‘I Had Tears in My Eyes,’ Wild’s Marc-André Fleury Says About Special Night in Montreal
Marc-André Fleury, the veteran goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, recently opened up about a deeply emotional experience during a game in Montreal, his hometown. Fleury, who has spent nearly two decades in the NHL, reflected on the special night when he returned to play at the Bell Centre, the arena where his hockey journey began.
Fleury, who hails from Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2003 and quickly became one of the most celebrated goaltenders of his generation. But for Fleury, playing in Montreal holds a special significance. Not only is it the city where he grew up, but it’s also where he first dreamed of playing in the NHL.
During the game, Fleury was honored with a warm ovation from the Montreal crowd—a rare gesture that spoke volumes about the respect he has earned throughout his career. As the applause rang out, Fleury admitted to being overwhelmed with emotion. “I had tears in my eyes,” Fleury said after the game. “It was really special. You never expect something like that. To hear the fans cheer for you in your hometown is something I’ll never forget.”
The moment was a testament to Fleury’s impact on the game and his enduring popularity in Montreal, despite spending much of his career elsewhere. It also highlighted the deep connection between players and their hometown fans, a bond that transcends team loyalties.
As Fleury continues to play at a high level, moments like these remind him—and the fans—that the love for hockey is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about the shared experiences and memories that stay with players forever.
