On a chilly Tuesday morning in Brossard, Martin St-Louis and his squad hit the ice for practice. But as night fell, the scene shifted to the glitz and glamour of the Montreal Casino.
The Canadiens hosted their third Casino night, themed "Diamonds and Dice," all in support of the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. The players and their significant others embraced the theme with style, turning the event into a memorable evening.
Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, who skipped practice for a well-deserved rest day, made sure to join in on the festivities. It was a testament to the team's commitment that everyone showed up, despite the lingering effects of travel fatigue.
The night kicked off with a lively auction, featuring an array of enticing items that drew spirited bidding. By the end of the night, the event had raised an impressive $370,463. These funds are set to fuel the foundation’s mission: providing children from underserved communities with opportunities to stay active and engaged.
Guests at the event had the unique chance to gamble alongside their favorite players, with some even stepping into the role of dealer. Ivan Demidov, the rookie sensation, seemed to relish the experience, while veteran Brendan Gallagher discovered that dealing might not be his calling. His attempts at the dealer's role provided plenty of laughs and light-hearted moments.
As the Casino night wrapped up, it was back to business for the Canadiens. Wednesday morning saw the team return to practice in Brossard, gearing up for a crucial matchup against the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre on Thursday.
Patrick Roy’s squad sits third in the Metropolitan Division with 69 points, but with the Columbus Blue Jackets nipping at their heels, every game counts. The clash with the Islanders promises to be a high-stakes affair, especially with standout rookie Matthew Schaefer in the mix.
The Canadiens' Casino night was more than just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of community and camaraderie, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting return to the ice.