It’s a ritual at the Bell Center. When a player is named first star, he steps into the spotlight to speak directly to fans, share a moment of humanity.
Last night, it was the turn of Mike Matheson, this guy from the West Island, a defender who has carried Montreal on his shoulders since he donned the blue-white-red.
And yesterday, this moment was different. There was emotion in his voice, a pride that shone through, a recognition for this city, his city, which saw him grow up and which welcomed him as one of its own.
“Coming back to the Bell Centre, with the crowd and this atmosphere, it makes all the difference. A Saturday night, a hockey night, it’s always special here.”
Mike Matheson is the type of player you take for granted.
A guy from here, a good jack who gives his all night after night, but who, in the shadow of hopefuls like Lane Hutson, sometimes becomes the target of our impatience.
We criticize him for his mistakes, we dream of seeing him give up his place on the first powerplay unit, but last night, he reminded us why he deserves better than that.
Even before the puck dropped, Matheson had already felt the energy at the Bell Center go up a notch.
“With the presentation to Shea Weber also before the match, a nice ovation. It was fun to have the energy of the crowd. I think the guys really played for that, then we had an excellent start to match.”
And throughout the match, he was up to the task.
Defensively, he showed why he is the pillar of this brigade.
Offensively, he helped create momentum. And after the match, he didn’t talk about himself, but about the team, about the collective effort.
“We were able to build momentum, it just continued throughout the period. I think it was a really good game tonight.”
But the most memorable moment came afterwards, when he spoke directly to fans at the Bell Centre.
You could feel in his words that he doesn’t just play for the team, but for this city, for these people who fill the stands night after night.
What we sometimes forget is that we have an exceptional player here, a local guy who represents Montreal with pride.
Think about it: how many times in recent history have we had a number one defender from this city?
Patrice Brisebois, perhaps.
But beyond the performances, what Matheson offered us last night was a lesson in gratitude.
He gives himself for us. He plays for this city. And sometimes, in our impatience, we forget to give it back.
So, Mike, on behalf of all the fans who haven’t always appreciated you for your true worth: Mea Culpa.
We’re lucky to have you.
Lucky to be able to count on a guy like you, who has more than just his heart in the right place.
Yesterday, you reminded us why Montreal is your home.
And for that, thank you.
Amen
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