All Habs Hockey Party in Montreal: Habs vs Flyers

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Our mission here at All Habs is "to build a world-wide network of Montreal Canadiens fans who are informed, engaged, entertained, and connected".  "It's more than just meeting for hockey - it's growing potential friendships," says our friend Karine - perfectly summing up the reason why All Habs Hockey Parties are the premiere way to bring Habs fans together!

Karine and her boyfriend James attended their first All Habs Hockey Party last weekend.  James is a writer for All Habs and says, "I knew about the All Habs parties before, they are quite famous on Twitter."  A Laval native (and life-long Habs fan), James admits that a little bit of shyness had prevented him from attending in the past but decided it was time to find out what all the festivities were about.  "I was very excited at the thought of meeting new people that shared the same passion I have for hockey!"

It was the March All Habs Night at McLean's Pub in Montreal and the Habs were slated to take on the Flyers.  As is the case with every monthly All Habs event at McLean's, attendees who had RSVP'd via Twitter or Facebook had special reserved seating in the center of the pub with fantastic views of the surrounding television screens, along with beer specials and menu discounts.  This was also James and Karine's first visit to McLean's.  "The multimedia setup (TVs, sound) was awesome and when I saw the menu I thought, 'Oh well this is a great start!'" says Karine.

Soon they were joined by dozens of other Habs fans who were just as thrilled to meet each other and reunite with friends.  They, along with the full house of bar patrons, were ready to cheer on the Canadiens in a conference rivalry matchup.  Karine was pleasantly surprised at how warmly she and other first-timers were received.  "It was easy to relate with other people, there was no pressure at all!  Everyone was so welcoming!"  James agrees, stating, "I felt at home, I felt like I found a new group of people where I belonged."

At intermission it was time for the All Habs Trivia Challenge, which focused on Habs vs. Flyers history.  Jay Farrar took over the microphone from behind the bar and led the entire pub through the Trivia Challenge (with some jokes along the way of course!).

The competition was tough but after the results were tallied we had quite a few winners!  Prizes included tickets to the Habs Hall of Fame and gift certificates to McLean's Pub.  Even our server-extraordinaire Adrienne won a Habs car flag!

But we didn't stop there - other participants were awarded for having "alternative" prize potential.  A t-shirt honouring the participant who answered every question with the same answer went to Katherine.

It also pays to NOT win!  The award for the person who had answered the most questions incorrectly was a signed Toronto Blue Jays baseball.

And finally the prize for the most creative answers went to Karine. "I had no clue what to write, so I decided to go with funny answers."  Looks like it paid off!

Even though the evening didn't end with a Canadiens win, James says it was a definitely a night to remember.  "It was an experience I will never forget, and I look forward to future All Habs Hockey Parties!"

Luckily there isn't long to wait since the next All Habs Hockey Party at McLean's Pub is Saturday, April 7th for the Habs vs Leafs game, which is the final game of the regular season.  You don't want to miss out on all the fun!  Be sure to click HERE to RSVP and reserve your seat at the best Habs fan event around!

And don't worry, the All Habs crew celebrates hockey 365 days a year, so be sure to follow @All_Habs and @habstweetup on Twitter to stay updated on Hockey Party announcements for events throughout the summer!

Check out the complete photo album from this event by clicking HERE!

Photo credits:  Pablo Ortiz

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All Habs Hockey Party in Montreal: Habs vs. Leafs

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Sometimes there's just nothing better than a Habs win over the Leafs, you know? Well, nothing except a Habs SHUTOUT over the Leafs! And to top things off, getting to watch the Canadiens blank the Maple Leafs surrounded by a fun-loving and excited group of devoted hockey fans makes the whole evening even more memorable.

I must say a big thank you to Old Man Winter for having such a calm temperament this year in order to allow me to make the road trip to Montreal during a season that's usually too unpredictable weather-wise for driving.  (Although admittedly I was quite giddy to see so much snow on the ground when I arrived in Montreal.)

