Montreal Royals

''This article is about the senior team. For the article about the junior team of the same name, please see Montreal Junior Royals.''

History


The Montreal Royals were formed in 1932-33 when the hockey club of the Montreal AAA was split off.

They played in the Montreal Senior Group, Quebec Senior Hockey League, Quebec Senior Hockey League (Major), and the Quebec Hockey League until the latter folded in 1958-59, They then joined the Eastern Professional Hockey League for two seasons until finally folding in 1961.

The Royals won only one Allan Cup in 1946-47. They also lost the Allan Cup final in 1938-39. But they were a powerhouse for many years, winning their league title in 1934-35, 1935-36, 1936-37, 1938-39, 1939-40, 1940-41, and 1945-46 (as well as 1946-47).

During the late 1930's they outdrew the NHL's Montreal Canadiens and were partially responsible for almost driving them out of town. Later they would become a Canadiens farm team.

In the 1950's there was talk of admitting the Royals to the National Hockey League.

When the Quebec Hockey League folded in 1959, the Royals tried to get into the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Quebec Aces. While the Aces were admitted, the Royals were refused. The AHL did not want a team in a National Hockey League city. The Royals then joined the newly-formed Eastern Professional Hockey League.

By this time the Canadiens were a powerhouse themselves and drawing very, very well. There was no room in Montreal for a minor pro team. The Royals folded in 1961.