Celine Dion’s Next Move: Hockey Team Owner?

Is superstar singer Celine Dion about to swap the big stage for the ice rink ? The Canadian songbird is being linked as one of  ten prospective buyers for The Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team.

And news that the Titanic crooner - who is worth over $300 million - could become The Habs new “Ice Queen” has received a mixed reaction from their fanatical supporters.

Some posts on the clubs website:

BiVolt wrote: I wonder if Celine will sing the national anthem.

NefCanuck wrote: If she buys the Habs hell really will have frozen over.

According to local reports the Bank Of Montreal has signed a confidentiality agreement with 10 potential suitors who have until 5pm today (Thursday) to submit formal bids to the team’s majority owner George Gillett. Gillett - who also owns Richard Petty Motorsports and Liverpool soccer club – reportedly bought the Montreal Canadiens for $275 million in 2001. Due to the economic downturn the current value is unknown.

Quebec-born Dion has become an international star despite being born into a poverty stricken home where she was one of 14 children. Under the guidance of her husband and manager Rene Angeli she has become one of the wealthiest female entertainers in the world.

Founded in 1909 The Montreal Canadiens is the oldest continuously playing professional ice hockey team and they have won 24 Stanley Cups in that time. Any successful bidder would also acquire The Bell Center in Montreal as part of the deal – other interested parties include Cirque Du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte and Quebec cable giant Quebecor Media.

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