But even if it HAD snowed, nothing could have kept me from trekking north for the inaugural All Habs Night at McLean's hockey party! Recently, a new partnership was announced between All Habs and McLean's Pub (you can read more about it HERE) and one of the most exciting parts of that announcement involves a monthly All Habs Hockey Party fan event at McLean's.  So what better way to kick things off than with a Habs/Leafs matchup on Hockey Day in Canada? We also dubbed the evening as "Bring a Buddy" night - because more is always merrier!

As a result, we not only had the chance to reconnect with friends and familiar faces, but we were also thrilled to welcome some new folks into the mix as well.  Some of them came to us courtesy of a new promotion outreach via the All Habs Facebook page while others, like Emily (@hockey_princess) were enticed to come out because of the excitement of All Habs/McLean's partnership news.

Emily (@hockey_princess)

"I was a little hesitant to go at first because I figured everyone would already know each other and I would be the odd one out.  But that wasn't the case, I was welcomed with open arms!"

A native of a small New Brunswick town named Stanley (about thirty minutes north of Fredericton), Emily just moved to Montreal two months ago, at the beginning of December, and has been a Habs fan for as long as she can remember (thanks to her dad).

"I had heard of tweetups before and they looked like a fun way to enjoy a game.  I also thought it would be a good way to make some new friends in the city."

Thanks to our friends at McLean's, Emily and the rest of the attendees who had reserved their seat with the All Habs group via Twtvite or Facebook were given the VIP treatment:  prime seating in the center of the dining area with perfect views of many of the big-screen televisions, discounted prices on the pub's hockey menu, and beer specials.  With more than twenty people seated in our group, it was great to see so many people in the pub sporting an All Habs nametag!

Throughout the evening, manager Jay Farrar was master of the microphone, getting the entire bar pumped up for the rivalry game against the Leafs and playing the part of emcee for the All Habs Trivia Challenge.  This time we took the Trivia Challenge to a whole new level - trivia was open to everyone in the pub!

The questions were focused on Hockey Day in Canada - something to really test those trivia gurus!  Enticed by the prospect of winning one of many prizes, more than 80 people battled to get the most answers right or, more importantly, come up with the most creative answers.

Needless to say, we had lots of winners!  Prizes included a very chic Montreal Canadiens hat, two sporty All Habs t-shirts, as well as two gift certificates to Mac's Taps, an Alexander Keith's t-shirt and a hat all generously donated by McLean's Pub.  Of course the most coveted prize of all was a NASCAR mug awarded to the person with the worst answers.  Who says we don't have a sense of humour?

People all around the pub were buzzing, asking when the next event would be held and looking forward to the next chance to win prizes and test their trivia skills.  Others wanted to know how to be included with the All Habs VIP group at the next event.

Perhaps you're wondering the same thing as you read this?  Just be sure to RSVP for our next All Habs Night at McLean's on March 24th - it's that easy!  So sign up, tell your friends and family to do the same, and make sure you don't miss out on the next All Habs Hockey Party.

Oh, and as for that shutout?  Well the Habs REALLY made it a special night by completing dominating the Leafs in a 5-0 win.  It was a very fun game to watch with so many friends!  And we're happy to report that our friend Emily went home at the end of the evening having made a whole group of friends to interact with in her new home.  "It was great, the atmosphere in the pub was awesome."

Check out the complete photo album for this event by clicking HERE!

Also, be sure to reserve your seat early for our next All Habs Night at McLean's on March 24th when the Habs take on the Flyers AND on April 7th for the last game of the season against the Leafs.

Go Habs Go!

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Kicking Off 2012, Habs Tweetup Style!

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Happy New Year! It's hard to believe that we've already rung in a new year - have you kept your resolutions so far? If so, congratulations! Perhaps "try something new this year" made your list of goals? Well if you're a Habs fan why not try a Habs Tweetup? There's no better way to kick off the new year than getting together with a great group of Habs fans and friends to cheer on the Montreal Canadiens!

If you've never attended a Habs Tweetup (or even if you have and are looking forward to your next one), we've got plenty of opportunities for you right around the corner.  Be sure to click the RSVP link at the bottom of the page to reserve your seat!

First up, we kick off 2012 at McLean's Pub in Montreal on Saturday, January 14th to watch the Habs take on the Senators. Good food, good friends, an All Habs Trivia Challenge, and prizes make a winning combination for a fun night you won't want to miss!

