The Ultimate Canadiens Team

Everybody is getting in on the Montreal Canadiens Centennial Celebration. On Friday the CBC will air a documentary on the all-time greatest Habs. The Hockey News and Sports Illustrated have both released special edition Canadiens retrospectives, and now you can through TSN into the fray as they have just released their "Ultimate Canadiens Team."

When you think of an all time, ultimate team, you immediately think of names like Lafleur, Richard, Roy, and Beliveau. But those guys have honoured so much and everybody will remember them anyhow. They don't all need TSN's respect too.

What TSN did was build an all-time lineup along the lines of a real team, featuring starting and backup goalies, three defence pairs, plus first and second scoring lines, a checking line and an energy line. On top of that, a couple of stipulations were put in place. No more than eight Hall of Famers (one goaltender, three defencemen and four forwards) could be on this team and players had to be in the natural position they actually played.

By this time tomorrow, everybody on the interwebs will be giving their two cents on this list. Even people who have no business doing so. People who have never watched a Habs game unless they happened to be playing against their favourite team. So I thought I'd beat them to the punch and give my expert and well respected around the hockey community opinion. Stop laughing. Plus I've happened to have been watching Montreal Canadiens games since my mom popped me out. I think there was even a Habs game in on the hospital room while she was giving birth.

So without further adieu, here is TSN's "Ultimate Canadiens Team." My analysis which is the real reason why you stopped by (let's be honest), is right underneath. Also, the years beside each player's name is not when they were born and died, but rather the years the played for the Canadiens. If it was the other way, then all these guys would be around 12 years old. Which would maybe make them even more legendary. Playing for the Habs at the tender age of 12? What an inspiration.

Goalies

Starter: Jacques Plante (1952-63)
Backup: Michel "Bunny" Larocque (1973-81)

Analysis: Oh hell no! They did not just choose Jacques Plante over Patrick Roy! I've had this argument with Habs fans all the time on who's the better goalie, and let's face it, they've both got some pretty great stats. But Roy played in a much harder time, revolutionized a whole new way of goaltending which is still used to this day, and has more career wins. Plante came up with the goalie mask. Conversation over. As for "Bunny" Larocque as the backup, sure why not. He backed up Ken Dryden over four straight Stanley Cups in the 70's. And with a nickname like "Bunny", how can you go wrong?

Defense

First Pair: Doug Harvey (1947-61) and Mike Komisarek (2002-Present)

Analysis: Doug Harvey's a no brainer, he was rock solid on defense. He even won seven consecutive Norris trophies! Definitely the best defenseman in Montreal Canadiens history. Though Patrice Brisebois is a close second. As for Komisarek, hopefully this will now put to rest the position that some have that Komi is the most overrated defenseman in history. Actually this will probably only add to their argument.

Second Pair: Larry Robinson (1972-89) and Serge Savard (1966-81)

Analysis: This tandem could easily be the first pair, they were that great. Strong defensively and both had a great knowledge of hockey which led to post playing careers. Savard was the long time GM of the Habs in the late 90's to the mid-2000's, and Robinson won a Stanley Cup as head coach of the New Jersey Devils in the 1999-00 season.

Third Pair: Ted Harris (1963-70) and Craig Ludwig (1982-90)

Analysis: TSN really should've had Guy Lapointe on this line. The only way I understand him not being named is due to their ridiculous rule about only allowing a certain number of Hall of Famers. Because you know, that's how real teams are. I can just imagine a GM meeting with the Owner when they're trying to decide who to sign or trade, and the Owner telling the general manager that they can't have too many Hall of Famers on the team. Oh wait, no I can't imagine that, because that would never happen.

Forwards

First Line: LW Dickie Moore (1951-63), C Jean Beliveau (1950-71), RW Maurice "Rocket" Richard (1942-60)

Analysis: No complaints here. You could even make the argument that this might be the ultimate first line in hockey history. And it would definitely be an argument, as somebody would surely bring up the names Gretzky or Lemieux.

