Press Release - Habs Sign Max Pacioretty to Six-Year Deal

Six-year contract extension for Max Pacioretty

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Monday the signing of forward Max Pacioretty to a six-year contract extension (2013-14 to 2018-19). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Pacioretty, 23, completed his fourth season in the NHL in 2011-12, leading the team in scoring with a personal career-high of 65 points. He ranked second on the team in goals (33) and third in assists (32). He finished fourth in the NHL in even strength goals (29). In 79 games last season Pacioretty scored five winning goals and totaled 286 shots on goal (tied for 10th in the NHL). The forward served 56 penalty minutes, maintained a +2 plus/minus differential and recorded 104 hits, while playing an average of 18:15 per game.

Pacioretty was the 2011-12 recipient of the Bill Masterton Trophy in the NHL, a true example of perseverance, determination and dedication to the game. He returned to action in 2011-12 after missing the team’s last 15 regular season games and the playoffs in 2010-11, with a fractured neck and a concussion suffered on March 8, 2011 against Boston. Pacioretty launched the Max Pacioretty Foundation, to help the Montreal General Hospital Foundation raise the funds needed towards acquiring a Functional MRI machine (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for the Traumatic Brain Injury Centre at the MGH/MUHC.

Since 2008-09, Pacioretty has registered 114 points (53 goals, 61 assists) in 202 NHL regular-season games. The 6’2’’, 210 lbs left winger has recorded 142 penalty minutes. Pacioretty has scored 12 of his goals on the powerplay and added seven game winning goals.

A native of New Canaan, Connecticut, Pacioretty was drafted in the first-round, 22nd overall by the Canadiens at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. On March 8, 2012, he became the first American-born player in team history to reach the 30-goal plateau in one season, scoring in an empty net against the Oilers in Edmonton.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Sign Blake Geoffrion

CANADIENS SIGN BLAKE GEOFFRION TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (July 16, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today the signing of forward Blake Geoffrion to a one-year, two-way contract (2012-13). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The 24-year old Geoffrion played 35 games with the Canadiens and the Nashville Predators in 2011-2012. He registered five points (2 goals, 3 assists), 40 hits and 27 penalty minutes, playing an average of 11:02 minutes per game. In his second year in professional hockey, he also played with the Milwaukee Admirals and Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL, recording 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games.

Acquired by the Canadiens in a transaction with Nashville involving defenseman Hall Gill, the 6’01’’, 190 lbs forward collected 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 55 regular season games in the NHL. Geoffrion added two assists in 12 playoff games in 2010-11, along with a +1 plus/minus ratio.

A native of Plantation, Florida, Geoffrion was drafted in the second round, 56th overall by the Predators at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He was awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as the Top U.S. Collegiate Player in 2010.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Sign Aaron Palushaj

CANADIENS SIGN AARON PALUSHAJ TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (July 12, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today the signing of forward Aaron Palushaj to a one-year, two-way contract (2012-13). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Palushaj, 22, completed his third season in professional hockey in 2011-12, his second in the Canadiens organization. In 38 games, the right winger tallied five points (1 goal, 4 assists). He recorded 37 shots on goal, and served 8 penalty minutes, while averaging 7:33 seconds of ice time per game. Palushaj scored his first NHL goal on March 17 against the New York Islanders.

Palushaj finished third on the Hamilton Bulldogs scoring list in 2011-12 with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 35 games. He scored seven powerplay goals, collected 115 shots on goal and served 35 penalty minutes.

The Livonia, Michigan native Palushaj was acquired from the St. Louis Blues in return for forward Matt D’Agostini on March 3, 2010.

Read More

Press Release - Habs sign Carey Price to Six-Year Deal

Canadiens sign Carey Price to a six-contract

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Monday the signing of goaltender Carey Price to a six-year contract (2012-13 to 2017-18). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Price, 24, completed his fifth season with the Canadiens in the NHL in 2011-12. In 65 games, the 6’03’’, 221 lbs goaltender maintained a record of 26 wins, 28 losses and 11 overtime/shootout losses. He recorded four shutouts with a 2.43 goals against average. Price stopped 1,754 of the 1,914 shots he faced for a .916 save percentage.

