Why are the Canadiens called the 'Habs'? Explaining history behind Montreal hockey club's nickname

The Montreal Canadiens are the NHL's oldest franchise, having been founded in 1909. The year actually predates the NHL itself, as the league was formally organized in 1917.

Montreal's hockey club is commonly dubbed "The Habs," a name that is also draped in as much history as the franchise's past performances on the ice. Many NHL fans also believe the "H" in the Candiens' logo ties into their name, but actually stands for "hockey." 

While the name itself is known far and wide by hockey fans, the same cannot be said about the origin of the team's nickname. 

Here's why the NHL's oldest franchise has a nickname engrossed in history.

MORE: When was the last time Montreal won a Stanley Cup?

Why are the Canadiens called the 'Habs'?

The term "Habs" is reportedly short for the French-Canadian phrase "les habitants", according to LiveAbout. This was the unofficial name given to the original settlers of "New France" in the 17th century.

Montreal was one of those cities within the borders of a large area that was situated in northeastern Canada. In New France's prime, its territory extended as far as the Rocky Mountains and Louisiana, according to EBESCO.

While the Canadiens have gone by "The Habs," the nickname began from a mistake. In 1924, one of the NHL's founding fathers and then-owner of Madison Square Garden, Tex Rickard, told a reporter that the "H" in the logo on Montreal's jerseys stood for "habitants". This was false; the team's C-wrapped-around-H logo stands for the Canadiens' official name, le Club de Hockey Canadien, meaning the "H" stands for hockey.

MORE: Every Stanley Cup winner in NHL history

What is a 'Hab'?

The term "Hab" is short for the French-Canadian phrase "les habitants". This was an informal name given to the group of people who settled in New France during the 17th century. Montreal's hockey team has been alternatively known as "The Habs" for over 100 years.

While many people believe the "H" in Montreal's logo stands for Habs, it actually stands for Hockey. 

MORE: Why is the NHL championship trophy called the Stanley Cup?