The Habs Are Back, Meaning Summer Is Unofficially Over In Montreal
Hockey fever is slowly sweeping across the city!
- The Montreal Canadiens are back in town and fans are buzzing about the upcoming season.
- Here are the developments to watch this fall!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Though it's only September 10, summer is officially over in Montreal. You might be looking at the weather thinking, "wait a minute, Teddy, it's not even cold yet!" Well, that's true but it's hockey time, Montreal! Summer is unofficially over.
"But wait," you protest, "the season doesn't start 'til October!" Sorry, but if you weren't aware, hockey is a year-round sport in Montreal. The hockey season is never truly over in this city!
From the moment the last piece of Montreal Bell Centre ice is melted away for the summer, the town is abuzz with draft news, prospect news, trades, and so much more. Sunny days and cocktails on the terrasse pry away even the most hardcore fans, though, naturally, summer is reserved for taking it easy.
As soon as the first cool breeze of September rustles through Mont-Royal trees, all bets are off for Habs fans. September means training camp, this past weekend's annual Rookie Showcase, and just yesterday, the Canadiens' annual golf tournament.
Get ready, Montreal. It's hockey time, the Habs have returned, and summer is over. Go Habs Go!
As mentioned, the Canadiens' annual Rookie Showcase happened this past weekend in Belleville, Ontario. In two exhibition games, the Habs rookies faced off against the Ottawa Senators rookies and the Winnipeg Jets rookies.
Despite dropping both matches, the Habs rookies showed tons of promise and the future looks bright for a team that's missed the NHL Playoffs the last two seasons.
Standouts included emerging stars Ryan Poehling, Nick Suzuki, and Josh Brook. 20-year old goalie Cayden Primeau, the heir apparent to Carey Price, also looked excellent in both games.
Leading up to the exhibition games this weekend, fans around Montreal were buzzing with anticipation and hope for the future and were showing their support on social media.
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The buzz surrounding the rookies was palpable indeed, but yesterday, all eyes were on the annual Canadiens golf tournament. GM Marc Bergevin was available to the media and fielded questions after the tourney, turning up the hype to 11.
Discussing the future and his goals for the upcoming season, Bergevin highlighted that the youth movement in Montreal will continue and that star player Max Domi is in contract negotiations.
It's crucial that the Habs make the playoffs this season after missing the playoffs for the last two seasons. Bergevin and the Habs once again enter an uncertain season with a ton of cap space and no significant offseason moves.
In classic Montreal hockey media fashion, rumours are flying that if the Habs don't make the playoffs, Carey Price, celebrated goalie and bonafide Habs legend, will demand a trade.
Hockey fever is about to hit us hard, Montreal! Personally, I can't wait.
The countdown is on, folks! Go Habs Go!
The Montreal Canadiens preseason begins on Monday, September 16th, 2019 against the New Jersey Devils.
The Habs host their home opener against the Detroit Red Wings, Thursday, October 10th, 2019.