Chef Chuck Hughes talks hockey, food on NHL Live

Wednesday, 10.29.2014 / 6:47 PM | NHL.com Staff

Celebrity chef and Montreal Canadiens fan Chuck Hughes joined NHL Live in studio to discuss his passion for hockey and his new book, "Chuck's Day Off."

"Growing up in Montreal you don't have a choice," Hughes said on becoming a hockey fan. "Obviously the Canadiens being one of the most iconic teams out there, growing up in the city it's infectious. You can't not love the Canadiens. When the season is over everybody is sad. The whole summer we speculate, we talk about it and wait for the season to start.

"It stems from also playing as a kid. I'm a big hockey fan and I love the Canadiens, but I think even more so I'm in love with this sport. I still play four-five times a week; whenever I can I get on the ice. When I watch I can respect and realize how hard the game actually is. I try to tell people if you're not a hockey fan it's because you haven't seen a game live. Once you've seen a game live you can't not love it."

Hughes' favorite player growing up, however, was Ray Bourque, an NHL Hall of Fame member who played the majority of his 21 seasons with the rival Boston Bruins.

"I overlooked that," Hughes said. "I grew up playing as a defenseman and Ray Bourque was just an outstanding player. Everything Ray Bourque did I tried to emulate. Even though he didn't play for the Canadiens, he's from the area. Last year I got to meet him at the restaurant. My dad doesn't get too excited about the restaurant and certain people that I meet, but Ray Bourque, that was a big one. Back home he's a legend."

Hughes is the chef and co-owner of Old Montreal's Garde Manger and Le Bremner. His television show, "Chuck's Day Off," airs on Food Network Canada.

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