John Lennon composed Conceivedan ode to peace, in 1971.
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Half a century later, this great classic is still very topical and its message still resonates just as strongly.
In solidarity with Ukraine, the Canadian invited cellist Katia Brahina and pianist Serhiy Salov for an instrumental performance of Imagine.
The two musicians of Ukrainian origin offered a most touching performance just before the arrival of the players.
Colors of Ukraine
The Bell Center ice was in the colors of Ukraine, blue and yellow, during this ceremony. Even the CH logo had been transformed into the colors of the country of Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Kraken and CH also hit the rink at the same time during the closing notes of Lennon’s classic.
Photo Martin Chevalier
It was moving in the aisles of the Bell Center when the supporters stormed the concessions.
By jumping onto the icy surface at the same time, we wanted to send a message of unity. In a regular context, the Habs are always the last team to enter. And it’s to the sound of Fix you by Coldplay.
During the Habs’ recent trip to Western Canada, the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers invited Ukrainian choirs to sing their country’s anthem. The CH chose a different formula, but it was done with class and dignity.
Donations
The Canadian has pledged to financially support UNICEF in its efforts to provide emergency humanitarian aid to the victims of the armed conflict currently raging in Ukraine with the invasion of Russia.
Volunteers collected cash donations at the entrances to the Bell Center on Saturday night before the game against the Seattle Kraken.
The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation also donated proceeds from its 50/50 Lottery to UNICEF’s Emergency Fund for Ukraine.
The organization of the Habs said it was “deeply upset by the tragic situation unfolding in Ukraine”.