Members of the Canadiens fulfilled part of their mission as role models in their community by visiting CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children in Canada on Tuesday afternoon.

In doing so, they continued a long tradition that Jean Béliveau founded in the 1960s.

“As professional athletes, especially here in Montreal, it is an opportunity, but also our duty, to give time to people who find themselves in a difficult situation,” said head coach Martin St-Louis after the morning training. If we can boost patients’ morale by giving them this time, it is our duty to do so. »

Defense attorney Kaiden Guhle noted that the experience was even more special because it occurred just before the holidays.

“We understand that they are going through difficult times and it is the least we can do to visit them and bring a little smile to them,” said the 21-year-old Albertan. The holiday season is supposed to be a time for celebration. If our presence can help them distract themselves a little, then we have done our duty. »

“We are happy and grateful to be able to offer this to them,” he added.

A shooting specialist

Before the visit and even before the Habs’ practice on Tuesday, Guhle and forwards Juraj Slafkovsky and Christian Dvorak took part in an on-ice session with shooting specialist Glen Tucker and members of the Canadiens’ player development team.

Guhle explained that Tucker’s presence was tied to a management initiative to give Habs players access to specialists.

Tucker founded a shooting academy in 1993 and has mentored several players over the years, including Jarome Iginla, Jack Eichel, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and John Tavares, according to the Shoot to Academy website.

“He gave a lot of advice about little things we can do with our hands and how to make our shots,” Dvorak said.

Guhle and Dvorak noted that it was rare to work with a specialist during the season. Rather, they are used to consulting such experts in the summer.

“He noticed little things we do and the impact they have on where the puck goes,” Guhle said.

“The goal is to shoot cleanly and do it consistently,” he added.

Guhle recalled that he could now repeat certain exercises alone in training over the course of the season.

But as Slafkovsky pointed out, if players don’t take the time to shoot on goal, this work will be in vain.

“I think it opened my mind to things I never thought about,” said the 19-year-old Slovakian. I’ll try to put this into action and hope to score soon! »

“But yeah, to get there I need to do more shots too,” he added, bursting into laughter.

Treatments for Matheson and Savard will soon return

Defender Mike Matheson missed the Canadian’s training session on Tuesday morning and instead took advantage of a day of treatment.

Matheson wore his uniform Monday night as the Canadian beat the Seattle Kraken 4-2.

In 25 games this season, Matheson has five goals and 13 assists.

Defender David Savard trained with the core group. Savard has been out since October 23, when he fractured his left hand against the Buffalo Sabres. The team announced he would be out for six to eight weeks.

“It’s good to see him back on the ice,” Guhle said. It’s good to have another veteran in the group and it will take some pressure off “Billy’s” shoulders. [Mike Matheson]. »

Savard’s return to the game will have to wait a while. St-Louis has indicated it will not face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

To watch in the video