The Canadiens were founded by J. Ambrose O'Brien on December 4, 1909, as a charter member of the National Hockey Association (NHA), the forerunner to the National Hockey League. It was to be the team of the francophone community in Montreal, composed of francophone players, and under francophone ownership as soon as possible. The founders named the team "Les Canadiens," a term identified at the time with French speakers. The team's first season was not a success, as they placed last in the league. After the first year, ownership was transferred to George Kennedy of Montreal and the team's record improved over the next seasons. The team won its first Stanley Cup championship in the 1915–16 season. In 1917, with four other NHA teams, the Canadiens formed the NHL, and they won their first NHL Stanley Cup during the 1923–24 season, led by Howie Morenz. The team moved from the Mount Royal Arena to the Montreal Forum for the 1926–27 season.
The Canadiens were founded by J Ambrose O'Brien on December 4 1909 as a charter member of the National Hockey Association (NHA) the forerunner to the National Hockey League It was to be the team of the francophone community in Montreal composed of francophone players and under francophone ownership as soon as possible The founders named the team "Les Canadiens" a term identified at the time with French speakers The team's first season was not a success as they placed last in the league After the first year ownership was transferred to George Kennedy of Montreal and the team's record improved over the next seasons The team won its first Stanley Cup championship in the 1915–16 season In 1917 with four other NHA teams the Canadiens formed the NHL and they won their first NHL Stanley Cup during the 1923–24 season led by Howie Morenz The team moved from the Mount Royal Arena to the Montreal Forum for the 1926–27 season