Montreal Shelter Residents Watch Canadiens Playoff Game

In Montreal's Chinatown neighborhood, about two dozen residents of the Old Brewery Mission homelessness shelter gathered in the cafeteria on Tuesday night to watch Game 4 of the Montreal Canadiens' second-round playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres. Dressed in Habs jerseys and red attire, they cheered as the team took an early lead, chanting "Olé! Olé! Olé!" in unison.

The viewing party reflected a citywide hockey fever that has extended to those experiencing homelessness. While some watched from the cafeteria, others tuned in from upper-floor lounges or even during monthly barber visits. Stephane Vallieres, a 57-year-old lifelong Canadiens fan, sat among the group, his face lighting up as he discussed the team's Stanley Cup potential. A former bantam-level player who idolized Guy Lafleur, Vallieres wore jersey number 10 in his youth. Evicted from his apartment two years ago, he has lived at the Mission since September while awaiting city social housing approval. "Game night is best enjoyed with a group," Vallieres said. "The atmosphere here, the chemistry, we're here to have a good time."

Beside him was Allen Hayward, another dedicated fan who has resided at the shelter for...