A PART OF THE CANADIENS FAMILY FOR OVER 40 YEARS, REJEAN HOULE APPEARED IN MORE THAN 700 GAMES WITH THE CLUB.

Part of the Memorial Cup-winning Montreal Jr. Canadiens in 1969, Réjean Houle was not available to NHL teams when the Amateur Draft was held that year. League rules at the time gave Montreal first choice among all unsigned 18-year-old French-Canadians. They snatched up Houle with their first pick, beginning a relationship that has extended – almost without interruption – for over forty years.

A native of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Houle played nine games with the big club in 1969-70, earning a full-time job the following season. Fans expected great things from the young right winger who had set the OHA on fire in his final year of junior hockey, claiming MVP, top scorer and most sportsmanlike player honors.

With names like Cournoyer and Lafleur playing the right side, the team wasn’t looking for scoring punch from the youngster. Like many other youthful prodigies, Houle was asked to concentrate on the defensive aspects of his game. He dedicated himself to the task, becoming an effective penalty killer and one of the best shadows in the league.

Thrilled to be wearing the colors of his childhood heroes, Houle’s youthful exuberance helped set the tone in the dressing room. “Reggie wants to kiss the Cup!” became the team’ rallying cry as the underdog Habs went all the way in the spring of 1971.

Making the most of his limited offensive opportunities, Houle improved his offensive numbers year by year. While his goal totals remained stable at about a dozen a year, his emergence as a playmaker saw his assists increase exponentially, from seven in his rookie year to 17 the next, finally recording 35 helpers in 1972-73.

Houle left the NHL after the 1973 Stanley Cup Championship, signing on with the WHA Quebec Nordiques, only to return to the fold three years later.

The Réjean Houle that suited up with the 1976-77 Canadiens team was a matured, more complete player than he was in his first stint with the club. Now an accomplished two-way performer, Houle scored 22 goals his first year back and a career-high 30 the next season. He had his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup in each of his first three years back with Montreal.

The man known as “Peanut” to friends and fans alike retired after appearing in over 700 games and earning five Stanley Cups. While he may have ended his hockey career as a player, Houle remained with the organization. He became President of the Canadiens Alumni in 1983, a position he has held ever since, taking time off to serve as GM from 1995 to 2000.

One of the most popular public faces linked to the long history and rich tradition of the Montreal Canadiens, Houle makes countless appearances at amateur tournaments and charitable functions, lending the club’s support to numerous deserving causes.

A member of the Anciens Canadiens hockey squad, Houle regularly suits up in rinks around the province. One of the most popular players on the squad, he still wears the trademark crew cut he sported as a rookie.

Among his most enjoyable tasks was assembling the team that played the Edmonton Oilers Oldtimers in the Heritage Classic, held outdoors before more than 55,000 spectators in November 2003.