a stronghold for this movement. The Montreal Victoire of the Women’s Professional Hockey League is attracting a new generation of fans. Their style of play is fast, precise, and uncompromising. In the stands, there’s a different kind of energy—a closeness to the players, who sign autographs, take the time to chat, and inspire young people who already see themselves on the ice. Following the Victoire isn’t just about cheering on a team; it’s about being part of the evolution of a sport that’s opening its doors wider.
Before kickoff
Part of the game experience is getting ready for the night. Just a few steps from Place Bell Spicebros serves up generous bowls and fragrant dishes—perfect for fueling up before the first faceoff. We gather around a tasty meal, discuss which players to watch, and plan who’ll buy the drinks for the first period. The energy is already building even before we step into the arena.
Between two periods
A hockey game is more than just a scoreboard. It’s the roar of the stands when a goalie makes a spectacular save; it’s the smell of popcorn mingling with the fans’ cheers; it’s the mascot getting an entire section of the crowd dancing. It’s the little moments that make the night special. The smile of a child who catches a loose puck in the stands. The discussions among friends about who will score the next goal. The feverish anticipation as the clock signals the end of a tight second period.
After the final buzzer
When the game ends, the night isn’t over yet. Not far from the arena Rosso Cielo offers a welcoming setting to keep the conversation going. There, we share a pizza or dessert, discuss the key plays, talk about the coach’s strategy, and already start dreaming about the next game. It’s the perfect place to keep the evening’s energy going in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Why Laval
Attending a game in Laval means avoiding long commutes from downtown and enjoying modern facilities designed to accommodate families and groups of friends. Place Bell is easily accessible by public transit and offers convenient parking.
A season to watch
Once again this year, the schedule promises exciting nights. For the Rocket, there are division rivalries with Toronto and Belleville; for the Victoire, there are close matchups with Ottawa and New York. Every game offers a new chance to get excited, whether cheering on future NHL stars or the pioneers of women’s professional sports. The appeal isn’t just athletic—it’s also cultural, as hockey is a way to come together, share experiences, and discover Laval in a festive spirit.
Whether it’s the crowd’s roar at the faceoff, the overtime goal, or the handshake at the end of a game, Laval lives and breathes hockey. Two teams, two visions, one sport that brings people together. The Rocket and the Victoire keep the city pulsing to the rhythm of skates and pucks. The season has begun—all that’s left is to pick a date and book your tickets to experience hockey in Laval for yourself.