Since 2007-08, Price displays a 124-104-35 record in 271 regular season games. He ranks tied for 11th in team’s history with 16 shutouts. He shows a 2.56 goals against average and a .916 save percentage.

Price was the Molson Cup recipient for the months of October, November, December and February, to earn the honours for the 2011-12 season. The netminder took part in his third All-Star Game, held last January in Ottawa.

A native of Anahim Lake, British Columbia, Price was the Canadiens’ first pick (first round, fifth overall) at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Hire Martin Lapointe and Patrice Brisebois

Martin Lapointe and Patrice Brisebois join the Canadiens in player development

MONTREAL (June 13, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens Executive vice president and general manager, Marc Bergevin, announced today the appointment of Martin Lapointe to the position of director of player development, and Patrice Brisebois to the position of player development coach.

A native of Ville St-Pierre, Quebec, Martin Lapointe enjoyed a successful 14-year career in the NHL with four different teams before he was hired as a pro scout by the Chicago Blackhawks organization in December 2009. Over his NHL career, Martin suited up for 991 games recording 381 points (181 goals and 200 assists) after being drafted 10th overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks on August 4, 2005, Martin Lapointe would go on to play 216 games with the Hawks over three seasons recording 30 goals and 32 assists before being acquired by the Ottawa Senators at the trading deadline, on February 26, 2008. Prior to joining the Blackhawks, the former Lac St. Louis and Laval Titan star forward spent three seasons with the Boston Bruins where he was signed as an unrestricted free agent on July 2, 2001. As a Bruin, Lapointe had 83 points, including 40 goals in 205 games. He made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings in 1991-92 suiting up for four games. Lapointe would earn a permanent spot on the Red Wings roster in 1993-94 playing 50 games and racking up 16 points. He tallied his first NHL goal on November 21, 1993 scoring on St. Louis’ netminder Curtis Joseph. As a Red Wing, Lapointe took part in 552 games, amassing 108 goals and adding 122 helpers for a total of 230 points. He also played a pivotal role in the Red Wings Stanley Cup championships in 1997 and 1998, scoring the Cup winning goal in the fourth and decisive game of the finals over the Washington Capitals in 1998.

Now 38, Martin Lapointe started out his professional career with a Calder Cup championship with Adirondack (AHL) in 1991-1992. He began his junior career with the Laval Titan at age 16 playing four seasons with that franchise racking seasons of 96, 98, 55 and 89 points. He wrapped up his QMJHL career with 338 points, including 149 goals, in 195 games. Lapointe also played in the Memorial Cup tournament in 1992-93 and led the CHL with 30 playoff points (13 goals and 17 assists). On the international stage, Lapointe represented Canada at three World Junior Hockey Championships winning a gold medal in 1991 (Saskatoon) and 1993 (Gävle, Sweden). His combined record at the WJHC shows 9 goals and 8 assists in 21 games.

Martin Lapointe and his wife, Tania, have four children.

Born on January 27, 1971 in Montreal, defenseman Patrice Brisebois enjoyed a successful 18-year career in the NHL, including 16 with the Canadiens, who made him their second round pick, 30th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Throughout his career Brisebois suited up in 1,009 games, recording 98 goals and 322 assists, for a total of 420 points. He appeared in 98 playoff contests, notching 32 points, and won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1993.

Patrice Brisebois spent the last two seasons of his career with the Canadiens during which he played his 1,000th NHL game on March 14, 2009, after suiting up for the Colorado Avalanche from 2005 to 2007. A chronic back injury limited him to 113 games during which he recorded 11 goals and 38 helpers. He enjoyed his most successful seasons with Montreal. From 1990-91, at only 20 years of age, until the end of the 2003-04 season Brisebois played 791 games, recording 342 points, including 79 goals. He ranks third among Canadiens’ defensemen for games played (behind Larry Robinson and Serge Savard) and 11th on the team’s all-time list.

Patrice Brisebois’ career was successful at all levels, starting with his junior years when he participated in the Memorial Cup tournament on three occasions, twice with the Laval Titan and once with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, being named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team in 1991. That same year, Brisebois was voted top defenseman in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), and earned a spot on the QMJHL’s First All-Star Team.

