Heartbreaking Announcement from Coach St. Louis.

This morning, the atmosphere at the Montreal Canadiens’ practice facility was charged with an unexpected heaviness. Head coach Martin St. Louis gathered the players for a team meeting that no one anticipated would shift the team’s focus so dramatically. As the players settled in, the usual banter and camaraderie that characterize a typical practice day were replaced by a palpable tension in the air.

With his signature calm yet commanding presence, St. Louis began the meeting, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “Gentlemen,” he started, “I have some news that weighs heavily on my heart and, I know, on yours as well.” The players leaned in, sensing the gravity of the moment.

St. Louis shared that the organization had lost a beloved member of the Canadiens family. Longtime equipment manager, Mike “Mikey” Fortin, passed away unexpectedly the night before. Mikey was not just a crucial part of the team’s operations; he was a beloved figure in the locker room, known for his infectious laughter, unwavering support, and deep knowledge of the game.

“Mike wasn’t just our equipment manager,” St. Louis continued, his voice catching slightly. “He was our friend, our confidant. He brought a sense of family to this team, and his absence will be felt by all of us.”

As he spoke, memories flooded the minds of the players. They recalled Mikey’s ability to lighten the mood before crucial games, his tireless work ethic, and the way he always ensured that each player had exactly what they needed, both on and off the ice. The usually boisterous locker room fell silent, with only the sound of shifting chairs and soft sniffles breaking the stillness.

The coach emphasized the importance of coming together during this difficult time. “I want each of you to remember how much Mikey cared about this team and about each of you individually. He believed in us, and now, more than ever, we need to honor his memory by playing with heart and purpose. Let’s carry his spirit onto the ice and show the world what it means to be a Montreal Canadiens player.”

As he concluded his speech, St. Louis encouraged the players to share their favorite memories of Mikey, turning the somber moment into a celebration of his life and contributions. One by one, players spoke up, sharing anecdotes that ranged from humorous tales of Mikey’s antics in the locker room to more serious reflections on his dedication and the relationships he built with each player.

Defenseman David Savard recounted a time when Mikey stayed late after a game to help him fix a pair of skates that had seen better days. “He didn’t have to do it, but that was Mikey—always willing to lend a hand, no matter the hour.”

Forward Cole Caufield, visibly emotional, shared how Mikey was one of the first to congratulate him after his first NHL goal. “He made it feel special. He always made you feel special,” Caufield said, tears in his eyes.

As the meeting wrapped up, St. Louis reminded the players that the best way to honor Mikey would be to come together as a team and play hard for one another. “We’ll wear a patch on our jerseys this season in his memory. Let’s make him proud.”

The players left the meeting with heavy hearts but a renewed sense of purpose. They understood that while the road ahead might be challenging, they would face it together, just as Mikey would have wanted. The Canadiens have always been more than just a team; they are a family. And today, that family had suffered a loss that would resonate throughout the season.

In the days to come, as they prepare for their upcoming games, the players will carry Mikey’s spirit with them—a reminder to play for each other, for their fans, and for the man who dedicated his life to the team. The season will undoubtedly be a tribute to Mikey Fortin, a testament to the strength of the bond they share as a team and the enduring legacy he left behind.