Planning on being in the Pittsburgh area on Friday, January 20th for the Habs vs. Penguins game?  A Vasco bus tour from Montreal will be heading down for the event and we're planning a Habs Tweetup for fans to meet and mingle before the game!  Stay tuned for additional information regarding the venue, or contact us for more details.

Next we join our friends from TSN 990's "The Franchise" on Saturday, January 21st for a Habs Tweetup and "Guaranteed Win Night" Hockey Party at Brasserie Sports 40 in Anjou, Quebec. All Habs readers will be given special VIP passes for food and drink as well as chances to win great prizes like tickets, a jersey, gift certificates and more! Tickets for the drawing can be purchased at the event, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting "Team In Training" (a nonprofit fundraising program of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

Looking ahead to February, our Habs friends in Toronto will also have a change to get together for a Habs Tweetup!  The place to be on Saturday, February 11th is Hoops Sports Bar & Grill on Bremner.  The Canadiens take on the Maple Leafs this night and Habs fans will unite to cheer their team on to victory!  An All Habs Trivia Challenge and prizes will also be on tap for the event, so be sure to reserve your seat early.

To reserve your seat for any of the events listed above, click on the "RSVP for a Habs Tweetup" tab at the top of the page.  When you arrive at any Habs Tweetup event, ask to be seated with the All Habs group to join the fun.  Be sure to show your Canadiens pride and come dressed in your best Habs gear!

These are just a few of the fun-filled fan events we've got planned for this year, so keep checking HabsTweetup.com and follow @habstweetup on Twitter to stay updated on events as they are announced.

Go Habs Go!

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Habs Tweetup in Montreal: 2011-12 Season Kickoff

by Robyn, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

MONTREAL, QC -- Despite the fact that the Habs lost 2-0 to the dreaded Toronto Maple Leafs, spirits were high last Thursday night at Mclean's Pub for the first Montreal Habs Tweetup of the regular season.

Amidst the many fans packed into the pub to cheer on the Canadiens in their the season opener, it was easy to spot our enthusiastic group.  With our tables adorned with Habs balloons, our section added even more cheerfulness and fun to an already energetic atmosphere. The wait is over, friends; hockey is back!

Several familiar faces turned up to cheer on the bleu, blanc et rouge, along with a few new ones (like mini-@ladyhabs, @__flynn! She was very excited to attend her very first Habs Tweetup!)

Our lovely waitress extraordinaire, Adrienne, once again took care of our large group with her regular ease, and the pub's several televisions made watching the game a cinch, no matter where you were sitting.

The famous Habs Tweetup trivia was just as challenging as ever - prizes were well-earned!  @TheAbraxasCo walked away with a fun set of Habs socks, @EP31 took home a Habs prize pack that included several Habs-themed goodies, @HabsWatch made off with a Habs wallet, and @theactivestick & @HeyMyNameIsWill both scored a Habs Stanley Cup banner plaque and Habs stickers.

The next Habs Tweetup events take place in Toronto on October 22nd for the Habs vs Leafs game and then back in Montreal again on October 27th when the Habs take on the Bruins. Don't miss out on your chance to win great prizes, meet other Habs fans and have a good time...RSVP to reserve your seat today!

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Habs Tweetup in Montreal: Rolling Out the Red Carpet

by Erica, AllHabs.net (special to HabsTweetup.com)

MONTREAL, QC -- As a pop culture junkie turned hockey fan, I love awards shows. I still remember how excited I was to watch my first NHL Awards telecast, and how disappointed I was by it. I still watch the Awards every year. As odd as it is to see hockey players act like real celebrities, I love the NHL Awards. And I think it's exactly that - the excitement of seeing NHL players after the season ends, combined with the campy awkwardness of the awards show - that will make a great Habs Tweetup.