On the international stage he is one of few players to represent Canada twice at the World Junior Championship winning the gold medal on each occasion, in 1990 and 1991. In 14 games in those two championships he scored 3 goals and added 8 assists for 11 points. Patrice Brisebois stood out for his community involvement throughout his career with the Canadiens. He was awarded the Jean-Béliveau Trophy in 2009 for his remarkable impact on the community.

Patrice Brisebois and his wife, Michèle, have two daughters.

Read More

Habs Press Release - Marc Bergevin appointed General Manager

MONTREAL (May 2, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens Owner, President and CEO, Geoff Molson, announced today the appointment of Marc Bergevin as Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Marc Bergevin becomes the 17th General Manager in Canadiens history. Bergevin, 46, spent the last seven seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks organization, including the past season (2011-12) as assistant general manager under Stan Bowman.

A native of Pointe-Saint-Charles, Montreal, Bergevin has held various positions within the Blackhawks organization, including director of player personnel for two seasons (2009 to 2011), winning the Stanley Cup in his first season as director of player personnel in 2009-10. Bergevin served as an assistant coach on Joel Quenneville’s staff during the 2008-09 campaign. He also spent three years on the Blackhawks scouting staff (2005 to 2008), including one season as director of professional scouting (2007-08).

Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the third round (59th overall) in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, Bergevin enjoyed a 20-season career as a defenceman in the National Hockey League, collecting 181 points (36 goals, 145 assists) in 1,191 regular season games with Chicago (1984-89), the New York Islanders (1989-90), Hartford Whalers (1990-92), Tampa Bay Lightning (1992-95, 2002-03), Detroit Red Wings (1995-96), St. Louis Blues (1996-2001, 2001-02) Pittsburgh Penguins (2000-01, 2002-04) and Vancouver Canucks (2003-04).

Bergevin also skated in 80 career playoff contests, reaching the Conference finals twice in 1996 (Detroit) and in Pittsburgh (2001).

Bergevin played his junior hockey in the QMJHL with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, from 1982 to 1984 (136 regular season games).

Marc Bergevin and his wife, Ruth, have three children.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Recall Andreas Engqvist (again)

Canadiens recall Andreas Engqvist from the Hamilton Bulldogs

MONTREAL (March 5, 2012) – The Montreal Canadiens announced today that forward Andreas Engqvist has been recalled from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. He will join the team in Calgary.

Assigned to the Bulldogs on March 3 the 6’01’’ and 201 lbs centre ranks first on the Bulldogs in scoring with 34 points (18 goals, 16 assists) in 44 games this season. Eight of his goals were scored on the powerplay.

Engqvist registered 106 shots on goal and 28 penalty minutes.

In 11 games with the Canadiens this season, Engqvist, 24, recorded five blocked shots and nine hits, while averaging 6:26 of ice time per game.

The Stockholm-born forward Engqvist signed with the Canadiens as a free agent on July 13, 2009.

Read More

Press Release - Montreal Canadiens Sign Morgan Ellis

CANADIENS SIGN DEFENSEMAN MORGAN ELLIS TO A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (March 1, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of defenseman Morgan Ellis to a three-year contract (2012-13 to 2014-15). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In 54 games with the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Shawinigan Cataractes, Ellis ranks tied for seventh among defensemen in the league with 46 points (13 goals and 33 assists). He ranks tied for fifth among league defensemen for goals (13). The 6’02’’ and 204 lbs defenseman displays a +18 plus/minus differential and served 45 penalty minutes.

A native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Ellis, 19, has recorded 117 points (25 goals and 92 assists) in 231 games since his junior debut with Cape Breton in 2008-09. He was drafted in the fourth round, 117th overall by the Canadiens at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Ellis took part in his second training camp with the Canadiens in 2011, appearing in one preseason game. He was returned to the Screaming Eagles on September 26.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Recall Blake Geffrion, Send Louis Leblanc to AHL

Canadiens recalled Blake Geoffrion from the Hamilton Bulldogs - Louis Leblanc assigned to Hamilton

MONTREAL (February 27, 2012) – The Montreal Canadiens announced today that forward Blake Geoffrion has been recalled from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. Geoffrion will join the team in Tampa Bay and will be available for the game against the Lightning on Tuesday, February 28. The Club announced that forward Louis Leblanc has been assigned to Hamilton.

