Who were canadiens?

The Canadiens, or Canadiens de Montréal, are a professional Ice Hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, and are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1909, the team has a rich history and is known for its passionate fan base and numerous championships, having won the Stanley Cup a record 24 times. The term "Canadiens" also refers to the French-speaking inhabitants of Canada, particularly those from Quebec.