Second Line: LW John Ferguson (1963-71), C Saku Koivu (1995-Present), RW Bobby Rousseau (1960-70)

Analysis: This should be a line of Yvan Cournoyer, Henri "The Pocket Rocket" Richard, and Guy Lafleur, no question. But the TSN HoF/Actual Lines rule strikes again! I will say that I'm happy to see Captain Koivu named to the team. Even if "The Pocket Rocket" technically is the better second line centre with 10 Stanley Cups compared to Koivu's no Stanley Cups. I've always thought that Koivu doesn't get enough credit, and history will look back on him as one of the all-time greatest Habs. And I'm sure he appreciates me saying so. I've even heard it helps him sleep better at night.

Checking Line: LW Bob Gainey (1973-89), C Guy Carbonneau (1980-94), RW Claude Provost (1955-70)

Analysis: I wonder if the current GM (Gainey) and coach (Carbonneau) made TSN name them to this line, or else they would cut off all access to the team. Probably not as they are definitely deserving of these spots anyhow. And when you throw in Provost, imagine what an amazing shutdown line this would be in today's game. This is the reason why I wish cloning and time machines were actually possible.

Energy Line: Andre Pronovost (1956-61), Brian Skrudland (1985-93), Jimmy Roberts (1963-67, 72-77)

Analysis: They really dug deep for this one didn't they? As fourth lines go, this is a pretty good fourth line. Still to this day, the Brian Skrudland cover of Les Canadiens magazine from 1989 remains one of my all-time favourites...

It honestly looks like a cheesy profile picture from a terrible dating site for golden retriever lovers. And look at those monsterous glasses! Though to be fair, everybody in the 80's was rocking the extra large frames.

So there you have it. That is TSN's "Ultimate Canadiens Team" and my thoughts on the matter. There are some glaring omissions from the great teams of the 70's as I've pointed out above, and the snubbing of Patrick Roy is unforgiveable. Quite frankly TSN, I don't know if you and I can be friends anymore after that. Oh, who am I kidding? I can't stay mad at you! Come here, and let's hug it out!


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Oh Captain, My Captain

Both the East and West have their captains for the All-Star game, as earlier Thursday the NHL announced the men who will lead their respective conferences.

For the West it will be Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks. This is Thornton's sixth consecutive all-star appearance, his first as captain. Though he has struggled at the ASG, going pointless in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007. He was finally able to get on the score sheet last year in Atlanta when he recorded an assist.

"I'm shocked and excited," said Thornton. "It's a big honor to be named captain of an All-Star Team. Unbelievable. There are so many good players on the team. They must have picked me because I'm getting old."

Thankfully Joe said what we were all thinking with that getting old comment. Speaking of getting old, Alex Kovalev will be the guy to wear the "C" for the Eastern Conference in front of the hometown Montreal fans. I'm a master of transitions aren't I.

This will mark Kovalev's third all-star appearance, and first as captain. Though Kovy has worn the "C" much of this season for the Montreal Canadiens while regular captain Saku Koivu has been out with a mysterious lower body injury.

Those the worst, when you're whole lower body is injured. Like how do you even get around. I guess that's what servants are for. And for feeding you grapes. They do that too. I need to get me one of those lower body injuries. Here I am moving around and feeding grapes to myself like a sucker.

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Mad Max's Moves

Most people really hate the shootout. Like stepping in a puddle, getting stuck in an elevator, or having to sit through an episode of Two and a Half Men level of hate. But there's no denying that Maxim Lapierre's shootout goal to give the Montreal Canadiens a 5-4 win over the Senators on Saturday night was pretty interesting.

Lapierre started off slow, going at what could best be described as the pace of tortoise, but then became the haire and sped up and put it past Ottawa goalie Brian Elliott for the win.

I was watching this game live and I literally threw my drink at the tv when Laps started out slow like that. I even started to reach for my car keys to make the four hour drive to Ottawa and knock some sense into him. Lord know at that pace I would have gotten there well before he even reached the net.

Here's video of the innovative shootout goal.

And here's ESPN's recap of the goal. Check out what they call Lapierre. I didn't know he happened to change his last name. How did I miss that? I guess I'm just not as up on things as a major international sports network.

Wyclef Jean In A Habs Jersey

This isn't especially news worthy, but I just always like seeing famous people who you don't think would care at all about hockey doing something hockey related. And this fits the bill perfectly.

I neither like Wyclef Jean or 60 Minutes, but apparently Sunday's edition of 60 Minutes had a feature on Wyclef Jean, and in one scene he was spotted rocking out in a Habs jersey. (As seen above.)

