PHILADELPHIA | The life of a professional athlete can sometimes take unexpected and quick turns. This is the reality of Chris Tierney, the Canadian claimed on waivers on Thursday.
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After 13 games with the Florida Panthers, the Ontarian was packing his bags in Charlotte, home of the Florida school club, when he received a call from Jeff Gorton just after 2 p.m.
“I really wanted to be here today. So I quickly repacked my stuff and jumped on a plane,” said Tierney, taken after the Habs’ morning workout.
You can understand his zeal. For him, this is a golden opportunity to continue his career in the NHL after starting the American League season and suffering a concussion that left him out of action for a few weeks.
“It’s encouraging when a team calls out to you. It means she likes your game and wants you. It’s a fresh start for me,” said the man who was the Sharks’ 2012 second-round pick.
A fresh start that, as is so often the case, has to be made without knowing all the data.
“It’s a new team, a new system. They try to assimilate as many things as possible in training and in the following matches, mentioned the one who played 574 games in the NHL. But once the game starts, you let your instincts take over. »
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Tierney had not yet faced the Flyers, he was already looking forward to jumping onto the ice in front of these new fans on Saturday night against the Senators, a formation he played with for four seasons.
“Growing up as a hockey fan, they say playing for the Canadiens could be a great experience. I’m excited. I played several games against the Canadiens at the Bell Center. It’s a special place. I can’t wait,” he said.
The young fan in him also surfaced, stepping on the same surface as Martin St-Louis.
“When you hop on the ice with a player you see growing up, it’s exciting. I kept an eye on him to see if he would pull off a fake or make an impressive shot,” Tierney said.
progressive integration
As a former teammate of Josh Anderson at the London Knights, he knew what to expect from St. Louis, the coach.
“I’m good friends with Josh, so last year I asked him how it was. Martin was such a good player. I was curious what kind of coach he was. I’ve only heard good things about him,” Tierney said.
If the latter knows a little about his new coach, the same applies vice versa.
“He has experience. We will gradually integrate it,” said the resident of Laval. He is a responsible player who kills penalties. We want to see that from him first. »
- During morning practice, Kaiden Guhle trained with a regular jersey, another step towards a later return to play.