Pace on Earth

Dream Team

Last night the MacAfee's had a belated birthday party for me out at the new Fort Awesome. Scotty gave me a gift that was meant to keep me busy on my travels out west; the new book on the Habs and their 100th Anniversary - The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory. I immediately dove right in and in the preface read the fact that today, December 4th, is the 99th birthday of the inception of the team. Happy Birthday, now beat the Rangers!

The Habs are one of the most successful teams in sports. As such they have a loyal and rabid fan base and are one of the most beloved teams out there. For the same reasons they are one of the most hated teams in sports. It's one or the other.

It's been said that Canadians love and underdog. I tend to agree but I also know that kids love a winner. When I was a kid, the Canadiens were in the midst of a dynasty and they became my favourite team. Shortly afterwards Gretzky and those great Oilers teams took over but the Habs got top billing back with a trip to the Forum.

I can't remember the year exactly but it would have been between 82 and 85. They were playing the Penguins and won the game 6-5. We had good seats and I remember that my grandfather bought me a full set of signed player pictures. I still have them somewhere.

Shortly thereafter Patrick Roy arrived on the scene and they won their 23rd Stanley Cup and they have been my team since. In skimming through the book I found what is my favourite Habs legend. Howie Morenz, the team's leading scorer in the 20's and 30"s and was finishing his career with the team after short stints elsewhere. On January 23rd, 1937 he broke his leg, ending his career. A couple of weeks afterwards he died due to blood clots in his leg. His teammate, Aurel Joliat, had his own explanation though: "When he realized that he would never play again, he couldn't live with it. I think Howie died of a broken heart". That sentiment always struck me.

Sadly I haven't been back to a game in Montreal since that first one. The good news however, is that plans are now in motion to get to a game vs the Leafs in February.

Pace out.

posted by Vitamin S @ 5:33 p.m.