I tried to think of a clever headline for this post using one of Wyclef's songs and sneaking in the word Habs, but I'm really not that creative. The best I came up with was Habs Don't Lie, a take off on Hips Don't Lie. But that's actually a song by Shakira that Wyclef is only featured in. So that really put a damper on things. Except that I started to think about Shakira and then everything was all better again.

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Notable Quotable of the Day

"There is a price for everything, and if we have a chance at an impact player, we would evaluate the cost and see what happened."

- Habs general manager Bob Gainey discussing the Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal trade rumours.

Grabovski Goes Crazy

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Mikhail Grabovski has been suspended three games by the NHL for abusing an official.

The incident stems from Thursday when the Leafs took on the Montreal Canadiens and lost 6-2. Sorry, just had to get in that score. One more time for good measure, the Habs beat the Leafs 6-2. That feels so fun to say.

Grabovski, a former member of the Canadiens, was getting attention from Habs fans and players all night long at the Bell Centre. Any time he touched the puck Habs fans started booing, and any time there was a whistle or a scrum against the boards Habs players made sure to get in an extra shot or rough up Grabovski a little more than usual.

It all came to ahead late in the third period when Grabovski seemingly had enough and decided he wanted to fight with fellow Belarussian Sergei Kostitsyn.

The refs weren't going to allow it and immediately got in between the two. This didn't sit well with Grabovski who after being knocked down on the ice by the linesman, got up and pushed the linesman and then kicked some snow at him. The horror!

Grabovski was immediately given a game misconduct and sent off the ice, much to the delight of the Bell Centre crowd who gave the former Habs prospect the send off they thought he deserved. Grabovski made some hand gestures to the fans, which included waving, peace signs, and what appeared to be the middle finger for just a few seconds.

Though I should say I have no prove he did give the one fingered salute as it was very brief. When I was watching the game live, I paused my dvr and rewinded and watched in slow motion, frame by frame over and over again. But I couldn't really tell.

Do I really care if he did it or not and am I offended by it if he did? No of course not. I just like to start controversies. Especially when they involve Leaf players. Speaking of, I might just happen to know of a juicy story involving Tomas Kaberle and a group of midgets. Or I believe they like to be referred to as "little people." Though Kaberle is a tall guy so maybe it was just normal sized people, but compared to him they look like "little people." Well that makes my story considerably less juicy doesn't it?

Here's full video of the Grabovski vs. Linesman vs. Kostitsyn incident...

Lights Out Lang

During Wednesday night's Canadiens vs. Rangers game, Habs veteran Robert Lang scored a beauty of a goal which might be a goal of the year candidate but I'm not entirely sure. It could be a candidate but there have been so many more spectcular goals which would easily beat it. So why just nominate it for the sake of being nominated. That's like when actors say it's just an honour to be nominated for an award. It's a complete lie.

More about the goal, Lang takes the puck in over the Blueshirts' blueline and then dekes the pants off Rangers d-man Marc Staal. [ed. note: His pants actually stayed on. It's just a saying.] Lang then puts the puck past Henrik Lundqvist top shelf - or 'Roof Daddy' as Pierre McGuire would say - for his second goal of the game. Lang would later go on to score on an empty net late in the third for his second career hat trick.

You know what's amazing about this goal? That Lang is 39 years old and is still able to pull off moves like this. When I'm 39, I bet I'm going to be so stiff and out of shape that getting out of a chair too fast will make me sore. Who am I kidding? I'm only 24 and I'm already kind of like that.

Habby New Year's Resolutions

It's the last day of 2008 and with '09 only a few hours away, it's time for everybody to make their New Year's resolutions.

Some people resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, or maybe stop dumping flour on homeless people's heads. Though whatever the goal is, it usually doesn't happen.

I made a resolution many years ago to never make a new year's resolution again. That might be the first resolution anyone has ever stuck to and accomplished.

Canadiens.com asked the Habs what their resolutions would be for some of their teammates, which is a nice twist on the question. Unfortunately nobody said they wanted Ryan O'Byrne to try and stop allegedly stealing purses or scoring on his own net. Though some of the video is in french so maybe they did say it, but because I never paid attention in french class I just missed it.

Pens Pulling Ahead In All-Star Voting

The Montreal Canadiens may have gotten off to a great start in All-Star voting, but it looks like the fans in Pittsburgh have rallied to spoil an all Habs starting line-up.

