Savage: 'I enjoyed my best years in Montreal'

CHICAGO - Talk about coincidence.

It just so happened that former Canadiens forward Brian Savage was at MB Ice Arena on Saturday coaching his 11-year-old son Rory's Compuware Minor PeeWee squad when he found out the Habs were skating at the Blackhawks' practice facility.
There was no question that Savage would be sticking around to check out the on-ice session and catch up with some old friends, including associate coach Kirk Muller, head equipment manager, Pierre Gervais, and head athletic therapist, Graham Rynbend.

It was also a good opportunity to share some quality time with Rory watching the club he proudly represented for nine seasons.
The Canadiens also drafted Savage in the eighth round, 171st overall back in 1991.
"I definitely wanted to show my youngest son some of the players and meet some of them in person," said the 47-year-old Sudbury, ON native, who suited up for 461 regular season games with the Habs between the 1993-94 and 2001-02 campaigns. "It's the team I had the most success with, and definitely the most fun with. I enjoyed my best years in Montreal. They're still my team. I root for them all the time, and they're very fun to watch this year. They compete and battle."
There's no doubt that Savage had some good times in Habs colors, scoring 155 of his 192 career NHL goals with the CH. He also chipped in with 130 assists for 285 points, before moving on to Phoenix, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
Taking in Saturday's skate in the Windy City brought back memories aplenty, some of which he wishes he could relive and others he'd rather not.
"People ask me if I miss it and I say - "Well, I don't miss these sorts of practices," mentioned Savage with a laugh. "I miss the playoffs, though. Just being around, and the lifestyle of being on the road, having fun and being with your teammates. That's the stuff you miss the most. The grind of the 82 regular season games isn't much fun, but I loved the playoff atmosphere in Montreal. It was always great."

And, some of his best buddies still include former teammates Craig Rivet, Saku Koivu and Turner Stevenson.
Being a hockey dad
These days, Savage calls the Detroit suburb of Northville, MI home.
It's just a short drive away from USA Hockey Arena, which houses the Compuware Hockey program.
"My main focus right now is coaching my kids," said Savage, who hung up his skates following the 2005-06 season. "Every weekend we're out of town or we're at hockey."
His middle son - 15-year-old Redmond - is currently a member of Compuware's Tier 1 Minor Midget contingent, while his eldest son - 18-year-old Ryan - is plying his trade with the USHL's Omaha Lancers.
Both have committed to play collegiately at Miami University (NCAA) in Ohio, their father's alma mater.