- Martin St-Louis’s favorite show.
- The origin story of Just for Laughs.
A few months after making the hockey world smile with a revelation that was as unexpected as it was endearing, Martin St-Louis just experienced a moment he’ll never forget.
The Montreal Canadiens’ head coach, who had revealed that he uses Jerry Seinfeld’s voice to unwind after games and regain his composure, finally met the famous comedian in person during his visit to Montreal.
This anecdote, which went viral and was widely covered by media outlets across North America, thus finds a perfect conclusion. On the sidelines of Seinfeld’s two sold-out shows at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier as part of Just For Laughs, St-Louis presented him with an official Canadiens jersey, immortalizing a meeting between two icons in their respective fields.
On one side, a coach admired for his leadership and vision for hockey; on the other, one of the greatest comedians of all time, whose observations on everyday life have been making millions of people laugh for decades.
This unique encounter perfectly illustrates the sometimes unexpected connection between sports and comedy—two worlds that hold a very special place in the hearts of Montrealers.
Background
Martin St-Louis has never hidden his admiration for Seinfeld.
Last March, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens revealed that the famous 1990s sitcom was his favorite way to unwind after games.
“For me, Seinfeld is the show that lets me forget everything,” he told reporters.
He added that he didn’t even need to watch the screen: just hearing the characters’ voices was enough to help him relax and sometimes even fall asleep. According to him, the fact that the series is “a show about nothing” allows him to clear his mind after the intensity of an NHL game.
A huge fan of the show created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, St. Louis says he’s watched the entire series at least four times. His favorite character?
The unforgettable George Costanza, played by Jason Alexander.
A Renowned Sitcom
Seinfeld is one of the most influential sitcoms in the history of American television. Aired from 1989 to 1998 on NBC, the series was created by comedian Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David.
It follows the daily lives of Jerry and his group of eccentric friends in New York: George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer.
Unlike traditional comedies, Seinfeld is often described as “a show about nothing,” since the episodes revolve around mundane everyday situations, transformed into absurd and hilarious moments thanks to brilliant dialogue and observational humor.
Over the course of its nine seasons and 180 episodes, the series became a true cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards and influencing several generations of comedians and screenwriters.
Even today, Seinfeld is considered one of the best comedy series of all time.
And Just for Laughs?
For more than four decades, Just for Laughs has established itself as a must-see event in the world of comedy.
Founded in 1983 in Montreal, the festival has become the world’s largest comedy event, attracting top comedians and thousands of spectators every year.
In 1997, Sylvain Parent-Bédard founded his own entertainment group, which reached a major milestone in 2024 by acquiring the assets of Just for Laughs.
Today, the organization’s reach extends far beyond Quebec, thanks to festivals held in cities such as Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Sydney, and Bermuda. Its influence also extends to the digital realm, where its comedy content reaches more than 100 million fans each year and accumulates over 100 billion views.
Movies, TV series, shows, musicals, and festivals: Just for Laughs remains a key driving force in the global comedy industry.