by Andrew Saadalla, Guest Columnist, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONTREAL, QC. — The date was October 21, 2006, almost 10 years ago to the day.
The former Montreal Canadiens savior and Vezina Trophy winner Jose Theodore was wearing the colours of the Colorado Avalanche after being unceremoniously traded away from the Habs. On this date in 2006, he was set to face off against his old team at the Bell Centre.
As soon as Theodore hit the ice, the boo’s came raining down from fans in the arena. Every time Theodore touched the puck, he was jeered by the crowd. During plays away from his net, Theodore’s name was sarcastically being chanted as he endured harsh treatment from the very same people who praised had him for so many years prior.
I remember sitting at the Bell Centre, wearing a Canadiens t-shirt with Theodore’s name and number on the back because I was a fan of the team and of him. My logic was simple: I could wear the colors of the team I supported while cheering on a personal favorite player.
What I didn’t expect, however, was the classless, disrespectful behaviour of Bell Centre attendees towards Theodore and Patrice Brisebois. The latter had made a sizeable donation to the St. Justine Hospital prior to signing with the Avalanche.
At 19 years of age, I did not understand how people could be so quick to forget all of the positive contributions both players had made for the bleu blanc et rouge. I was frustrated, feeling terrible for them, and remember thinking that the treatment probably did more personal damage to players than any of us can ever imagine.
Now let’s fast-forward to October 18, 2016. The Habs hosted their 2016-2017 regular season opener the only way the Canadiens know how: extravagantly. Ceremonies are arguably the greatest in the history of professional sports, and the infamous passing of the torch which saw the legendary Jacques Demers hand it over to captain Max Pacioretty was a marvelously emotional sight to behold.
Associate coach Kirk Muller got a rousing ovation from the Bell Centre faithful — more than head coach Michel Therrien –– while goaltender Carey Price, sporting a trendy blue suit, received the loudest cheers from the crowd. Price, who had missed 329 days of action with the Canadiens, was in goal to face the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night.
The biggest standout moment for me had nothing to do with Demers, Muller or Price. Being a part of the audience that humiliated Theodore 10 years ago had left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt as though the Bell Centre crowd needed to somehow redeem itself for the harsh treatment it had reserved for one of its long-time favorites.
Thankfully, amends were made on Tuesday night.
On June 29, 2016, general manager Marc Bergevin arguably made one of the most daring trades in the history of the National Hockey League and definitely one of the biggest in Canadiens history. He sent P.K. Subban, the darling of the city of Montreal as well as the Bell Centre, to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Shea Weber.
The ensuing outcry was unbelievable, as some fans deserted the only team for which they had ever cheered. The backlash against management had disappointed fans calling for the general manager’s head. The most aggrieved took the trade as a “personal” slap in the face.
Every part of the deal has been examined from contract length to individual characteristics such as age, skill, talent and leadership of both players to determine who got the better part of the deal. The division among followers of the team continues to be a glaring one.
Somehow, that all seemed to be put aside at the Bell Centre last Tuesday night. The long-lasting standing ovation afforded to Shea Weber had to be one of the classiest and most moving moments that I’ve personally ever witnessed. Judging by the look on Weber’s face, I’m guessing that it was likely one of the biggest cheers he has ever received. For a moment, it looked like the “Man Mountain” might have even gotten a little emotional as he stood next to his teammates and took in the vibrant ambiance of an arena that let him know that he is more than welcome.
To me, it was one of the greatest moments in Montreal Canadiens history. The openness and hospitality that Habs fans have shown towards one of the most important pieces of this team moving forward is admirable. I believe that they more than made up for any past transgressions.
After all, Weber will be sticking around for a long time. He has already proven to be of the elite status throughout the course of his career, and I’m certain that I don’t need to convince anyone of the intangibles he brings to the table. The atmosphere within the team and its locker room has already turned on its head, and there’s a certain calmness overtaking the Canadiens franchise.
Thankfully, Weber has performed well since the start of the regular season. In four games played, he has one goal and four points, boasts a plus-six rating and has delivered 13 bone-crunching hits while blocking seven shots. The best part about his lone tally, which happened to be a power play goal, is that it turned out to be a game-winner. Thursday night’s first star of the game posted three points, five blocked shots, and five hits while firing four shots on net.
— Read: RECAP | Coyotes – Canadiens: Weber Takes Charge —
October 21, 2006 was a long time ago, and perhaps Jose Theodore and Patrice Brisebois have forgiven their hometown supporters. While it’s clear that P.K. Subban will be well-received on March 2, 2017, Habs fans are beginning to understand what they have in Weber. And that his performance in the first four games of the year is just the tip of the iceberg.
Ten years later, Montreal Canadiens fans have once again solidified themselves as the best fans in hockey.