Geoff Molson has a strange obsession with number 22
PUBLICATION
Jeff Drouin
April 6, 2022 (5:56 PM)
Since Cole Caufiled established himself as a top forward with the Habs, jerseys featuring the number 22 have become part of the visual landscape for hockey fans at the Bell Centre.
The number has also been worn by many players in the past such as John Ferguson, Benoit Brunet, Steve Bégin, but none of them can compare to a certain Steve Shutt.
Moreover, the president and owner of the Canadiens, Geoff Molson, is particularly obsessed with the number 22. He mentioned this on the Femme d'Hockey podcast, hosted by Isabelle Ethier.
Of course, as a kid in the late 70s and early 80s, Steve Shutt was his childhood idol. Even today, the former Canadiens player's act continues to disturb him.
There are little rituals I do with the number 22. I try to stop, but I can't. I still wink when I see the number 22.
Because he grew up so close to the Forum and his family has long been associated with the Canadiens, Molson has had privileged access to the players, including Shutt. And he's well aware of his good fortune.
When I was young, we lived on Wood Street, 200 yards from the Forum. I was so lucky. If I did my homework before 7 p.m., I was allowed to go to the games, so I saw a lot of them growing up. Our tickets were behind the bench...and there was no glass, so we really had direct access to the players.
Steve Shutt, who played for the Canadiens from 1972 to 1984, scored a total of 408 goals in 871 games. He had set a record for most goals for a left winger in a season in NHL history in the 1976-77 campaign, when he scored 60 goals. That record was broken by Luc Robitaille 16 years later and it still stands.
However, it is rather special that his number 22 has not yet been retired by the Canadiens' management. But if that were to happen, the current number 22 would obviously have to opt for a new number.
To listen to the Women in Hockey podcast, click below.
POLL |
Do you think Cole Caufield will pass Steve Shutt for most goals in CH history? |
Yes | 147 | 50.3 % |
No | 69 | 23.6 % |
He�ll reach 300 goals max | 39 | 13.4 % |
He�ll reach 500 + | 37 | 12.7 % |
List of polls |
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