BROSSARD, Que. — After a three month summer break, Montreal Canadiens’ veterans were shaking off the rust Thursday in Brossard.
It was the start of the team’s training camp.
Before the players hit the ice, a day of fitness tests.
P. K. Subban, Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher were some of the 64 players participating in drills at the Bell Sports Complex on Montreal’s south shore.
Gallagher, who becomes a restricted free agent next year, said he’s ready for the fans’ “higher expectations” in 2014-15.
“I don’t think there’s extra pressure,” Gallagher told reporters.
“You have the same goal, you just want to be one of eight teams that makes the playoffs.”
Watch: Plekanec injured in first day of training camp
The most interesting battle brewing at Habs camp is on the blueline.
Three rookie defencemen are vying for one roster spot: Nathan Beaulieu, Jarred Tinordi, and Greg Pateryn.
“We’re gonna be competitive and it’s going to be professional,” Pateryn said.
“I don’t think I belong in the American Hockey League any more.”
Watch: Extended video of Habs’ first day of training
The Canadiens’ first pre-season game is next Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.
Next Monday, the team will host an intrasquad game at the Bell Centre.
Twenty-one-year-old Habs rookie Stefano Momesso, son of former Hab Sergio Momesso, said playing in that game would fulfil a life-long dream.
“I just get chills just watching the games there,” Momesso told Global News.
“To step on the ice there, to play a game there, would be amazing. A dream.”
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