Alex Newhook fans turn N.L. bars into 'mini Bell Centres' during Habs playoff games

Montreal Canadiens centre Alex Newhook (15) carries the puck during the first period in Game 5 of a second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Buffalo, N.Y. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Jeffrey T. Barnes

ST. JOHN’S — Bars in the hometown of Habs star Alex Newhook are preparing for big crowds Thursday as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Aiden Kenny works at the Duke of Duckworth in St. John’s, N.L., and says fans turned the pub into a “mini Bell Centre” — the Canadiens’ home arena — when Newhook scored the Game 7-winning goal in overtime on Monday.

Nearby at the Newfoundland Embassy, Niall Hickey said the pub’s band was checking out the game on the television between playing songs.

Hickey said nobody minded — everybody packed into the cozy downtown bar was there for Newhook-mania.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham was gleeful on Tuesday as he took a moment during a major press conference to shout out Newhook and his game-winning goal against the Buffalo Sabres.

Newhook also scored the Game 7-clinching goal when the Habs outlasted the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 to end a thrilling first-round series.

The Canadiens’ 25-year-old centre grew up in St. John’s and told a press conference Tuesday he’s proud to represent the province.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2026

Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press