The Montreal Canadiens are the most storied franchise in the history of the National Hockey League. Their 24 Stanley Cups are a testament to the absolute dominance and stranglehold that they’ve commanded over the league for over 100 years. A significant amount of records continue to be held by the Habs’ players of old, and in this past 2014-2015 season, Bleu Blanc et Rouge’s fans across the globe were blessed with witnessing yet another glorious piece of history: the emancipation of Carey Price.
Last night, the annual NHL Awards were held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Prior to the end of the season, Price was awarded the William H. Jennings Trophy, sharing the honors with Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford for the best goals-against average in the league. A feat worth celebrating in and of itself, what Price would pull off next was surely beyond his highest expectations.
The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (members of the media) determine, via a vote, who should win the Hart Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the league. The general managers of every NHL team decide on who should win the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the best goaltender in the league, and the NHL players themselves decide who they believe is the most outstanding player, worthy of receiving the Lindsay Trophy.
For the first time since the trophies were all introduced into the National Hockey League, a single player managed to win all four trophies in an almost unanimous fashion: your Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price. He was voted NHL MVP, best player and top goalie, and in breaking the franchise’s single-season wins by a goalie by participating in 43 victories, Price has etched his name into the league and franchise record books just as he’s beginning to enter his prime.
Staying true to his soft-spoken and humble self, Price evidently thanked his wife, family, friends and everyone who voted for him. He went on to say that he would trade all of these awards for a Stanley Cup anytime, which demonstrates his drive and ambition. His focus is unparalleled, and one can’t help but imagine that if he maintains his exemplary attitude and quiet leadership, the aspirations of winning an NHL championship in the near future are not farfetched.
Nevertheless, congratulations are due to Carey Price for everything he has achieved. He still has a long way to go, and he’ll be the first to admit it, but he’s on the right track.
There is, however, a story that I read about earlier this week that touched my heart. It’s a story that flew under the radar, and did not make nearly enough headlines to my personal liking.
A family of Cree hunters was hit with tragedy. A fire in their cabin killed 5, including Jason Coonishish’s 22 year old son in early April. As Father’s Day approached, Carey Price had heard about this unfortunate event and decided to offer his condolences and support to Coonishish in any way that he can.
On top of sweeping the NHL Awards and proving to everyone he’s the best goalie in the NHL (in the world?), Price continues to prove that he’s a class act with the right values and mindset. Community outreach initiatives like these, while not extravagant in their scope, speak volumes nevertheless about the very person that Carey Price is.
What you see is what you get, as there will be plenty more awards and generous gestures for Habs’ fans to witness and appreciate for years to come.
Once again, congratulations to Carey Price, and may his attitude and behavior be examples for us all to live by.