While the NHL takes a little time off for Christmas and no games are scheduled for December 24-26, some Montreal Canadiens the players couldn’t help but get on the ice during the short break. Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov not only went to the CN Sports Complex in Brossard; they also visited local outdoor rinks.
On Christmas Eve, Hutson, the reigning Calder Trophy winner, surprised Notre-Dame-De-Grâce fans by showing up to play some brilliant hockey with them. Needless to say, those in attendance were incredibly happy to skate alongside the young star.
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Since arriving in Montreal, Hutson has demonstrated his love for the game with an incredible work ethic, taking to the ice so often on his days off that the team had to intervene and tell him to stay off the ice. Given this, it’s no surprise that he felt the need to skate on Christmas Eve, and showing up at a local rink and making everyone’s party shows how much he appreciates the city of Montreal and its fans. He has already demonstrated his commitment to the city and the team by signing an 8-year contract that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2033-34 season.
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Then, on Christmas Day, Hutson did it again, but this time he brought a friend: Russian rookie Demidov. According to a Canadiens fan who was there, they played 15 to two, and the fans still looked like pylons, but they didn’t care; the children’s eyes were lit up by the magic of Christmas.
The players also took photos with the fans and were happy to volunteer their time to make the fans’ Christmas even better. For years, parents have read The Sweater by Roch Carrier as a story for their children, a book in which a young boy’s biggest Christmas wish is to get a Montreal Canadiens sweater for Christmas, but it would also make a great children’s book. Imagine the child receiving a Hutson jersey, going to the rink to wear it, and ultimately playing with the player.
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Congratulations to Hutson and Demidov for taking the time to make some kids’ dreams come true this year. It didn’t cost them anything, but for those who had the opportunity to skate alongside their idols at Christmas, it was a priceless experience.
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