P.K. Subban made Montrealers fall in love with him all over again at the Just For Laughs Gala that he hosted Monday night, benefitting the Montreal Children’s Hospital through his foundation. Just as some were coming to grips over ‘The Trade’, Subban reeled everyone in attendance with his natural charm and comedic timing. The lovefest was in full effect before the gala ever began with many fans sporting Subban jerseys/t-shirts of the Canadiens and Predators variety. The P.K. chants started early and often with the host receiving a hero’s welcome.
I wasn’t sure what to expect heading into the gala, the tickets purchased long before ‘The Trade’. We were always going to support the Children’s and knew an evening with Subban was sure to be entertaining. The night turned into a celebration of Subban’s special and unique relationship with Montreal, sprinkled in with a solid roster of comedians.
The jabs at the Canadiens brass were well-timed and all in good fun. From Subban relieved to be able to resume his triple low fives to requesting a beer other than Molson, he had the crowd eating out of his hand. Comedic writer Pat Dussault did a terrific job finding the right balance and Subban did his best to deliver the jokes with a straight face.
One of the highlights did not even come from Subban himself. Actor Peter Keleghan hilariously narrated a letter that was penned by Dussault, as he was wrote to Marc Bergevin sharing his thoughts on 'The Trade'. It captured the emotions felt by many a fan. The letter was incredibly cordial but sprinkled with a healthy dose of F You bombs, circled back to a mustard stain on a suit and chastised the general manager for making him upset that the Canadiens now have all-star defenceman Shea Weber on the roster. Perhaps this said it all:
“Hey Marc remember when PK said before game 7 in Boston that he couldn't wait to take all the excitement out of their building? Well that's what you just did to the Bell Centre…
The jokes at the Canadiens expense never crossed the line though. None felt too low or were a so-called cheap shot. It was the perfect forum for Subban to respectively make light of the trade and somewhat awkward situation. Perhaps the only disappointment on the evening was that there were not any surprise celebrity appearances. I was somewhat surprised that Seth Rogen did not reciprocate the favour to appear at Subban’s Gala as he was in Montreal for the festival. Subban had made a memorable appearance at Rogen’s Gala two years ago.
Most importantly though, the gala raised over $130,000 for Subban’s foundation and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Mme. Elise Beliveau was once again present and came out to a standing ovation. I would not have liked to have been the one to tell her about the trade!
As we walked out of Place Des Arts there was a feeling of closure in the air, as well as a little more heartbreak. Subban is now that ex that you will stalk on social media and secretly - or perhaps openly, hope that he will eventually return back to you.
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler