A 99th birthday celebration to remember

MONTREAL - It took nearly a century for Lisa Gartner to attend her very first Canadiens game, but it was definitely worth the extended wait.

On Saturday night, Gartner and family members aplenty were on hand to watch Claude Julien's contingent blank the Colorado Avalanche.
After hearing about the Bell Centre experience, she finally wanted to see it for herself. And, her grandson-in-law, Jason Katz, spearheaded the process to make the necessary arrangements to fulfill her request
It really was the perfect way to celebrate the Côte-Saint-Luc resident's 99th birthday, which was back on December 25th.
To say that Gartner had a blast in her suite would be a serious understatement. She proudly sported her customized No. 99 jersey with the nameplate "BUBBIE" - a Yiddish term of endearment for a grandmother - on the back.

"It was amazing. Everybody seems to be in such a happy mood. The energy that comes from the players, you can just feel it. It comes right up. I couldn't get over it," said Gartner, after taking in the Habs' 24th victory of the season. "Then, there's the yelling and the screaming when they score a goal - and the calling of "Carey! Carey! Carey!" - and you automatically do the same thing, too."
There was no shortage of special visitors stopping by to see Lisa as the game rolled on, including Canadiens owner, president and CEO, Geoff Molson, and Canadiens Alumni Association president and club ambassador, Rejean Houle.
Even Youppi! took time out from his 40th birthday party to make certain that Lisa was having the time of her life.
"That was really something," said Gartner, of the lovable orange mascot's visit. "He has to wait a long time to catch up to me [in age], though."

Nevertheless, the best part of the evening for the birthday girl - aside from watching the Canadiens win, of course - was enjoying precious moments with her loved ones.
"The important thing is I had my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren with me. What can you ask for better?" said Gartner, whose seven-year-old great-granddaughter, Amber, was also watching the Canadiens play live for the first time. "It worked out beautifully. I have the greatest family in the world."
As for when Gartner plans on returning to the Bell Centre to be the Habs' good luck charm again, it's probably already in the works.

"Now, I'm finally hooked," concluded Gartner.
Happy Birthday, Lisa! We hope to see you again soon!