About a month ago, France Margaret Bélanger, Groupe CH President, Sport and Entertainment, called me to find out if I would be interested in attending the ceremonies ahead of the game against the Devils.

That night, the Canadiens players wore a powder blue sweater and socks, which the Expos wore on their away jerseys from the start of their arrival in 1969 through 1991.

If my answer was positive, Jon Trzcienski, the Canadian’s vice president of marketing, would contact me.

I had the chance to bring the Expos back to life in the hearts of Montreal fans.

This time I didn’t have Jacques Doucet at my side to guide me, but the renowned Canadian announcer Michel Lacroix. Paul Gallant, Production Manager, and Cynthia Paquin Lesage, Senior Video and Game Presentation Manager, made organizing my work so much easier.

Canadian youth

During the pre-game warm-up, I couldn’t help but watch my imaginary movie again field of dreams. Like Andre Dawson, Captain Nick Suzuki is a quiet but very effective leader. Young defender Kaiden Guhle’s early career reminds me of Pedro Martinez’s exceptional talent. Tim Raines could change the tempo of a game in more ways than speed, just like Josh Anderson can.

Joel Edmundson has the respect of his teammates for his calmness, just like Tim Wallach did at the Expos. Reliever John Wetteland quenched the hitters’ zeal. Defender Arber “WiFi” Xhekaj fulfills the same role.

Sean Monahan and Larry Walker saw their respective teams let them go because they didn’t want to pay them their fair value. While Brendan Gallagher and Moises Alou are two combative players and leaders. Unfortunately, injuries have had a huge impact on her career.

Dennis Martinez brings relief and help to the people of his home country of Nicaragua. Jake Allen is the recipient of the Jean Béliveau Trophy for his community service. David Savard and Samuel Montembeault make me think of the Astros’ support group because they play an unobtrusive role but are so effective.

Two great head coaches

Both have excelled in their respective sports. They were assistant coaches before landing a temporary head coaching position. Felipe Alou led a group of young Expos to the front row and Martin St-Louis leads us down the same path.

Commonalities are the passion for their sport, the respect of their players and the trust of the fans. The two coaches stayed in Laval with a pinch of humour.

Guerrero Senior and Carter?

Who are Vladimir Guerrero Sr and Gary Carter in Canadian? Vladimir and Gary were the rising stars. Guerrero, the thoroughbred of many talents, was just like Juraj Slafkovsky, but the latter couldn’t use a stint in the minors to develop his talent.

Cole Caufield was a dream come true for fans who followed his rise through America’s college ranks. At the moment he is developing into one of the top scorers in the NHL. It’s refreshing and spectacular to watch an ice rink at work.

His warm smile will always allow us to cherish in our hearts a thought of the late Gary Carter.