On Sunday, August 23, the Galeries Saint-Hyacinthe will host the Hockey Fest. The day should be a delight for Montreal Canadiens fans, as Lane Hutson, Arber Xhekaj, and former Hab Chris Nilan will be on hand to meet fans. The event will run from 10:00 to 17:00, and attendees can register to take part in a skills challenge with the players. Spots are limited, and the only way to book yours is to attend.
The players will be present from 11:30 to 15:00, and fans who register for the skills challenge can get personalized souvenir cards. Every 30 minutes from 11:30 to 15:00, there will be an official Habs jersey to be won. Gift cards from the shopping center will also be drawn at random. Winners have to be on site to claim their prize. Canadiens’ mascot Youppi! will also be in attendance, and there will be some fun games in the animated zone to test attendees’ reflexes. The event is free to attend, and it’s a great activity to take the kids to before the dreaded back-to-school week.
Advertisement
Ducks Prospect Gives Ringing Endorsement Of New Canadiens Player
Former Canadiens Player To Have Number Retired Overseas
Much Like The Young Canadiens, Eventually The Front Office Will Have To Evolve
While there is still over a month to go before the start of the season, defenseman Xhekaj remains an RFA and in need of a new contract. One has to wonder whether the Canadiens will manage to ink the fan favorite before training camp starts, or if something else is in the works given the congestion on the Canadiens’ blueline.
With Mike Matheson, Noah Dobson, Hutson, Alexandre Carrier and Kaiden Guhle having established themselves as regulars, there is little space remaining for Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and rookies Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher, who are now knocking on the NHL’s door. Something will have to give, and while fans are unlikely to want to see Xhekaj go, he remains one of the top candidates for a move given how little ice time Martin St-Louis seems willing to give him.
Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.
Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens’ page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens’ roundtable on The Hockey News.
