PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO – They may not be the Habs, but amateur players are having their chance to play with the pros.
Former NHLers took part in a fundraiser tournament for Hockey Helps the Homeless in Montreal’s west-end Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough.
“We used to watch them on the black and white TV,” said volunteer Fred Friedberg.
“It’s a way to come and see the players as they age, how well they still can play.”
“So, it’s a lot of fun to talk about the old times and all the Stanley Cups we used to win.”
The tournament raises awareness about homelessness and supports shelters and charities across Canada.
Since it was founded, it has raised more than $10 million.
“I always stop. If someone asks for a quarter, I give it to them,” said Friedberg.
“A couple of years ago, I used to walk on the other side of the street.”
Andre Cyr played on the same line as Stanley Cup champion Stéphane Matteau.
“It’s always an honour and a privilege to play with these guys because they did something not many people did in their lives,” said Cyr.
“To have them share their moments with us, it’s one of the best parts of the day.”
Matteau is just one of the former NHL stars involved in the tournament.
The Canadiens’ Georges Laraque and Mathieu Dandenault were also involved.
With Matteau’s son Stefan now playing with the Montreal Canadiens, he’s giving amateur players the same advice he did for his boy.
“It’s the same hockey game, it’s the same sized rink, it’s the same puck,” said Matteau.
“He [Stefan] finds it pretty hard. It’s not always easy to wear the Canadiens jersey.”
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