Pens fans have not only lifted captain Sidney Crosby into a starting position, but as of this writing they also have him leading all other vote getters in the league with a whopping 635k+ votes.

What’s more, threatening not only to stop the Canadiens’ hopes of sweeping the six starting positions, Pens fans are poised to make the Eastern Conference all-star starting lineup a Pittsburgh heavy squad.

They’ve voted Evgeni Malkin into second spot in the east, leap frogging Habs stars Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev. And defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, as well as goalie Marc-Andre Fleury are all within striking distance of the front running Canadiens.

So I'm just going to come out and say it. Is it alright if we start accusing Penguins fans of stuffing the ballot box now too. Because everybody in the hockey world, the media, the players, the ushers who clean up your popcorn after the game were outraged when the Canadiens were sweeping the voting. They went so far as to treat the ballot stuffing act by Habs fans as if it were a crime terrible enough to lock them away in a prison and throw away the key. Well if that's the case let's make some room in the jail for ballot stuffers, because there should be a whole shipment of Pens fans arriving any minute now.

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Notable Quotable of the Day

“There’s no point in celebrating your first goal with a loss. The boys battled hard at the end and we got the two points. It wasn’t a perfect game, but we’ll take it and move on to Thursday.”

- Montreal Canadiens rookie Matt D'Agostini on why his first career NHL goal means more because the Habs were also able to get the win.

Top 10 Own Goals

Ryan O'Byrne's stint in Montreal hasn't been a good one. First there was that whole purse stealing incident in Tampa Bay back in February. And then of course there was his infamous own goal brain fart from last night.

Well cheer up Ryan, as you're not the only one to have made the mistake you made. No I'm not talking about the purse stealing. You actually are one of the only pro athletes to be accused of stealing purses. You're on your own with that one.

I'm talking about the own goal. Was it embarrassing and will hockey fans never let you forget it? As Sarah Palin would say, 'You betcha!" But you're not the only athlete to ever score an own goal. In fact, I just dug up this video of the Top 10 Own Goals.

Keep in mind, this was put together before you scored your own goal. So in any future Top 10 Own Goals lists, yours will probably be at least in the top three.

Habs Get O'Byrned

I'm still feeling nauseous after the horrific Ryan O'Byrne incident from Monday night's Habs game against the Islanders. I've even downed a whole bottle of Pepto Bismol (the champagne of diarrhea medication) trying to make myself feel better.

For those who missed it and have no idea what I'm talking about, this is easily the biggest brain fart, boneheaded, dumb ass, no talent gaffe you'll ever see.

With the Habs in the lead 3-2 late in the third period, Canadiens defenseman (and I use that term very loosely) Ryan O'Byrne is chasing 73 year old Doug Weight to a puck on a delayed penalty call. O'Byrne beats out Weight because he skates like a turtle (very slowly, that's what I was going for) and then proceeds to pass it back to the net so that Carey Price can play the puck. Except he's a goalie, not a defenseman, oh and bigger problem, he's not in net because he went to the bench on a delayed penalty!

The puck goes in, the game is now tied. To make matters worse, the Islanders would go on to win the game in a shootout. A lost point for Montreal, all because Ryan O'Byrne doesn't know how to play hockey.

If the Habs miss the playoffs by one point this year, I think O'Byrne had better hire some extra security.

The very well respected Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette had this to say about the incident, "I say NHLers should know when their goaltender has left the net. If they don't, they shouldn't be playing at this level."

I couldn't have said it better myself. This same sort of thing bought Bryan McCabe a one way ticket out of Toronto last season. Let's hope the same sort of thing happens to the purse stealing "defenseman" and he either finds himself in Hamilton (Habs' AHL affiliate) or completely out of a job altogether.

Here are videos of the biggest screw up in Montreal Canadiens and even perhaps hockey history. First the goal itself, and then the fitting send off Habs fans give O'Byrne after Montreal loses in the shootout.

Lucic Wusses Out

During Saturday night's Bruins/Canadiens game, Habs tough guy Georges Laraque wanted himself a piece of Milan Lucic. Correction, he didn't just want a piece, he wanted every last bit of him.

