by Erica, Staff Writer and Fundraising Specialist, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONTREAL, QC. — Rather than saying what I was thinking (Montreal-based fans will have to stay up late, kept warm by piles of blankets, just to watch their team play through jet lag), the narrator opens with some thoughts about heading west, like the gold prospectors of old. Nos Glorieux might not literally be panning for gold, but this road trip will bring its share of hard work and new discoveries. No gold, though. Shame. Here’s what we learned:
The team is looking to increase its value. This episode takes place during the week of trade deadline day. We know that Marc Bergevin was not done making moves after acquiring Devante Smith-Pelly – the day’s trades unfold and are closely followed by beat reporters, a production team at RDS (totalling around 100 people), and the Canadiens’ official website. Even the players are on their toes (or, in Michael Bournival’s case, on a plane back to Hamilton.)
By the end of the day, the Canadiens prepare to meet new team members Jeff Petry, Torrey Mitchell, and Brian Flynn. A little travel-weary, Petry meets his new teammates in San Jose. “Welcome! I’m Carey. Nice to meet you,” said the goalie who needs no introduction. Flynn looks at ease, happy to join the team when he first meets the media. Mitchell, who hails from the suburbs of Montreal, is prepped for his first media scrum. He’s a little nervous about his French being a little rusty after living in the United States for so long, but Senior VP of Communications Donald Beauchamp tells him to speak in whichever language he feels most comfortable. (Hopefully that didn’t cause a stir with certain media outlets.) Mitchell appears a little nervous, but is taking it all in stride, meeting with journalists and learning to work under Michel Therrien. He’s ready for a deep playoff run.
A good agent invests in his players. While in Los Angeles, 24CH filmed an interview with agent Pat Brisson, who represents (among others) Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, and the Habs’ own Sergei Gonchar, Max Pacioretty, and David Desharnais. Brisson says that his priority is to be honest and keep his clients’ best interests at heart. His rapport with his clients helps him to solve their everyday problems (like complaints about their ice time) and make major career moves. He and Marc Bergevin are old friends, going back to their days in the QMJHL, but neither will let friendship get in the way of business. If anything, their friendship helps them know how to work together when needed: Brisson is happy that Gonchar ended up in Montreal, because he knows how Gonchar’s strengths and experience can help the Canadiens win games. Bergevin says that the trust and honesty between he and Brisson has helped to create a better business relationship.
Life on the road can be hard. This entire episode focused on the Canadiens’ trip west, which, as usual, was not a cakewalk. Game montages show the Habs getting outplayed, having unlucky breaks, and trying and failing to change momentum. Players try to keep spirits high as they slide across the bench, discussing their next shifts, shouting encouragement at teammates, but only manage one win in Arizona at the end of the trip. It was a long week away from home, and the Habs are ready to pack their bags and head home. Dale Weise wants to head back to the Bell Centre. Carey Price says he isn’t “looking forward to the snow, but looking forward to seeing my [dogs]… and my wife.”
Bit of a long pause there, Carey.
Best bits. Habs players colliding on the bench; using a hotel conference room as a gym; a poutine tailgate for California-based Habs fans near Anaheim.
