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Message on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens
Recorded at Rideau Hall, Thursday, December 18, 2008
On a cold February night in 1968, my family and I first set foot in Thetford Mines, Quebec, after having left our island home of Haiti.
I could see that the streets were deserted on Saturday nights, but I did not know why.
What was it that was keeping everyone at home?
There was a fever, I was told.
Hockey fever!
That year, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.
That year, I understood what the Montreal Canadiens represented for my adopted homeland: they were the heroic embodiment of this country’s pride, daring and courage.
Best wishes to the Montreal Canadiens as you celebrate your 100th anniversary.
Go, Habs, go!