The reason is because during a game a few weeks ago, Milan Lucic got into a fight with Montreal d-man Mike Komisarek, where Komisarek seperated his shoulder and will be out for the next month and a half.

Laraque wanted to settle the score, but Lucic wanted nothing to do with him. He skated away from him all game like a kid obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons running away from the school bully during recess.

Some say it's a wise move by Lucic. Why risk injury by fighting Laraque when you're a key part to the Bruins lineup? I say it's pathetic. Milan Lucic lost a lot of his credibility by ducking Laraque all game long. And you can now add him to the list of cowardly supposed tough guys who pick their fights like Sean Avery and Jarkko Ruutu.

Here's some video of Lucic avoiding Laraque at all costs. It's shot by what I'm guessing is an 8mm home video camera at the game on Saturday. How did they sneak in a camera? It's not good quality at all. It looks like it was done by the same people who illegally tape movies at theatres.

Kovy's Sweet Move

Sunday's game between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues went into a shootout, and it was in that shootout where one of the most talented men in the game showed off his skills.

It was all up to Alex Kovalev. He was the last shooter for the Habs and all he had to do was put the puck past Manny Legace to give Montreal a much needed win. Kovy showed off a pretty sweet back-hand move and found the back of the net, and Habs fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief. After admiring the sweet deke by Kovalev of course.

It seemed like he took forever to do something with the puck, and ultimately his patience outlasted Legacy's. That's why I could never be an NHL goalie. As soon as Kovalev would have been inside the blue line I would have been down one the ice. But that really has more to do with the fact that I'm not a good skater, and less to do with my strategy for facing Alex Kovalev in a shootout.

Three For Hitting

The NHL has handed down a three game suspension to Tom Kostopoulos of the Montreal Canadiens, for his hit from behind on Leafs d-man Mike Van Ryn.

The hit happened during the first period of Saturday's Habs vs. Leafs game. Both Kosto and Van Ryn were chasing after a dump in, and when Kosto went for a clean hard check Van Ryn turned his back and left himself open to the hit from behind. It would have been a clean hit, but apparently Mike Van Ryn doesn't know how to defend himself when up against the boards. Jeez, I feel like Don Cherry for criticizing a guy for getting injured. All I need now are some really ugly suits and a sheepish sidekick.Though apparently Kostopoulos and I are in agreement on the hit.

''First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn,'' Kostopoulos said in a statement. ''This is an unfortunate turn of events. I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn't anticipate him turning and couldn't stop. I was trying to finish my check and obviously it did not end up well. I never intend on injuring another player. I feel bad. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible.''

Van Ryn suffered a concussion, a broken nose, a broken bone in his hand and a cut to his forehead. He is expected to miss a month.

Here is video of the supposed dirty hit from behind. I really don't think Kostopoulos should have been suspended at all for this. Maybe he should be suspended for having an impossibly hard last name to spell that I have to double check every time I write it, but that's it.

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Price's Second Sensational Save of the Year

In the pre-season, Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price made a fantastic save, batting a sure goal out of the air with his stick, which had everybody over the interweb and around the world talking.

Well he's done it again, but this time instead of using his stick he uses his glove. In Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, just as the puck was about to fly past the goal line and into the mesh at the back of the net, Price flashes the leather and absolutely robs Flyers star Danny Briere of what should have been a goal.

First Price showed us his batting skills and now his glove? Has anyone checked to make sure he's not going to show up at an MLB club's training camp next spring?

Montreal's Newest Player?

For all my American and worldwide readers, that is Stéphane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada (the official opposition).

Here he is seen preparing for a possible career change into hockey just in case things don't go so well for him and his party in the upcoming Canadian Federal Election.

Or maybe he's just taking a page out of the Sarah Palin playbook and trying to appeal to hockey moms.


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The Price is Right

In a pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, Canadiens goalie Carey Price made what many are calling the save of the year before the year even started. Well mostly that's what TSN analyst Pierre McGuire said about the save when he got all giddy like a little girl.

The way Price turns around and bats the puck out of the air could mean that if this whole goalie thing doesn't work out, he could have a career as a baseball slugger. Watch out Manny Ramirez!

Check out the video below of one of the most amazing saves you'll ever see.

Centennial Celebration Plans

On Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens officially announced all of their plans to coincide with the club's Centennial Anniversary. Including unveiling all the really awesome retro jersey's they'll be sporting as seen in the picture above.

