BROSSARD, QC. – I recently attended my very first Habs practice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, where I had the chance to meet P.K. Subban, Brian Gionta, Mathieu Darche, Travis Moen and my hero, Carey Price. I snapped several pictures and they all autographed my Habs cap. It was the ultimate fan experience, one which I will never forget.
Well, if you know me in real life, you know that I never do anything half-way, it’s either all or nothing. So, a week later, I was back in Brossard for another Habs practice. For whatever reason, both TVA and CTV decided I looked like a diehard Habs fan, and decided to interview me for their respective evening news segments (if you’re interested in seeing just how crazy I am in real life, click here to watch). Then, once again, I found myself outside, waiting to meet the players.
I’d also like to add that the night before, the Habs were playing the Chicago Blackhawks. I had promised to purchase a Habs t-shirt for any player that scored, so that morning I found myself at the Habs Zone store in the Bell Sports Complex, buying Subban and Cammalleri t-shirts (I also threw in a Price shirt, just for good measure). And, because my Habs hat was too crowded with signatures from the week before (I know, I know, such a tough life I lead), I decided to buy another one (which now is also crowded with autographs. At this rate, I will single-handedly keep the Habs Zone in business!)
After the practice, I waited outside with a friend, and we were excited to meet Yannick Weber, Alex Auld and James Wisniewski. Subban was there again, however this time I opted for a photo with him rather than an autograph.
It was even MORE exciting when Kirk Muller came out, mainly because I’ve watched him as a player, a coach, etc., for the greater part of my life. (I was also extremely jealous of some friends who had gotten to meet him a few weeks ago at a bar I had just left no more than half an hour prior).
Max Pacioretty came out, and I’d have to pinpoint this as the highlight of my day. As an extremely passionate fan, your love for the team becomes similar to that you would have for your family. When something bad happens to your family, you freak out. To say I “freaked out” when Zdeno Chara rammed my beloved Patches into the stanchion on March 8th would be an understatement. While news of Pacioretty’s incredible progress and recovery was made public, it was undeniably comforting to see with my own two eyes that he was alive and well.
The Habs will look to avenge Pacioretty the only way they can; by outplaying the Bruins in the 1st round of the playoffs, starting this Thursday night. Chara’s return to the Bell Centre Monday April 18th will be something to witness, I am sure. I’ll be at that game, and you can be sure I’ll be among the “boo-ers”. Am I obsessed? Yes. Am I passionate? Yes. If I know one thing, it’s my love for les Canadiens de Montréal.
GO HABS GO!!!
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