MONTREAL — Even a nine-year veteran like Sean Monahan can feel a bit jittery ahead of an arena tour.
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That was definitely the case on Saturday as the newly acquired forward and his wife, Brittany, made their inaugural visit to the Bell Center as members of the Canadiens family.
These were good jitters, though, mixed with a ton of anticipation following the trade from Calgary on August 18.
“To be honest, I was nervous coming into the dressing room. I’ve been in a certain place for almost 10 years and change isn’t something I’m really used to. I only played for one team in Junior and I only played for one team my entire NHL career,” said Monahan, referencing his tenure with both the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) and the Flames. “But, checking it out made me excited. Everyone’s super nice, so I’m comfortable and felt super welcomed. This is a special franchise. There’s a lot of history behind it, and I’m really glad to be a part of it. “
Speaking of history, Monahan was awestruck by the iconic images of the countless Hall of Famers that hang above the players’ stalls.
The 27-year-old Brampton, ON native checked out the adjacent facilities as well while proudly sporting his fresh No. 91 Jersey.
“The history really hit me. There are a lot of pictures of important people who came through this organization. To see the people who carved the way and made that path for everybody else to make this such a special place to play, it’s pretty surreal. ,” said Monahan, a three-time 30-goal scorer with 656 regular-season games on his resume. “And then stepping out into the bowl, even with a concert set-up going on, I know what it feels like coming out from the other side. Being on the away team, coming to play here, I would still get goosebumps, so I can only imagine what it’s like going out there with the Canadiens sweater on.”
If Monahan’s recovery from hip surgery continues to trend in the right direction, he could experience that magical moment in the season opener on October 12 in Montreal.
That also happens to be his birthday, so hopefully the stars align.
“I can taste it. I’m almost getting goosebumps right now. It’s my birthday, it’s the home opener, and we’re playing the Leafs. That’s my goal, to be out there playing at a high level and doing what I can. to help this team win hockey games,” emphasized Monahan. “It would be a great gift for Britt and for my family. That’s what I’m shooting for. Playing the Leafs on my birthday in the opener at the Bell Center is pretty crazy to think about.”
Brittany will obviously be a staple in the stands for home games, and Monahan expects that his parents, John and Cathy, will attend quite a few matchups, too.
Their incredible support means everything to him.
“I think my parents only missed two games out of my three-year junior career. That’s games in Sault Ste. Marie, seven-hour drives there and back, and crossing borders to places like Plymouth, MI and Saginaw, MI, so they ‘re pretty important to me,” shared Monahan. “I think my dad will be at 30-plus home games. He’ll drive or fly to Montreal. He’s the type of guy who just wants to see it live. He might not even stay over after the game. He might just get go home to go back to work the next day. That’s the kind of guy he is. He really enjoys watching me play and he’s been a huge part of my career.”
“Really enjoys watching me play” might be an understatement because John always stayed up into the wee hours of the morning back home in Ontario to see his son in action with the Flames.
He wasn’t exactly getting the recommended hours of sleep, but those days are finally over.
“I was far away from home for a long time. Even with the time change, I don’t think my dad ever missed watching one of my games,” added Monahan. “Sometimes our games end at 2:30 am ET and he wakes up at 4:45 am, so he’s happy that he’s going to get a little more rest now.”
In the meantime, the countdown to training camp, preseason games, and opening night continues.
And the former sixth-overall pick is primed for the future.
“I’m feeling good again. I’m moving well, and I feel like an athlete again. Being traded to Montreal boosted my confidence. I feel like I’m 18 again and just starting in the League,” concluded Monahan. “It’s a fun time. I’m married now. My wife’s super excited for a new city. We’re starting the rest of our lives together here, and it’s a little bit closer to home. It’s an exciting time. It’s a great change for us, so I’m excited to settle in and get going.”
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