by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

HMCS MONTRÉAL at sea—In this series, we will focus on hockey and its ability to unify Canadians everywhere, especially those who serve in our Armed Forces while overseas. To show this, sailors on the HMCS Montreal will be profiled so that they can provide that unique perspective.

The subject of this profile is Leading Seaman (LS) Peter Hughson. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy for life experience and adventure. His highlight of his career thus far demonstrates the real reasons any Canadian joins the Canadian Armed Forces, to be able to provide things that we, as Canadians, take for granted such as safety, education, and basic infrastructure. Peter also displays his passion for the game of hockey and for his beloved Montreal Canadiens on a daily basis.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Dartmouth NS.

How long have you been in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)?

I have served in the RCN for just about 6 years now.

Why did you choose to join the RCN?

I have always loved our great country so the chance to give back and travel the world seemed like an easy choice.

What is the highlight of your career thus far?

I definitely love any humanitarian efforts we do. I remember helping to build a library/learning centre in Jamaica and that was pretty special to see all the happy little faces of the children.

How long have you been a Habs fan?

Since I was about five years old I have been a Habs fan. My dad is from the Toronto area so it wasn’t always a popular choice in our house growing up, but I knew early on that it was the right choice.

What made you choose the greatest franchise ever as your team?

From the moment I knew what hockey was, I just took to the team. I had the jersey and my favourite book was The Hockey Sweater, and I realized that this was a very special franchise with a rich history.

What lengths do you go to see them while deployed?

It’s not for lack of trying. Sometimes satellite is an issue out at sea, but if I can’t get the game on the TV then I’m frequently checking the score online.

While aboard HMCS Montreal are you able to watch your team?

Unfortunately there are more Leafs fans than Habs fans on our ship. So I usually have to fight to get the Habs on but it’s a fight always worth having.

How do you keep up to date on the team?

I have many feeds that I receive on my cellphone including up to the date trade speculation, injury reports, line reports and any Habs news in general. Besides that, I’m frequently reading any articles that I can get my hands on, whether it is via internet or magazine, newspaper etc. Especially All Habs articles.

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For anyone making a trek to Montréal to experience the city during the NHL playoffs and wishing to visit a Canadian Warship, the HMCS Montréal will be visiting the old port of Montréal between May 12 – 21, 2017 as part of the city’s 375th Anniversary Celebrations.

If you missed any parts of our series on the HMCS Montreal, you can link to them here:
FEATURE | The HMCS Montréal Canadiens
FAN FOCUS | Sailors Aboard HMCS Montréal: David Gagnon
FAN FOCUS | Sailors Aboard HMCS Montreal: Stan Ryan
FAN FOCUS | Sailors Aboard HMCS Montreal: Gillian Good
FAN FOCUS | Sailors Aboard HMCS Montreal: Darren Mullins