We're all a little disappointed that this year's nominations didn't show any love for Carey Price or the rest of the Canadiens, but we can look forward to cheering on our other favourites. Perhaps local boys Roberto Luongo (Vezina Trophy), Ian Laperriere (Masterton Trophy), and Martin St. Louis (Lady Byng and Hart trophies)? Or former Habs coach and current Jack Adams Trophy nominee Alain Vigneault? I know we might be split on who should win which trophies, but there's one thing I'm betting all Habs fans can agree on: No one is looking forward to hearing "Congratulations to the Boston Bruins on winning the Stanley Cup" over and over again during the telecast.

Watching Canadiens games at Habs Tweetups this season was a blast. Since there are no games of which to speak, we thought we'd try throwing the sports equivalent of an Oscar party. So, Habs fans, get your Awards predictions ready. Dress up if you'd like to, since the dress code is "hockey formal" - interpret those words however you want! And do whatever you like to make this awards show as competitive and entertaining as an NHL game. I personally might make a poster that reads "Not Chara for Norris."

See you at McLeans Pub for the 1st Annual NHL Awards Habs Tweetup! And for you hockey fans in the greater Toronto area, you can also party with the All Habs crew on Friday, June 24th at Kilgour's Bar Meets Grill for the 3rd Annual NHL Draft Habs Tweetup!

Be sure to check out the All Habs article "What Offseason? Attend an All Habs Fan Event!" for more information on these exciting events.

Want to reserve your seat at a Habs Tweetup? Click on the "RSVP for a Habs Tweetup" tab at the top of the page. Sign up today!


photo credit: www.thevegaseye.com

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Why McLean's Pub is THE best place to watch Habs

by Robyn Flynn, AllHabs.net (special to HabsTweetup.com)

MONTREAL, QC -- When you're a Habs fan, you could be watching the game alone in your living room and you'd still be screaming like a lunatic. But it's nice to be in a warm atmosphere, surrounded by other screaming lunatics, er, Habs fans. Such an atmosphere can be found right in the heart of downtown Montreal on Peel.



Now I can go on about the reasonably priced eats, the glorious beer towers (yes, towers), the excellent location, but there are several bars in Montreal which meet that standard. What sets McLean's apart is the experience.

Rapidly becoming the official Montreal location for Habs Tweetups, the warm and inviting ambiance definitely makes you feel right at home, and this is enhanced by the incredible staff that works there, most notably Adrienne and Jay.

Adrienne is a waitress extraordinaire who takes the time to learn your name, remember your favourite drink, find out what you do for a living, etc. She's an absolute sweetheart, be sure to tip her well!


Jay is a manager who makes every single person in the bar feel as though they're an integral part of the good times being had. He's sweet, funny, and completes the experience.

Honourable mentions have to go out to the rest of the staff, including Manon, Helen, and Darcy, and anyone else whose name I've yet to learn.

The food is reasonably priced, and during Habs games the pub offers a menu with meals named after Habs players past and present. I recommend the Guy Lafleur (chicken wings and fries) or the Mike Cammalleri (fish and chips).

McLean's is also a spot where local celebrities like to hang out, such as Chris "Knuckles" Nilan (who was there during Game 1 vs the Bruins signing autographs) and Annakin Slayd, the man who brought us Habs anthems like "Feels Like '93" and "MTL Stand Up". He frequents the bar on a pretty regular basis (and he's also a really, REALLY nice guy, a huge Habs fan, and appreciates ALL kind words from ALL his fans).

Whether the Habs win or lose, McLean's Pub is THE ultimate Habs watering hole.

Follow me on Twitter: @ladyhabs

photo credits: Pablo Ortiz and Robyn Flynn

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Being a Habs Fan in a Social Media Age

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Thanks to Habs Tweetup, I have met (in real life!) dozens of really fun Habs fans and made some really wonderful new friends in the process. And while I truly enjoy each and every event and look forward to meeting even MORE people, one of my other favourite aspects of Habs Tweetup is seeing others discover that same sense of "family" that comes along with getting together with fellow fans.

Robyn (@ladyhabs) attended her first Habs Tweetup in October 2010 in Montreal. She was, as they say, "hooked" after that and always seems to be enthusiastically looking forward to the next gathering.

