When the Canadiens called Michael Hage to the podium to announce the 21st selection in the National Hockey League (NHL) draft, emotions ran high in the Sphere in Las Vegas.
• Read also: First-round prospect Michael Hage tragically lost his father a year ago
Hage overcame an immensely difficult ordeal last season when his father tragically passed away in a swimming accident. His father, who was born in Montreal, was a huge Canadiens fan, a passion he passed on to his son even though he resided in Ontario.
“I have been a supporter of the Canadian since I was five years old,” Hage told Renaud Lavoie in impeccable French after being chosen by the CH. My father, my mother, my brother, we all loved the Canadian. It’s a dream for me.”
Emotion was visible on Hage’s face when he then addressed the death of his father who, according to him, would have been very proud of him.
“If he could see this now,” he said, his throat tight with emotion. “It’s incredible.”
Despite the ordeal, Hage was still able to excel on the ice, finishing last season with 75 points in 58 USHL games in Chicago.
It was the fourth-best haul for a 17-year-old skater on the circuit.
He is expected to play in the USHL again next season before joining the ranks of the University of Michigan for the 2025-2026 season.
