A large section of the roof of Montreal's Maurice Richard Arena blew off Thursday, apparently by powerful winds.

Police have sealed off a wide perimeter around the east-end rink, which is named after the Montreal Canadiens legendary star.

It is not immediately clear whether or not there were any injuries.

Part of the roof has tumbled from the top and the damaged area is about the size of a couple of school buses.

A massive, crumpled chunk of metal roof is lying on the ground beside the arena.

The sounds of bending, vibrating metal sheets are echoing through the area.

The rink, adjacent to the Olympic Stadium, has served as the home of Canada's national short-track speedskating team.

It opened in the early 1960s, was a venue for events at the 1976 Summer Olympics and has hosted junior hockey over the decades.

It is perhaps best known locally for the statue of Richard in front of the building.

Dozens of people in the residential area were gathering at the scene.