Almost six years after his last game in a Blainville-Boisbriand Armada jersey, Canada goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault watched his former youth side pay a magnificent tribute on Friday night.

In front of a very noisy crowd of more than 2,000 people, the Basses-Laurentides team officially dubbed their homeland’s Section 108, the Sport Rousseau Center of Excellence, the “Samuel Montembeault Section”.

Watch the main video of the interview given by Montembeault to TVA Sports on the sidelines of this special evening.

Why Site 108? Because it’s the spot just behind the cage where Montembeault once faced opposing pucks twice in the game.

“It was his goal, his section,” Armada communications director Mathieu Beaulne said with emotion a few minutes after the ceremony.

It must be said that the goalkeeper of Bécancour impressed in the white-and-black uniform during his four-season stint.

In 154 junior games, all played with the Armada, Montembeault had 87 wins, an average of 2.54 clean sheets and an .899 save percentage. He also signed 12 shutouts and led his team to the 2017 President’s Cup Finals.

The young man of 26 obviously concealed his joy and gratitude for this special evening reserved for him.

“I’m really happy to be here. Just seeing the fans of the team who are still there after all these years is amazing. Some of them sometimes write to me on Facebook to hear from me. These people are still supporting me six years later and I’m happy to be in touch with everyone again.

When asked how he became aware of the Armada project that concerned him, Montembeault replied with a smile.

“It was Chantal Machabée who first spoke to me about it. She had previously been approached by Joël Bouchard. As soon as she slipped me a word, I said yes. I was very happy.”

Nice memories and… one regret

Like any athlete, Samuel Montembeault has had his ups and downs during his four stints in the QMJHL.

When asked about his fondest memory with the Armada, the skater couldn’t single out one in particular. However, he recalls the group moments he shared with his former teammates. “We were a very tight-knit gang,” he says.

However, ‘Monty’, as many of his friends call him, has no trouble naming his biggest regret as a Blainville-Boisbriand goalkeeper.

“The 2017 final! We bowed to Saint-John. I would have liked to lift the trophy (President’s Cup)! It would have been a great time.”

A special message

The years pass and while Montembeault now defends the Montreal Canadiens goal, new players aged 16-20 are mandated to represent the Blainville-Boisbriand armada.

Does he have a message for you?

“I would tell them to enjoy every moment. It’s so fast! It’s been five and a half years since my last game here. Junior hockey seasons are very good years. Enjoy every moment.”