Controversy stirs as Montreal Canadiens unveil new RBC-embossed jersey

Controversy surrounds branded Habs jersey For the first time ever, the Montreal Canadiens jersey will feature advertising -- and not everybody's happy about it.

For the first time in its history, the Montreal Canadiens jersey will feature advertising -- and not everyone's happy about it.

"It is sacred," argued fan Jack Gurevitch. "There's something about the lore, the legend, the whole history."

Yet, this isn't the first time the Habs have accepted money for advertising.

Sports marketing professor Moshe Lander points out the Habs have a long history of cashing in -- all it takes is one glance at the ice, the boards and the rink itself to see that.

"It's not like the Montreal Canadiens are immune from taking corporate dollars," Lander, a Buffalo Sabres fan, notes. "It's there in every aspect in that arena. "

However, some fans insist the jersey is sacred -- and not something to be trifled with.

It's simply business, Lander counters, though adding he understands the outrage.

"It's the commercialization of their local religion," he said. "Nobody likes it when you hear the priest get up in the church and say, 'this sermon is brought to you by RBC.'"