The events will start this season and stretch out through next year on December 4th, 2009 when the Habs turn 100. They grow up so fast!

The Centennial celebrations will provide a unique opportunity for Canadiens fans across Quebec and throughout the world to honor the team’s heroes and builders of yesteryears and relive the great moments that shaped the Canadiens’ rich history.

Here is a full list of dates and events for the Centennial Program over the next two years:

CENTENNIAL PROGRAM 2008-2009 SEASON

October 2008
20. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Florida Panthers (1970 – 1971)
28. Builder’s Night (coaches) vs. Carolina Hurricanes

November 2008
15. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Philadelphia Flyers (1945 – 1946)
22. Retired Jersey Night - Patrick Roy – vs. Boston Bruins

December 2008
4. Opening of the Centennial Plaza
Original Six Salute vs. New York Rangers
Centennial Jersey Night (1915 – 1916)
10. Inauguration of the Community outdoor rink program (François-Perreault Park, St-Michel Borough)

January 2009
8. Original Six salute vs Toronto Maple Leafs
23-26. NHL All-Star Week

February 2009
1. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Boston Bruins (1912 – 1913)
21. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Ottawa Senators (1970 – 1971)

March 2009
14. Centennial Jersey Night vs. New Jersey Devils (1945 – 1946)
21. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (1915 – 1916)
31. Centennial Jersey Night vs. Chicago Blackhawks (1912 – 1913)

April 2009
2. Montreal Symphony Orchestra Concert at the Bell Centre
Opening of the Montreal Canadiens Hall of Fame

June 2009
26-27 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre

2009-2010 SEASON
October, November, December 2009
Centennial Jersey Nights (1910 – 1911, 1909 – 1910)

December 2009
Public launch of the Canadiens motion picture « Pour toujours, les Canadiens ! »
4. Centennial game at the Bell Centre
5. Centennial Gala

Speaking of rich history, hopefully rich is what you are because to coincide with the Centennial the Habs are releasing lots of memorabilia which you might have to put your kid's college fund money towards, there's that much. Now I'm not saying that one of the greatest and most storied sports franchises is using a special anniversary like this as a cash grab. But one of the greatest and most storied sports franchises is definitely using this special anniversary as a cash grab.

Here's your proof, these are some of the Montreal merch you will be able to buy...

Les illustres Canadiens - A book about the 44 Habs players and builders inducted into the Hall.

Montreal Monopoly, where Habs greats take over Park Avenue and the like. Board games will never be the same again.

Canadiens Commemorative Coins issued by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Memorable games box set. Determind by online vote, the 10 most memorable games in Habs history.



















Upper Deck collector's cards. A set of 200 cards featuring only Habs greats.
















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A Night to Remember in Hockeyville

For the residents of Roberval Quebec, it was truly a night to remember as the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens came into town to do battle in front of newly crowned Hockeyville.

The whole town shut down for the day as this was a once in a lifetime moment. Something that everyone in the village of just over 11,000 will remember for the rest of their lives and tell their grandkids about.

The people of Roberval spent months preparing for Kraft Hockeyville 2008, trying to show every hockey fan in Canada that they deserved those 2,198,665 votes the small town received some six months ago in the CBC contest. But the more than $300,000 went towards improving Benoit Levesque Arena (capacity 1200) was all worth it once the NHL came to town.

It was worth every penny and every sacrifice. Three years ago, such a contest didn’t even exist. Three years ago, the idea that the Montreal Canadiens could play a game in such an atmosphere would have secured you a one way trip to the crazy house.

Fast forward to Tuesday night, when everyone in Robervale came together to witness the once in a lifetime event. Fathers held their sons and pointed out some of today’s brightest stars. Youppi! and Sabretooth walked around the arena to deliver high-fives to children who thought they’d never see their favorite mascots in the flesh. After all, Montreal is about six hours south of here. Yes, Roberval is that far north.

Even if Montreal had lost (the Canadiens didn’t disappoint their rabid fans with a 3-2 victory), Roberval still won.

“This is better than Christmas!” one woman in the crowd said.

Here are the highlights from the very special game. They're in french though so you'll have to make up your own commentary. I even do that for english highlights but that's because I like to hear the sound of my own voice.

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