Well it only went to 8 digits a few years back, plus I wasn't sure about the personalized plate thing...once I decided only took a couple of weeks to get them. I had been debating BHAFC as well :-)
I was in the stands, but also 11 at the time so I really don't remember. There were a lot of stadiums that would not be allowed now. I still cant get used to sitting down the couple of times I have managed to get to The Amex. :-)
No there's are totally different. Each province has a separate licensing system. Pretty cool put them on and after parking in the mall today had two people who knew why I had them :-)