NOTES : Vandalism Damage in Millions

Looting and vandalism marred the celebration of the Montreal Canadiens’ Stanley Cup triumph and resulted in damages police are estimating at millions of dollars.

Police said 115 people were arrested and 168 injured, including 49 police officers, none seriously.

Also, 47 police cars were damaged, including eight that were destroyed.

At the height of the riot, there were 980 officers in the affected downtown area.

The celebration after Canadiens defeated the Kings, 4-1, Wednesday night to win their 24th Stanley Cup turned violent as thousands surged through the streets of the shopping area, smashing store windows, stealing merchandise and overturning cars.

Minutes after the game, the sound of glass shattering and alarms screaming could be heard along Ste. Catherine Street as crowds poured out of the Forum to join an already partying mob outside.

The mob went downtown with the specific intention of looting stores under the cover of celebrating the victory, Montreal’s police chief said Thursday.

“Youth came to Ste. Catherine Street with the clear intention to vandalize, pillage and set fire,” Alain St. Germain said at a news conference. “Others then did not hesitate to imitate them.”

It was the first official statement by the police, who were blamed by merchants and observers for standing by or acting ineffectually as the riot got out of control.

St. Germain defended his officers, saying: “Police were ready for demonstrations and even an overflow of emotion, but are we at the point that we have to take exceptional precautions for every event that is supposed to be a celebration?”