Finally, it is time to explore what underlying cultural intangibles explain the disparity from the past two paragraphs and determine what sets the Canadiens apart. I have good news for those who tend to steer clear of sports: the Toronto Maples Leafs are a sports team, whereas the Canadiens are much closer to a religion (Baruchel 15). I analyzed observable phenomena; now, we will focus on how team history and the reciprocity, or lack thereof, of team and fan identity, affect one’s enjoy- ment of a Montreal Canadiens game. The Leafs’ history is admirable but feels as impersonal as a tax receipt. With every goal the Leafs scored and each incredible feat they accomplished in their home opening game, players did not seem relieved or proud; that is because the pursuit of victory and their repeated failure to do so has become the Toronto Maple Leafs’ identity. On the contrary, the mecca of hockey has a history that is characterized not only by wins and losses but by players, such as Maurice Richard, who gave a voice to the people and empowered them, unlike any other team. Each goal, victory, and feat is personal for the Habs players and fanbase. Another important distinction between these two franchises is how their histories influence their fans’ ability to identify with the team. Cheering on the Leafs is a history-rich tradition and leisure activity for their fans, whereas the Habs are not quite so simple. Notably, the interconnectedness of this team to the province’s culture stands out. Some teams can influence their city, but no city can influence their franchise like Montreal. As the Quebecois people go, so do the Canadiens. Director, actor, and devout Habs fan Jay Baruchel made the observation that the decade of the Quiet Revolution belonged to the Canadiens (115); when the Quiet Revolution caused pride to surge throughout the province, the Canadiens echoed this by winning four Stanley Cups in 10 years and being a victor for all to see. But after the referendum results broke the hearts of separatists, the Quebecois’ sense of otherness and contempt for Canada was galvanized; the need for a champion was replaced with a need for an underdog, and that has been at the core of the team’s identity since. The Canadiens started as a team “of and for the Quebecois” (Baruchel 111). Still, now they celebrate and unite all the diversity of Montreal under one emblem: the CH. During the second intermission of the preseason game versus Montreal and Toronto, the jumbotron lit up in orange, and the message “Chaque Enfant Compte” flashed on the screen. In unison, the crowd rose to their feet and clapped for two minutes straight; it was an astounding display of unity that captured the magic that separates the Habs experience from all others. Moments like that are unique when witnessed on TV, but in no way do they compare to standing shoulder to shoulder with people from all walks of life and coming together to show solidarity on such a mass scale. No matter how influential the Leafs have been for their city, they do not embody the values of their fans, nor do they reflect alterations in their city’s history. Going to a Habs game gives ticket holders a current and historical sense of belonging and identity to their fans.