We asked Robyn to tell us a little more about herself and her Habs loyalty...here's her story!

by Robyn Flynn, special to HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- I am a Habs fan. I’ve supported my team through thick and thin for the greater part of my life. I’ve cried, I’ve cheered, but most of all, I’ve never given up. While being a die-hard fan is an enormous commitment, the most time consuming aspect is making sure I have a way to watch or listen to every single game, regardless of where I am or what I’m doing.

On any given game day, I can be found in one of several locations: at work, ignoring customers while I listen on the radio; at home in my living room screaming with my dad; or in a crowded bar cheering with my friends. Wherever I am, I always have my iPhone handy so I can partake in one of my favourite activities; tweeting.

When I first signed up for Twitter a few years ago, it was a self-indulgent way for me to stalk my favourite celebrities (namely Ashton Kutcher and Lady Gaga. Mock me if you must, but please don’t judge me). Eventually, just as I was starting to lose interest in Twitter, I noticed the hashtag #habs. I started following several Habs fans and media personalities, and Twitter suddenly was interesting again.

The Habs community on Twitter is extremely close, despite the fact that communication is restricted to 140 characters. So when I heard about the Habs Tweetup, I was very stoked.

I went to my first Habs Tweetup at O’Hara’s Pub in Montreal in November of 2010. The Habs lost to the Preds that night, but it was really cool to meet some of the people I had been following for several months. The combination of Habs fans, a Canadiens game, hockey trivia and beer is a recipe for a successful evening.


Eventually, the list of people I followed on Twitter grew to include mostly Habs fans, some of which I was beginning to consider good friends, despite never having met most of them. We often think of the internet as a place for shady online dating, and not for creating new friendships, but that was exactly what was happening. By the time the next Montreal Tweetup came around, I was even more excited than I was the first time around.

My second Habs Tweetup was at Macleans Pub in February 2011. The Habs won in a shutout against the Leafs. I was the proud winner of a Habs scarf and a pair of Habs mittens. It was my best friend’s birthday. I got to wear my awesome Habs Tweetup nametag. Best of all, I got to hang out with some of the people I talk to almost every day on Twitter. It was pretty rad, if I say so myself.




As my third Habs Tweetup approaches, I’m yet again excited. I’m someone who has always embraced social media and all it had to offer. Despite still maintaining a Facebook addiction, I find Twitter has taken over as my favourite social media platform.

I read somewhere that Facebook is to keep in touch with the people you didn’t like in high school, and Twitter is to keep in touch with the people you wish you went to high school with. I find this saying to be extremely appropriate. I’ve met some pretty awesome people thanks to Twitter and Habs Tweetups, and that is social media working at its finest.

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Would you like to join Robyn and other Habs fans at the next HabsTweetup? Click on the "RSVP for a Habs Tweetup" tab at the top of the page. The next event is being held in Montreal on March 26th, hope to see you there!

photo credits: @PabloJinko, @FlyersRule, @ladyhabs and http://eaglerockartguild-idaho.org/newsletters.html

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My trip to Montreal for the Habs Tweetup

by Amy, Habstweetup.com, (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- One of my most favourite aspects of attending a Habs Tweetup is actually an essential part of each event's mission - to connect Habs fans from all over the world. I hail from the greater Philadelphia area and enjoy meeting many new friends and faces from all over the United States and Canada.

Recently the Habs Tweetup crew kicked off 2011 with a gathering in Montreal for a Habs/Leafs game and I was pleased to discover that I wouldn't be the only out-of-towner in attendance. One fellow traveler, @smalrus, trekked from Massachusetts - be sure to read his article on AllHabs.net, "Montreal, Mon Coeur".

Another friend, @emihawk, made his way from Quebec City for his second Habs Tweetup and has shared with us his experience from the weekend.

by René-Carl, special to HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

Quebec City, QC -- Avant de commencer, je dois dire que j’attendais avec impatience ce tweetup depuis mon premier en mars 2010 où j’ai rencontré pour la première fois certains partisans aussi et même plus passionnés que moi. Donc cette rencontre du 12 février je l’attendais avec impatience après avoir manqué le premier Habs Tweetup de l’année' marquant le début de la saison.

