The members of the Canadiens fulfilled part of their mandate as models within their community by going Tuesday afternoon to the CHU Sainte-Justine, the Montreal Children’s Hospital as well as the Shriners Hospitals for Children- Canada.
They thus continued a long tradition established during the 1960s by Jean Béliveau.
“As a professional athlete, especially here in Montreal, it’s an opportunity, but also our duty to be able to give time to people who are in a difficult situation,” said head coach Martin St-Louis. after morning workout. If we can boost patients’ morale by giving them that time, it’s our duty to do so. »
Defender Kaiden Guhle noted that this experience was even more special because it took place close to the holiday season.
“We understand that they are going through difficult times and it’s the least we can do to go see them and make them smile a little,” said the 21-year-old Albertan. The holiday season is supposed to be a time for celebration. If our presence can help them take their minds off things a little, then we will have done our duty. »
“We are lucky and grateful to be able to offer this to them,” he added.
A shooting specialist
Before the visit and even before the Habs’ practice on Tuesday, Guhle and forwards Juraj Slafkovsky and Christian Dvorak participated in an on-ice session with shooting specialist Glen Tucker, as well as members of the Canadiens’ player development staff .
Guhle explained that Tucker’s presence was linked to a management initiative to offer Habs players access to specialists.
Tucker founded a shooting academy in 1993 and has provided advice to several players over the years, including Jarome Iginla, Jack Eichel, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and John Tavares, according to the Shoot to Academy website. Score.
“He offered a lot of advice on little things we can do with our hands, how to make our shots,” Dvorak said.
Guhle and Dvorak noted that it was rare to have the opportunity to work with a specialist during the season. Rather, they are used to consulting such experts during the summer.
“He noticed little things we do and the impact they have on where the puck is going to go,” Guhle said.
“The goal is to have a clean shot and do it consistently,” he added.
Guhle recalled that he will now be able to repeat certain exercises alone in training during the season.
But as Slafkovsky pointed out, this work will be for nothing if players don’t take the time to take shots on goal.
“I think it opened my mind to things I never thought about,” said the 19-year-old Slovakian. I’m going to want to try and put this into practice and hope to score soon! »
“But yes, to get there, I’m also going to have to shoot more shots,” he added, bursting out laughing.
Treatments for Matheson, Savard soon to return
Defender Mike Matheson missed the Canadian’s training Tuesday morning, instead taking advantage of a day of treatments.
Matheson was in uniform Monday night, when the Canadian defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-2.
In 25 games this season, Matheson has five goals and 13 assists.
Defender David Savard trained with the regular group. Savard has been sidelined since October 23, when he suffered a broken left hand against the Buffalo Sabres. The team announced he would be out for six to eight weeks.
“It’s nice to see him back on the ice,” Guhle said. It’s good to have another veteran in the group and it will take some pressure off “Billy’s” shoulders. [Mike Matheson]. »
Savard’s return to the game will have to wait a little longer. St-Louis has indicated that it will not face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.