I'm not sure that the situation that occured last Monday in Montreal was particular to a generation. Back in 1957 (or approx. that year) there was a serious riot after a hockey game in Montreal following a decision regarding the Rocket.
I do believe that the sport and the excitement that everyone (media, owners, fans etc...) builds up over the season encourages this type of character. I'm amazed at how much people drink, sometimes before the game has even started. Many people are commenting on how the Montreal hockey crowd is the loudest crowd they've participated in (i.e. journalists, Al Gore etc...) It can be a great experience but no one can go straight to bed after such an experience.
Currently, the halls are filled with fans, some chanting, some screaming at each other at how the other team sucks! Security sometimes has to separate fans because of their passion.
Approx. 20 years ago I went to Philadelphia for a 4-day baseball trip with the Expos. My friend bent down to pick up her drink from the floor, and a huge glump of mustard passed her and fell on the fan in front of us. She was upset at us until I told her that it was her own city's fans that aimed for my friend but got her instead. Since some of our guys got in a situation earlier that night, we had to wait until the whole stadium was emptied before we were allowed to leave the game.
I would love to go to another baseball game such as in New York or Boston but I've heard these fans are the most passionate (trying to be diplomatic)....to scarry!
W&T
Just a little of that Human Touch - Bruce Springsteen