Tonight my two favourite hockey teams honoured two of my favourite players growing up.

Patrick Roy is the reason I’m a Habs fan for life.  When I was younger, I seemed to cheer for goalies and in the ‘85 playoffs, Montreal had Steve Penney in net.  I started cheering for them at that time.  The next year, a young goalie named Patrick Roy took over as the number one goalie – and they won the cup.  I became a fan right away.  I enjoyed watching his game and his style.  He helped bring the Habs two cups, winning two Conn Smythe trophies in the process.  Unfortunately, he left under difficult circumstances, but no one can deny what he did for the team.

I enjoyed him when he was in Colorado, too.  One of my favourite lines from him was when he and Jeremy Roenick were trading jabs and he said, “I couldn’t hear him, I had my two Stanley Cup rings in my ears.”  That was awesome!  Sometimes his mouth got him into trouble, but he backed up his comments on the ice and could afford to be cocky as a result.

He pioneered a goaltending style that is prominent in today’s NHL.  I really liked the way the Canadiens honoured that tonight, as they had several children come out wearing the uniforms of so many French-Canadian goaltenders that have followed in his footsteps.  They always do these things well.

Tonight, Patrick Roy alluded to his departure, telling the fans, “I left too early, without saying good-bye.”  Well he had that chance tonight and did it with class.  I don’t think the fans blamed him anyway – I know I didn’t.  Au revoir, Patrick, and merci beaucoup!

Wendel Clark started when the Leafs were terrible.  He played on the “Hound Line” with Gary Leeman and Russ Courtnall.  They made it entertaining for fans that deserved a better product.  He also helped to lead the team back to respectability.  He was hard-nosed, to say the least.  He led by example.  He captured the hearts of Leaf fans and still does today.  That was clear tonight.  Fans were devastated when he was traded away and it took Mats Sundin a long time to come out from under his shadow (and Doug Gilmour’s, too).

Tonight was a great trip down memory lane, as they showed highlights of the 1993 playoffs, when Clark was back with the team.  I wish Toronto had been able to beat LA in their series – they deserved it – and I would’ve loved to see that final!  (Maybe I could’ve worked up a hate for the Leafs that isn’t there – as a Habs fan, I’m not supposed to like them, too – especially living in Ottawa).

Toronto and Montreal both did a tremendous job honouring players that defined their franchises for my generation of fans.  They were very different ceremonies, but both were well-done and fostered great memories.

Congratulations, Patrick and Wendel.  You are both very deserving of the tributes you received tonight.

GO HABS GO!!!