November 1, 2022
With October in the history books, the Habs are in better shape than anyone could have imagined at 5-4-0. But here is the kicker. They’re pulling it off without the man who was the backbone of the franchise for more than a decade, Carey Price.
On opening night, each player took to the ice greeted by the crowd’s ovation. The largest ovation of all was saved for a guy who wasn’t even wearing skates. Carey was announced and stepped into the limelight in his suit and cowboy hat – trademark Carey Price – a look he is not used to donning on the first home game of a hockey season. Carey stood there, a long time, soaking in the love another time while completely uncertain when or if he would ever receive another ovation like that.
Then last week Carey met with the media to provide an update on his health and future. Prior to the presser questions were being asked about whether he would announce his retirement, but he quickly shut that down. He said he was not ready to retire and that he hadn’t given up hope that he would play again one day. Carey acknowledged it might take a miracle for that to happen, either through a high risk surgery with iffy odds, or through the healing that only comes with time. Carey also said he was not giving up on winning a Stanley Cup “in some aspect – whatever position that would be.”
We went into that presser anticipating an end to the Carey Price era in Montreal, and left it wondering if another era with him was just beginning. That’s the kind of aura that accompanies this man, and that’s why he’s my October pick for Mug of the Month.
Hab At Her 