'Lifetime hockey fan' Weir enjoys Bell Centre visit

MONTREAL -- The Canadiens rolled out the red carpet for golfer Mike Weir last week at the Bell Centre before he was named captain of the International Team for the 2024 Presidents Cup.

The eight-time PGA Tour winner watched last Tuesday's morning skate with general manager Kent Hughes and assistant general manager John Sedgwick, enjoyed a tour of the facilities, and participated in a meet-and-greet in the locker room with several players, including captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Chris Wideman, Jonathan Drouin and Michael Pezzetta.
Weir, 52, was also in attendance for the game that night against the San Jose Sharks with his fiancée, Michelle.
"Growing up a lifetime hockey fan, being here in this historic building, for me, it's a thrill to watch these guys," said Weir. "The speed and precision from my era of hockey and how much it's changed, the evolution of the sport, the guys are so fast and so skilled."

The former Masters champion relished the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Suzuki - a fellow Ontarian - talking golf and exchanging gifts.
Suzuki presented Weir with a customized Canadiens No. 24 jersey and a "C" to celebrate his appointment as captain for the biennial match play event, which will be held at Royal Montreal Golf Club for the first time since 2007.
"It's the best looking jersey in the NHL right there," said Weir, who was officially introduced as captain last Wednesday.
Weir, meanwhile, gave Suzuki the golf bag he used during the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ, along with a gift bag containing items like headcovers and a rain jacket.
Things definitely got a little interesting when the Presidents Cup trophy eventually entered the room.
A superstitious Weir was adamant about avoiding any contact with the precious hardware.
"I'm not touching it. You know it's like touching the Stanley Cup," mentioned Weir, who appeared in five Cups over the years. "We want to earn it. Our team wants to earn that thing in a couple of years… I haven't lifted it up yet."

For his part, Suzuki didn't shy away from holding the coveted trophy.
He only briefly hesitated, but it was all in good fun.
"I'm allowed to touch it?" asked Suzuki. "What if I play in the Cup one day?"
Anything is possible, especially if he eventually lands a membership at Royal Montreal.
Both Suzuki and Caufield are hoping to secure the privilege.
"It's an amazing course. I played there a few times this summer. I'm trying to get in, so we'll see," said Suzuki. "It's in good shape. The clubhouse is great. They redid a lot of stuff inside."
If Wideman decides to spend his summer in Montreal, he'd likely be the first player to join them.
During his interaction with Weir, Suzuki called his veteran teammate "the biggest golfer on the team."
Wideman even tried to organize a golf outing in late October when the group was in his native St. Louis, but the weather didn't cooperate.
"I used to swing it pretty good," noted Wideman. "Then, I had a kid and it's hard to get out there."
With that in mind, Weir was curious whether the Habs were permitted to bring their clubs on roadtrips.
"Maybe you could ask Kent for us?" joked Wideman.

All kidding aside, Weir is primed for his captaincy duties in September 2024 against the U.S. contingent.
He previously served as a captain's assistant in three consecutive playings, most recently under the leadership of Trevor Immelman at the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club.
While the Habs born south of the border will be cheering against Weir, he can definitely count on Suzuki's support every step of the way.
"We'll all be there following you guys," said Suzuki.
The Americans have won 12 of the 14 events, earning nine consecutive victories since 2003 when the event ended in a tie.
The International Team earned its lone victory in 1998 at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.