The 24-year old Geoffrion took part in five games with the Bulldogs since being acquired from the Nashville Predators on February 17. He collected eight points (2 goals, 6 assists), with a +1 plus/minus differential and 20 shots on goal. One of his goals was tallied on the power play.

The 6’01’’, 190 lbs left winger played 22 games with the Predators this season. He registered three assists, 29 hits and 17 penalty minutes, playing an average of 10 minutes and 20 seconds per game. In his second year in professional hockey this season, Geoffrion also played with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals recording nine points, including two goals, in 20 games.

A native of Plantation, Florida, Geoffrion was drafted in the second round, 56th overall by the Predators at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He was awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as the Top U.S. Collegiate Player in 2010.

Recalled from the Bulldogs on February 1, the 6’ and 184 lbs centre played 26 games with the Canadiens this season, including his first NHL game on November 30 against the Ducks in Anaheim. Leblanc recorded seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) including his first career NHL goal on December 15 against the Philadelphia Flyers. He registered 33 shots on goal, 42 hits and displayed a +2 plus/minus differential, while playing an average of 10 minutes and 26 seconds per game.

The 21-year old Pointe-Claire, Quebec native posted 17 points (9 goals and 8 assists) in 25 games thus far with the Bulldogs this season. Leblanc scored two of his goals on the powerplay. He added 92 shots on goal.

The Canadiens’ first round selection, 18th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Leblanc signed a 3-year contract with the Club on July 30, 2010.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Trade Hal Gill to Nashville for Blake Geoffrion

CANADIENS ACQUIRE FORWARDS BLAKE GEOFFRION AND ROBERT SLANEY, WITH A SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK IN 2012 FROM THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS IN RETURN FOR HAL GILL AND A CONDITIONAL FIFTH ROUND DRAFT PICK IN 2013

MONTREAL (February 17, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens general manager, Pierre Gauthier, announced today the acquisition of forwards Blake Geoffrion and Robert Slaney, as well as a second round draft pick in 2012 from the Nashville Predators, in return for defenseman Hal Gill and a conditional fifth round draft pick in 2013.

The 24-year old Geoffrion played 22 games with the Predators this season. He registered three assists, 29 hits and 17 penalty minutes, playing an average of 10 minutes and 20 seconds per game. In his second year in professional hockey this season, he also played with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals recording nine points, including two goals, in 20 games.

The 6’01’’, 190 lbs left winger has collected 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 42 regular season games in the NHL. Geoffrion displays a career +1 plus/minus differential. He added two assists in 12 playoff games in 2010-11, along with a +1 plus/minus ratio.

A native of Plantation, Florida, Geoffrion was drafted in the second round, 56th overall by the Predators at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He was awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, as the Top U.S. Collegiate Player in 2010.

Slaney, 23, notched one assist in nine games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, and 18 points (11 goals, 7 assists) in 30 games with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones this season.

A product of the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles the 6’02’’, 203 lbs left winger registered eight assists in 52 career games in the AHL. Slaney added 53 points (19 goals, 34 assists) in 113 career games in the ECHL.

The Upper Cove Island, Newfoundland native Slaney signed as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 14, 2009. He was acquired from Toronto by the Predators on July 3, 2011.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Hal Gill for his contribution to our team over the last three seasons. His leadership and commitment were much appreciated. I wish him the best of luck with his new team. We are also very pleased to have acquired a second round draft selection in 2012 and two young prospects for our organisation. We look forward to working together with Blake Geoffrion and Robert Slaney to continue their progression,” said Canadiens’ general manager Pierre Gauthier.

Hal Gill played 53 games this season with the Canadiens registering eight points (1 goal, 7 assists). He recorded 48 hits and 122 blocked shots, playing an average of 16 minutes and 44 seconds per game.