C'est donc le 12 février au matin je quittais Québec pour Montréal en train et attendais avec impatience que le début du tweetup pour revoir tous ses gens fantastiques que j'avais rencontrés lors de la première fois. Amy, Rick, Anne... Rendu au Pub je demandais à la serveuse ou se trouvait le groupe du Tweetup et j'ai vu Smalrus et Amanda qui quittaient pour le début du match au centre Bell. Par la suite, sont arrivés Steve, Kathy, Erica et tous les autres. La soirée se déroula comme un charme et en plus le Canadien gagna le match, par blanchissage de surcroît. Après le match, j’ai socialisé avec la plupart des gens présents et ils sont tous aussi sympathiques que je me l’imaginais.

J’attends avec impatience de pouvoir retourner a mon prochain tweetup a Montréal ou même a Québec si tout se passe bien...

==========

Before anything, I'd like to state that I was really looking forward to this Habs Tweetup since my first in March 2010, when I met for the first time some fans as passionate if not more than myself. So, if anything this February 12th reunion, I was expecting it with utmost impatience, especially after having missed the first one of the year, marking the new season.

So, on February 12th, I was leaving Québec City by train for Montreal and was so anxious for the tweetup for a chance to see again people I'd had met before like Amy, Rick, anne... Once at the Pub (Mcleans) I enquired where the group was at and I was able to catch Smalrus and Amanda on their way to the game at the Bell Centre. After that, Steve, Kathy, Erica and many others poured into the place. The whole evening went like a charm and moreover the Habs won by shutout. After the game, I socialized with all present and they were all as pleasant as I imagined beforehand.

I'm looking forward to the next Habs Tweetup in Montréal, or even in Québec City, if all goes well..

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Additional reading:

Habs Tweetup Kicks Off 2011 in Montreal

Habs Hockey: Better with Friends, Old and New

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Habs Tweetup Kicks Off 2011 in Montreal

by Amy, HabsTweetup.com (AllHabs.net)

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Those of you who have read my articles in the past know by now that I won't hesitate to travel far and wide for a Habs Tweetup. But for the first event of 2011 I was thrilled to see even more Habs fans packing their bags and trekking to Montreal!

More than thirty supporters of the bleu, blanc et rouge got together at McLean's Pub on February 12th to cheer on the Montreal Canadiens as they faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs...but not everyone in attendance was a local. I represented Philly, while @smalrus traveled from Massachusetts and @emihawk arrived from Quebec City. It was a Planet Habs convergence!

Every Habs Tweetup that I attend reaffirms for me the reasons why I keep coming back for more - and this one certainly did not disappoint. There are the traditional things you look forward to like visiting with friends you haven't seen in a while, tackling the All Habs Trivia Challenge during intermission, and cheering on the Habs with a bunch of people who are equally as crazy about hockey as you are.

But then there are things that really make a Habs Tweetup stand out...you get to meet new people and make new friends at each event, for instance. All Habs photographer @PabloJinko was on hand to snap some professional shots of everyone. (Click HERE to check out all the pictures from the night!) And, we all joined in a rousing version of "Habby Birthday" for @adzeee.

It's things like these that, for me, transform the evening into something a lot more special and memorable than just going out somewhere to watch the game.

Another thing I enjoyed was getting to know everyone a little better by capturing our first set of Habs Tweetup testimonial videos. It was very interesting to hear the different reasons why people liked to attend these events and to also hear stories about why they became a Habs fan! (A common theme seems to be "Well I grew up in a Habs household...)

The Habs Tweetup crew looks forward to sharing our collection of video testimonials with our readers - but there is still time for you to submit your entry too! Click HERE for more details.

I heard a lot of people that night talking about how much they enjoyed themselves and that it was one of the most fun Habs Tweetups they'd been to yet. There were others asking when the next one would be held. There are actually three Habs Tweetups planned for the Heritage Classic and one scheduled for Thursday, February 24th in Toronto. Click on the RSVP For a HabsTweetup tab at the top of the page for complete details and to reserve your seat!

Montreal certainly kicked off 2011 in true Habs Tweetup style and I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year has in store!

For more about this memorable evening, be sure to read Rick Stephens' article on AllHabs.net: "Habs Hockey: Better With Friends, Old and New"

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