In an insightful interview, Michael Hage and his family shared the emotional journey they've been on since his father's passing and his rise in the hockey world.
Drafted 21st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2024, Hage's selection was more than a career milestone; it was a deeply personal moment. His mother, overwhelmed with emotion, told him, “This is a sign from God, baby.
You know this is Dad with you.” This poignant moment was underscored by the fact that Hage, a lifelong Canadiens fan thanks to his father, had lost him in a tragic pool accident just a year prior.
Hage wore a custom jacket that day, adorned with images of his hockey journey, many featuring his late father, and the words “Long live Alain Hage” sewn into the collar. Though he was initially reserved about discussing his father's death, Hage, along with his mother and brother, recently opened up about the incident in an ESPN interview.
In July 2023, during a family barbecue with his billet family from Chicago, Alain Hage tragically lost his life. Diving into a concrete pool, he suffered a fatal accident. Despite many guests being present, the accident went unnoticed until Michael himself pulled his father from the water and attempted CPR, but tragically, his father passed away that night.
This devastating loss came on the heels of Michael overcoming a significant shoulder injury. Despite these challenges, he continued to pursue his hockey dreams, driven by his mother's encouragement to move forward, not move on.
The ESPN feature also highlighted touching family photos of the Hage boys as infants, proudly wearing Canadiens gear. Being drafted by the Canadiens was not just a dream realized for Michael but a fulfillment of his father's lifelong wish for him.
Looking ahead, Hage and the Michigan Wolverines are set to face the Bentley Falcons in the Frozen Four tournament's first round. A victory would propel them to the regional finals against either the Penn State Nittany Lions or the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Success there would lead them to the Frozen Four finals in Las Vegas from April 9 to 11.
Michael Hage’s story is one of resilience and dedication, embodying the spirit of a true athlete driven by love and legacy.