Since joining the NHL, Gill has recorded 179 points (36 goals and 143 helpers) and maintained a +43 plus/minus ratio in 1,047 NHL regular season games.

Read More

Press Release - Andrei Markov To Undergo Surgery

ANDREI MARKOV TO UNDERGO KNEE SURGERY

MONTREAL (December 3, 2010) – The Montreal Canadiens today announced that defenseman Andrei Markov will undergo knee surgery on Wednesday, December 8. The surgery, to repair a meniscus and reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), will be performed in Alabama by doctor James Andrews.

“ We are very confident that Andrei will be able to fully recover from this injury ”, said the Canadiens’ general manager Pierre Gauthier.

The 31-year old Russian defenseman will not return this season. Markov suffered a knee injury during the November 13 game against Carolina at the Bell Centre, and missed the team’s last nine games.

Markov registered 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in seven games with the Canadiens this season. He missed the first 10 games of the season, from October 7 to 29, due to a knee injury suffered on April 30, 2010.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Pay Tribute to Children of Leucan

THE MONTREAL CANADIENS PAY TRIBUTE TO CHILDREN OF LEUCAN

Montreal (October 28, 2010) – On Saturday October 30, the Montreal Canadiens will pay tribute to children fighting cancer as part of the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Program. This home game will be dedicated to children members of Leucan, an association whose mission is to help cancer-stricken children and their families believe in a brighter future.

On that occasion, the coaching staff, team management and RDS broadcasters will be wearing lavender Hockey Fights Cancer ties. A total of 46 companies who own private suites at the Bell Centre will be supporting the Montreal Canadiens’ organization in this initiative by hosting 71 young members of Leucan and their parents in their suites.

Children and their parents will attend a pre-game reception hosted by the players’ wives and girlfriends, during which a $10,000 donation will be made to Leucan on behalf of the NHL and the Hockey Fights Cancer Program. The evening will come to an end as the young guests will enjoy a post-game meet and greet with a few players and team mascot Youppi!.

A dedicated partner of the Canadiens in this initiative since its inception, RDS will offer a night to remember to some of the young guests who will have the opportunity to watch the game from the RDS suite, visit the broadcasting studios and the press gallery before calling the play-by-play with Pierre Houde and Benoit Brunet. Various RDS personalities will also be attending the pre-game reception to meet with all the children of Leucan and participate in the distribution of souvenir gifts. Radio rights holders CKAC Sports and CJAD will also welcome children for interviews during intermissions.

Since the creation of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer program eleven years ago, the Montreal Canadiens have teamed up with all NHL clubs and the NHLPA as active participants in this annual event to promote public awareness and raise funds for organizations involved in cancer care and research in North America. Since 1998 the program has raised in excess of $11 million.

Read More

Press Release - Habs Children's Foundation Donates Rink

MONTREAL CANADIENS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION DONATES THE FOURTH BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE OUTDOOR RINK TO LASALLE YOUTH

MONTREAL (October 19, 2010) – The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce that Hayward Park in LaSalle Borough has been selected as the site of the fourth outdoor community BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rink. Construction will begin in August 2011.

The Foundation determines the location of each multipurpose rink and infrastructure by working closely with Montreal’s major community and social organizations, such as Québec en Forme, Centraide of Greater Montreal, public health leaders, sports and recreation groups, as well as diverse municipal organizations. The implementation of each multifunctional rink is also the result of concerted efforts and strategic mobilization aimed at helping youth in their development. The committee conducts a thorough analysis by studying all site proposals and statistics that will best benefit children before a location is officially determined.

BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE RINK #3: construction under way in Verdun
Thanks to a major donation by the Hockey Canada Foundation, which was announced in June 2009, the third BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rink will be unveiled over the next few months at Willibrord Park in the borough of Verdun. Construction is currently under way as the Foundation’s partners, entrepreneurs and volunteers continue to work hard in order to offer youth of the area a rink with quality ice throughout winter. Because the success of the BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE program relies on the tireless efforts of volunteers and community organizers from many sectors, the Foundation is proud to team up with the community in offering a truly unique program that contributes to the quality of life and health of thousands of children.

