With the season-opening puck drop just a few days away, the Montreal Canadiens unveiled a line-up of initiatives for their fans to kick-off the 2012-13 NHL season.

First, on Thursday, January 17, fans are invited to come to the Bell Centre to watch an intra- squad game between the Reds and the Whites, free of charge. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans in attendance will also receive a free combo meal, consisting of a hot dog, bag of chips and a soft drink.

Two days later, on Saturday, January 19, game-day skates at the Bell Centre for both the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be open to the public. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Canadiens will hit the ice at 10:30 a.m. and the Leafs are scheduled to practice at 11:30 a.m. Fans in attendance will also receive a free combo meal, consisting of a hot dog, bag of chips and a soft drink.

Later on that day, at 3 p.m., the festivities will move outdoors to Avenue des Canadiens-de- Montreal where DJ Psychology will be on hand to kick off the party and Youppi! will be handing out bleu- blanc-rouge face paint. That afternoon, musical group USS will hop on stage to give a free concert, followed by a performance by internationally renowned recording artists – and diehard Habs fans – Simple Plan.

That night, the Canadiens-Maple Leafs game will also be broadcast live outside on giant screens while all fans inside the Bell Centre for the season opener will receive a free combo meal consisting of a hot dog, bag of chips and a soft drink.

Fans looking to gear up for the season can also take advantage of 50% off all Canadiens merchandise at the Habs Zone boutique at the Bell Centre on Thursday, January 17 and Saturday, January 19. Last but not least, the Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame (entrance in the Cours Windsor) will be offering free admission to all fans on Saturday throughout the weekend.

(PRESS RELEASE)