Cole Caufield scored a goal off a pass from Tanner Pearson, Mathias Norlinder completed a perfect pass from Nick Suzuki, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard raced to the net to retrieve a loose puck and score, and Quentin Miller experienced a shot from the mound on the Bell Center ice cream.
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Here are some of the key takeaways from the Red team’s 4-3 win over the White team on Sunday afternoon at the Bell Centre.
According to tradition, the CH invited the fans to an internal team game. Despite the beautiful sunshine outside, there were once again very few free seats in the amphitheater. According to the organization, the crowd numbered 21,105 supporters.
A reality that still upsets Mike Matheson, despite being in his second camp in Montreal.
“I have played in other cities in the league and I can tell you that it is not normal to see so many people at an intra-team game,” said the defender with a smile. That’s one of those things you watch as a player and you realize how special it is to be a Canadiens player. It was loud like a regular season game. I repeat myself, but what the fans do for us is not normal.”
In a more relaxed context than midseason, Matheson ended his interviews in the team’s locker room with his two-year-old son (Hudson) in his arms. David Savard had led the young Matheson to his father.
An obvious passion
On the podium at the press conference with Stéphane Robidas, Alex Burrows also described the excitement of hockey for CH even in a rebuilding cycle.
“I think it’s unbelievable,” replied Burrows, one of Martin St-Louis’ assistants. Toronto is often referred to as a hockey mecca, but it’s incredible to see the passion for hockey here. In Montreal it really is a religion. It’s nice outside, but the Bell Center remains full for a game between the Reds and Whites.
A first for Pearson
Acquired from the Canucks on September 19 along with a 2025 third-round pick for goaltender Casey DeSmith, Tanner Pearson entered the Bell Center rink for the first time in his new uniform.
In his debut, Pearson ran on the right wing alongside Suzuki and Caufield. Beyond this extremely interesting audition, Number 70 was also happy to discover the hustle and bustle of his new city.
“There were more than 20,000 people present at an intra-team game, it was something special to see,” said the 31-year-old winger. I can also imagine that the ticket prices were not the same as in the season. There are probably people who can’t afford tickets all year round. It’s a good opportunity for them to visit us.”
“I have played in Vancouver and Los Angeles and have never attended a meeting like this during a camp,” he continued. It’s unique to Montreal.”
More good words for Davidson
Jared Davidson, who scored a hat trick on Friday, continued his momentum with another goal. The Habs’ 5th-round pick in 2022 beat Jake Allen with a good wrist snap.
Photo Martin Chevalier
The now 21-year-old Davidson should logically wear the colors of the Laval Rocket in his first professional season. If he has minimal chances of landing a position in Montreal, the former Seattle Thunderbirds are already making a good impression.
“He’s very good this week,” Burrows admitted. He’s a shooter, he doesn’t waste time. He positions himself well, he sees the ice well. He impressed me from day one.”
After the game, CH returned to the junior ranks with four players: Quentin Miller (Quebec), Jan Spunar (Portland), Florian Xhekaj (Hamilton) and Cédrick Guindon (Owen Sound).