Youth on the move in Saint-Michel and Montreal North!
Winter 2009 saw the construction of the first outdoor rink at François-Perrault Park in Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, and, in January 2010, the second rink was unveiled at Le Carignan Park in Montreal North. This has resulted in more than 3,000 hours of physical activity by local school children, members of community organizations and residents. As well, more than 10,000 youth and citizens have used the BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rinks for various activities, both during summer and winter. Part of the resounding success of this program is a result of continuous efforts by Vivre Saint-Michel en Santé et Écoles et milieux en santé, a group that facilitates the use of these rinks by the communities involved.

BLEU BLANC BOUGE at a glance
BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE is the Montreal Children’s Foundation flagship project. This exciting initiative calls for the construction of five refrigerated outdoor multipurpose community rinks built at a cost of one million dollars each, which can accommodate various sports activities in less privileged neighborhoods in the greater Montreal area. These rinks are recognized as recreational and gathering centers, where physical exercise allows local children to learn more about adopting healthy lifestyles and enjoying sports. The Foundation has launched these rinks with the help of key partners, including the FTQ and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, in collaboration with the City of Montreal’s blue collar workers, members of FTQ Construction and regional entrepreneurs who offer financial and material resources, as well as volunteer labour. The Foundation also relies on the expertise of Arena Design Services when it comes to selecting rink products and services, and Québec en Forme, which helps the Foundation in finding sites and community partners, as well as the development of each site and measuring the impact of the program on local communities.

About the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation: The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation is determined to provide a better and healthier future for children in need, and is committed to encourage and promote a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth. Since its inception in August 2000, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to over 400 charitable groups working to support the well-being of children across Quebec.

Read More

Press Release - Canadiens assign five players to the Hamilton Bulldogs

Canadiens assign five players to the Hamilton Bulldogs

MONTREAL (September 27, 2010) – The Montreal Canadiens announced tonight that five (5) players were assigned to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs will be leaving on Tuesday, September 28 for Newfoundland where they will hold training camp until October 3, including three preseason games against the Binghamton Senators. The Canadiens will play their last two preseason games on Thursday September 30 against the Buffalo Sabres, at the Bell Centre, and on Saturday, October 2 against the New York Islanders, at the Colisée de Québec.

Here are the five players assigned to Hamilton:

Goaltender (1)
Peter Delmas

Defenseman (1)
Mathieu Carle

Forwards (3)
Gabriel Dumont
Andreas Engqvist
David Desharnais

Thirty-one (31) players are still at training camp, including three (3) goaltenders, ten (10) defensemen and eighteen (18) forwards. The list of injured players at camp includes; Curtis Sanford (lower body), Andrei Markov (knee), Roman Hamrlik (knee), Hunter Bishop (upper body), Max Pacioretty (upper body) and Ryan Russell (lower body).

Read More

Habs Press Release - 58 Players Invited to Training Camp

58 PLAYERS INVITED TO THE CANADIENS TRAINING CAMP

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday that 58 players will participate in the 2010-11 training camp. Players will report for physicals and medical exams at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard on Friday, September 17.

The Canadiens first on-ice session will take place at the Bell Sports Complex on Saturday, September 18. The training camp will run until Wednesday, October 6, and include a stay in the Charlevoix area from October 3-6, in preparation for the season opener against the Maple Leafs at Air Canada Center on Thursday, October 7.

The list of players invited to training camp includes 6 goaltenders, 18 defensemen and 32 forwards. 29 of the 31 players who attended the rookie camp have been invited to the main camp.

The Canadiens completed today their annual rookie camp at the Bell Sports Complex. From the 31 players invited, two were returned to their respective junior or college team; forwards Jonathan Brunelle (Drummondville – QMJHL), and Dustin Walsh (Dartmouth – ECAC).


Training Camp Schedule (September 17-21)
Please find below the schedule for the first five days of training camp. The Canadiens will play their first preseason game on Wednesday, September 22, against the Boston Bruins, at the Bell Centre.

