THERE WILL BE BLOOD
A tradition that goes back 36 years, the Canadiens’ annual blood donor clinic was one of many reasons for team owner Geoff Molson to be happy on Monday
Geoff Molson had a couple of reasons to feel happy on Monday.
For starters, the hockey team he owns along with his brothers has turned things around after a disappointing start.
And he was at the Bell Centre for one of the Canadiens’ feel-good events, the annual blood drive organized along with Evenko and RDS, to provide much-needed blood for Héma-Québec.
“This event goes back 36 years when it was first organized through the efforts of Jean Béliveau and Claude Mouton, who was our announcer at the Forum,” said Molson. “It’s a great tradition. One gift of blood can save up to four lives. It’s great for the community to come together and help save lives.”
Molson greeted a steady parade of donors and was joined by current players, alumni, entertainment celebrities and, of course, Youppi!, who provided a diversion for youngsters as their parents donated blood.
“I’ve had a lot of people tell me, ‘Go Habs go,’ and there are some people who get emotional because they know their gifts can save lives,” said Molson. “All I do is thank them for coming and thank them for their gifts.”
Sergio Momesso, a former player who is a member of the Canadiens Oldtimers team and an analyst on TSN 690 Radio, said he’s always willing to pitch in.
“The thing I like about the event is that it’s so calm, so relaxed,” said Momesso. “The people you meet here are so friendly and they want to help. I do my part by signing some autographs, posing for pictures. But the people who impress me the most are the volunteers who come down here to set things up and organize the event and the people who make an effort to come down here and donate blood.”
Molson said he was pleased with the way the Canadiens have turned things around after a slow start, going 7-3 over their last 10 games.
“There’s been some confidence building after a rough start,” said Molson. “We’re working as a team, I think all four lines are moving and the defence is playing better. We’ve had a nice little surprise with (goaltender) Charlie Lindgren, so it’s been nice to watch.
“For the past several years, we’ve had great starts and you hope for that again. But it was the reverse this year . ... I think we have a good team and there’s no question in my mind that we’re capable of winning every night.”
The low point in the season might have been Oct. 26 when the Los Angeles Kings beat the Canadiens 4-0 at the Bell Centre. The boos were loud and clear and fans started leaving early in the third period.
“It always bothers me when I see our players being booed,” said Molson. “But as a team we’re highly visible and our players are highly visible. It’s the nature of the market and our fans are demanding. We have to accept that, but then you wake up the next morning and you play a new game . ... You try not to get bogged down by the difficult nights.”