Montreal Canadiens Address Security Concerns During Minnesota Visit

The Montreal Canadiens have publicly refuted claims that they instructed players to remain in their hotel and carry passports during their recent visit to Minnesota. These assertions emerged from sports journalist Luc Gélinas, who reported on Quebec radio that the team advised players to avoid going outside and to use team transportation instead of walking to the arena. The Canadiens faced the Minnesota Wild on February 2, 2026, losing 4-3 in overtime.

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

Chantal Machabée, Vice-President of Hockey Communications for the Canadiens, strongly denied Gélinas's claims, stating, “The problem is, it's not true! I have no idea why the reporter said this, it's simply not true.” She clarified that the hotel suggested players stay within a three-block radius for convenience, not safety concerns. Brad Klein, Director of Corporate Communications at the NHL, echoed this sentiment, labeling the reports as “not true.” Machabée also noted that the team's decision to stay an extra night in Buffalo before traveling to Minnesota was a pre-planned strategy for player rest, unrelated to any safety issues.

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

The Canadiens' visit coincided with increased tensions in Minnesota due to aggressive actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which had resulted in two fatalities and sparked public unrest. These incidents raised concerns for the safety of international athletes and fans, prompting heightened scrutiny of travel conditions in the area. Earlier in January, San Francisco Giants player Jung Hoo Lee faced a brief detention by immigration officials, which drew intervention from Representative Nancy Pelosi.

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

Despite the Canadiens' denials, the initial reports have led to discussions about the safety of athletes in Minnesota. Critics argue that the team's precautionary measures reflect broader issues regarding public safety amid ongoing immigration enforcement actions. The media's portrayal of Minnesota as unsafe has been met with skepticism from team officials, who emphasize that their travel decisions were routine rather than reactive.

ICE: The Canadiens ask players not to leave hotel in Minnesota

There is a discrepancy between the Canadiens' official statements and the claims made by Luc Gélinas. While the Canadiens assert that no such instructions were given, Gélinas's report suggests otherwise, indicating a potential gap in communication or understanding of the team's protocols. The Independent has attempted to reach Gélinas for clarification but has not received a response.

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

• “The problem is, it's not true! I have no idea why the reporter said this, it's simply not true,” — Chantal Machabée, Vice-President of Hockey Communications, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

• “It’s easier when you have a good night sleep than arriving in the next city at 2am.” — Chantal Machabée, explaining the team's travel decisions.

Montreal Canadiens say claims players were told to stay in their hotel while in US are ‘fake news’

As the Canadiens continue their season, the organization will likely remain vigilant regarding player safety, particularly in light of ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The situation underscores the need for sports organizations to navigate complex social issues while ensuring the well-being of their athletes.

Canadiens players told to take precautions in Minnesota before OT loss to Wild amid ICE outcry: report