September 17
Medicals and Physical Testing

September 18
Practices, groups A-B 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Game A vs B 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Practice, group C 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

September 19
Practices, groups A-C 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Game A vs C 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Practice, group B 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

September 20
Practices, groups B-C 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Game B vs C 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Practice, group A 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

September 21
Practices, groups A-B 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Scrimmages
Canadiens fans are invited to attend all practices at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard, starting on September 18. Fans will have access to the stands for the scrimmages on September 18-19-20.

Read More

Official Press Release - Habs name Randy Cunneyworth Head Coach of the Bulldogs

RANDY CUNNEYWORTH NAMED HEAD COACH OF THE HAMILTON BULLDOGS
Randy Ladouceur appointed assistant coach with the Bulldogs

MONTREAL (July 20, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today that the club has named Randy Cunneyworth Head Coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. The Canadiens also announced the hiring of Randy Ladouceur as the Bulldogs’ assistant coach.

“We were looking for a strong leader to coach our farm team in Hamilton. In Randy Cunneyworth, we get an individual who knows the game inside out and who brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, to the table. Together, Randy Cunneyworth and Randy Ladouceur combine for over 20 years of coaching experience at the professional level. We are extremely pleased that they have joined the Canadiens’ organization”, said Gauthier.

Randy Cunneyworth was an assistant coach with the National Hockey League’s Atlanta Thrashers over the past two seasons (2008-09 and 2009-10). He previously spent nine seasons with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, including seven seasons as head coach from 2000 to 2008. During his tenure with the Americans, he led his team to three 40-plus win seasons, two 100-plus point seasons and six playoff berths. He left Rochester as the longest serving coach in franchise history and ranks second on the club’s all-time wins list. During the 2004-05 season, Cunneyworth led the Americans to a 51-19-4-6 record (112 points), en route to the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the league’s top team in the regular season standings. That season, Cunneyworth would earn the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Trophy as the AHL’s Coach of the Year. He also reached the AHL’s Calder Cup Finals with Rochester as a player/assistant coach in 1999-00, earning the Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award that same season (sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey). He played a total of 273 career AHL games with Rochester and Springfield, recording 270 points (166 goals, 104 assists) and helping Rochester win the Calder Cup in 1983.

A 49-year old native of Etobicoke, ON, Randy Cunneyworth played 15 seasons in the NHL between 1981 and 1999. An eighth round selection, 167th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in 1980, the left winger played 866 career
regular season games, suiting up with Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Winnipeg, Hartford, Chicago and Ottawa. He registered 414 points (189 goals, 225 assists) and totaled 1,280 penalty minutes. He served as the Ottawa Senators captain for four seasons (1994 to 1998) and reached the Stanley Cup Finals with the Sabres in 1999.

Randy Ladouceur, 50, served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons in the NHL, including eight with the Carolina Hurricanes (and Hartford Whalers), from 1996 to 2004, and two with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Last season, he was an assistant coach for the Ontario Hockey League’s Niagara IceDogs. He was also Head Coach of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals in 2005-06.

A native of Brockville, ON, Ladouceur enjoyed an NHL career that spanned over 14 seasons, from 1982 to 1996, with Detroit, Hartford and Anaheim. The defenseman played 931 career NHL games, registering 156 points (30 goals, 126 assists) and 1,322 penalty minutes.

Read More

Official Press Release - Habs Sign Cederick Desjardins

CANADIENS SIGN CÉDRICK DESJARDINS TO A ONE-YEAR DEAL

MONTREAL (July 20, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of goaltender Cédrick Desjardins to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2010-11 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Desjardins, 24, led all AHL goaltenders in 2009-10 with a 2.00 goals- against average in 47 games. He posted a 29-9-4 record, finishing fourth in the league in wins, second in shutouts (6) and sixth with a .919 save percentage.

Desjardins helped the Bulldogs reach the AHL Western Conference Finals, while posting a 6-4-0 record in 10 playoff games. He played in the AHL All-Star Classic in 2010 and was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team. His 29 wins set a franchise record for the most in a season by a Bulldogs goaltender. He also set a franchise record with the longest shutout streak by a Bulldogs goaltender (212:37 mins).

