|
|
|
|
||
|
ZHL GENERAL MANAGER: |
Jay Swartzfeger |
|
|
Molson Inc. made headlines on June 27 when it announced plans to sell a controlling interest in the Canadiens and the Molson Centre. "Molson is strongly attached to the Montreal Canadiens hockey club and this has been a very difficult decision for everyone concerned," said Eric Molson, chairman of the board of Molson Inc. "As a publicly traded company, we have an obligation to those who invest in our company. Our shareholders have a right to expect a full return on their investment. We also have an obligation to our fans to provide them with a winning, competitive team." Molson also announced plans to remain the Canadiens' primary corporate partner to the tune of $150 million over 20 years. ... With GM Rejean Houle still calling the shots, Montreal used its initial first-round pick in the NHL draft, 13th overall, on D Ron Hainsey. A product of Massachusetts-Lowell, Hainsey is a versatile defenseman. "Last year, the whole year, I've been playing a lot of penalty, power play, I've played in all situations," he said. "I played a lot this year, about 30 minutes a night as a freshman, so that was real good, experience-wise." With the 16th overall pick, the Canadiens went for C Marcel Hossa, the younger brother of Ottawa Senators sniper Marian Hossa. "I think we are a little bit different," the younger Hossa said. "Like Marian is scoring much and I am like a playmaker." ... The Canadiens lost G Frederic Chabot and RW Turner Stevenson to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the expansion draft. Stevenson later was traded to New Jersey. |
||
Montreal Canadiens