Domi: 'All the respect in the world to our fans'

MONTREAL - Something was clearly clicking for the line of Jonathan Drouin, Max Domi and Joel Armia during the annual Red vs. White Scrimmage at the Bell Centre on Sunday.

During the first period, the more than 16,000 fans in attendance witnessed the trio connect on a highlight-reel three-way passing play that resulted in Drouin scoring his first of two goals on the afternoon.

Following the contest - which ended with Team White securing a 5-4 shootout victory - Domi was quick to praise both of his linemates. He's eager to see what the future has in store for them as a unit with the start of the preseason schedule on the horizon on Monday night in Montreal against the New Jersey Devils.
"[Jonathan's] a very easy player to play with. We had some chemistry when we were younger [internationally for Team Canada]. He's a guy that can make plays and he's always open and he makes the right play. He has a lot of speed, too," said Domi, who centered the line flanked by Drouin and Armia on the left and right sides, respectively. "Armia was unbelievable, too… I think we all knew how good he really was. In practice even, he doesn't miss much. He's a shooter, he's smooth. He's a smart player, too. He's a big body, so it's always nice to have that presence out there."

A remarkable experience
Domi's first opportunity to sport the CH on Bell Centre ice was something the 23-year-old Winnipeg native won't soon forget.
The stands were packed with fans eager to cheer on their favorite Habs and see new faces like Domi and quite a few others for the very first time.
"That was unbelievable," remarked Domi, who spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes. "I never experienced that. I didn't know that really existed, so it was pretty amazing to be a part of that. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I knew how good the fanbase was here, but that's amazing to sell out the rink and it's an intrasquad game. It's pretty remarkable. All the respect in the world to our fans and we really appreciate their support."
The Canadiens' most-recent first-round pick, Finnish youngster Jesperi Kotkaniemi, was equally impressed with the incredible fan support on site.
"It was a big surprise for me. If we have a scrimmage in Finland, there's like 200 people," cracked the 18-year-old centerman, who is hungry for the preseason to begin. "I want to get here again and again."

Fellow young gun Nick Suzuki also soaked in every single second of his Red vs. White experience, including meeting the fans for pre-game fist bumps just as the doors opened.
"It was a great experience, just all the fans that came out for our fist bumps before the game. That was really cool. Just seeing how many people came out was really special. Just the support that we get, it was amazing to be out there," mentioned the 19-year-old London, ON native. "I think it just shows how great the fans are here and I think there are going to be even more [on Monday night]. It's going to be a lot of fun to keep coming here."
Making a good impression
Forward Matthew Peca made his first game at the Bell Centre count, scoring Team White's second goal of the game and picking up an assist as well.

The 25-year-old forward, who centered a line with Kenny Agostino and Alexandre Grenier, signed a two-year contract with the Canadiens on July 1.
"I know how I can play," shared Peca. "I'm excited to play in front of the fans and the management."

In addition to putting his obvious speed on display, Peca is keen on showcasing his grit as well.
"I'm tough to play against," said Peca. "I'm always on the forecheck and I'm good on faceoffs. I think all of that will give me a chance."