Tue Jul 15 22:15:52 2008

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Montreal to host 2009 Entry Draft

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Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - The Montreal Canadiens will host the 2009 NHL draft in their new home for the first time.

It was announced Tuesday by Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey and the NHL that the Bell Centre will host the draft June 26-27, coinciding with the club's centennial celebration.

"The Montreal Canadiens are extremely proud to host the 2009 NHL Entry Draft," Montreal president Pierre Boivin said. "In December 2009, the Canadiens will become the first professional hockey team to celebrate a century of history. Thanks to the NHL, the Entry Draft is back in Montreal after 17 years. We are excited about this occasion, knowing the past history of the Draft and its origins in Montreal."

The first NHL draft in 1963 was held in a hotel ballroom in Montreal in 1963. After 17 years of being conducted in hotels and the league offices in Montreal, the draft was held at the Canadiens' old home, the Montreal Forum, in 1980.

In 1985, the draft was held outside Montreal for the first time at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Montreal also hosted the draft in 1986, 1988 and 1992.