Smolinski: 'I had a feeling about being in Montreal'

MONTREAL - While Bryan Smolinski's tenure with the Canadiens was brief, lasting just one season, it left him with memories he'll cherish forever.

Among the former centerman's favorite on-ice moments was suiting up for his 1,000th career NHL game on October 22, 2007 against the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre.
Now 47, Smolinski actually broke into the NHL with the Habs' Original Six rivals, who'd selected him 21st overall in the 1990 NHL Draft. That made the occasion all the more special.
"Who wouldn't want to be a Montreal Canadien and play their 1,000th game? Not too many guys get to do that," said Smolinski, one of only 13 players in franchise history to sport the CH under those circumstances. "That would probably be my biggest highlight."
Eight days later, Smolinski was presented with a silver stick to celebrate the accomplishment.
He wasn't alone at center ice, though, as Roman Hamrlik and Alex Kovalev were also recognized for the same feat right along with him ahead of a tilt versus the Atlanta Thrashers.

A unique postseason experience
After putting up eight goals and 25 points in 64 games during the regular season, Smolinski was privy to another special treat when the Canadiens drew the Bruins in a memorable first-round playoff matchup that spring.
In the opening game of the series, the 15-year NHL veteran lit the lamp in a 4-1 victory in Montreal, scoring the Habs' third goal with helpers from Tom Kostopoulos and Mike Komisarek.
"That first game was very chilling and really, really cool. The atmosphere was awesome. I'll never forget the organ and the techno music. It was just so much fun," recalled Smolinski. "I remember everything about the goal. It was kind of a highlight for me because it was Montreal and the crowd erupted. Being that I was playing on the checking line, it was just an added bonus."

The Canadiens ultimately won the series in seven games, before being eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in five games in Round 2.
A very personal memory
Smolinski also fondly remembers bringing his son, Max, to the Bell Centre from time to time during his final campaign in the NHL ranks.
"He was probably four or five years old and in kindergarten. He was able to come to the rink to skate and hang out, and all the guys really enjoyed it," mentioned Smolinski. "[Equipment manager] Pierre Gervais even made him a nameplate and gave him his own stall. To me, that was very embracing. It was great to be able to give him that experience. Even though he was young, it was really cool to watch him interact with the guys."
Looking back
Montreal was the eighth and final stop for Smolinski on his NHL journey. In retrospect, he believes it really was the perfect place to wrap things up.
"I don't think I could have asked for a better spot. I would have wanted to play another year there, just to put an exclamation on it because they were going to have some good years with Carey Price coming up," said Smolinski. "I had some opportunities to go to another team on a two-year deal [before signing a one-year contract with the Canadiens the previous summer], but I had a feeling about being in Montreal. It was my story ending."

There's no denying that Smolinski absolutely loved that locker room, too.
"I do remember coming in and it was very enlightening. They were such great guys. We had a very diverse group with a lot of nationalities. Whether it be French or Czech or Russian, it was a really great dynamic group. It was such a mixed bag of players, but it was such a nice group. There were guys who were in their first three or four years like a Komisarek and Chris Higgins, very, very good hockey players. You mixed that in with some veteran players, like Alex Kovalev and Saku, who was an awesome captain. The respect and drive was in the locker room, and it was just a matter of how we would bring it out," mentioned Smolinski. "I also loved competing with my linemates Steve Begin and Mathieu Dandenault in practice, and playing with them, and it was great to mentor guys like Guillaume Latendresse and Maxim Lapierre and watch them play. It was cool to show them a little bit of the ropes."

What is Bryan up to these days?
The father of four currently resides in the Detroit area and serves as a regional director for the NHL's Learn to Play program, focusing his efforts primarily in the Midwestern United States.
"We're trying to introduce hockey in a fun way to kids so they can come out and be fans and enjoy the game," said Smolinski. "We work with a lot of youth and fan development, grassroots initiatives at rinks."
He also serves as an assistant coach for his son's Little Caesars 15U Minor Midget squad, which is helmed by fellow former NHLer, Patrik Stefan.
"I love being a hockey dad. I love being a coach," said Smolinski. "I love watching all these young kids develop their skills."