The 6-foot, 194-pound goaltender played 92 career regular season games with the Bulldogs. He posted a 41-26-6 record along with 10 shutouts. Desjardins won the Kelly Cup with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones in 2007-08 (Playoff MVP), and the Memorial Cup with the Quebec Remparts in 2006.

A native of Edmundston, New Brunswick, Desjardins joined the Canadiens as a free agent on July 3, 2008.

Read More

Official Press Release - Habs Sign Ryan Russell

CANADIENS SIGN FORWARD RYAN RUSSELL TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (July 20, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of forward Ryan Russell to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2010-11 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Russell, 23, played in 74 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2009-10. He finished sixth on the team with 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists), and led the team with three shorthanded goals. Russell also maintained a plus-16 differential, added 149 shots on goal and served eight penalty minutes. He added 12 points (7-5-12) in 19 playoff games, while posting a plus-5 differential.

The 5-foot-10, 174-pound center has totaled 79 points (41 goals, 38 assists) in 178 career regular season games in the AHL with Hamilton. Russell also played 12 games in 2007-08 with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, collecting 10 points (6-4-10) and contributing to the Cyclones’ Kelly Cup Championship that year.

A native of Caroline, Alberta, Russell was selected in the seventh round, 211th overall by the New York Rangers at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Canadiens in a transaction with the Rangers on May 31, 2007.

Read More

Official Press Release - Larry Carriere Becomes Assistant GM

MONTREAL CANADIENS ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF LARRY CARRIÈRE AS ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER/PLAYER PERSONNEL

MONTREAL (July 16, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the appointment of Larry Carrière as Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel. His nomination is effective immediately.

“We are extremely happy to announce the appointment of Larry Carrière as Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel. Larry brings with him an important background in the NHL in several key areas such as recruitment, player evaluation and player development. He will be a key contributor to our hockey management team”, said Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier.

Larry Carrière was a member of the Washington Capitals organization since 2004 as pro scout. He spent the previous two decades with the Buffalo Sabres, handling the duties of Assistant General Manager from 1995 to 2004 (including a brief stint as General Manager in 1997). With the Sabres, he also worked as Director of Player Evaluation (1993 to 1995), as well as amateur scout (1983 to 1993).

“I am very pleased to join the Montreal Canadiens organization. Having grown up in the Montreal boroughs of Parc-Extension and Ville St-Laurent, I am grateful for this opportunity to bring my experience to the Canadiens. I have a great deal of respect for the tradition of the organization, and the passion of its fan base. I look forward to this new challenge, and will do my best to contribute to the success of the Canadiens for many years to come ", said Larry Carrière.

During his tenure with the Capitals, the team won the President’s Cup in 2010, and the AHL affiliate team, the Hershey Bears, captured the Calder Cup on three separate occasions (2010, 2009 and 2006). While with the Sabres organization in the position of Assistant General Manager, the Rochester Americans also won the Calder Cup in 1996.

A native of Montreal, Larry Carrière played seven seasons in the NHL between 1972 and 1980. Selected in the second round, 25th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1972, he played 367 career regular season games with Buffalo, Atlanta, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Toronto. He registered 90 points (16 goals, 74 assists) and totaled 462 penalty minutes. He reached the Stanley Cup Finals with the Sabres in 1975.

Larry Carrière, 58, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and earned a Major in Business Administration from Loyola College in Montreal (1972). He also attended Michigan University in Business Management (1981).

Read More

Official Press Release - Habs Sign Alexander Avtsin

CANADIENS SIGN FORWARD ALEXANDER AVTSIN TO A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT

MONTREAL (July 15, 2010) – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of forward Alexander Avtsin to a three-year contract (2010-11 to 2012-13). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Avtsin, 19, played 30 games in 2009-10 with the KHL’s Moscow Dynamo. The 6’2’’, 188 lbs right winger registered 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists), with 10 penalty minutes.

In 2008-09, Avtsin recorded 110 points (56 goals, 54 assists) in 76 regular season games with the Moscow Dynamo-2 (Russia-3), while also serving 130 penalty minutes.

A native of Moscow, Avtsin was selected in the fourth round, 109th overall by the Canadiens at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Avtsin participated in the Canadiens’ development camp in July 2009 and this past camp in July 2010.

Read More