Articles / St. Louis reflects on playing first game in front of Montreal crowd

St. Louis reflects on playing first game in front of Montreal crowd

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Sportsnet
Nov 13, 2025 12:55 PM

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In a recent interview, St. Louis Blues forward, Ryan O'Reilly, reflected on his experience of playing in front of the passionate Montreal Canadiens crowd for the first time. O'Reilly described the electrifying atmosphere in Montreal, noting how the energy from the fans motivated him and his teammates to elevate their performance on the ice. He emphasized the unique vibe of the Bell Centre, which is known for its rabid fan base and historic significance in the NHL.

O'Reilly also shared personal anecdotes from his first game in Montreal, recounting how the iconic arena felt alive with hockey history. He acknowledged the skilled players on the Canadiens roster and the fierce rivalry that exists between the two teams, attributing part of the intensity to the rich traditions that both franchises represent. For O'Reilly, stepping onto the ice as a member of the Blues was a dream come true.

The conversation highlighted the respect that players have for the Montreal franchise. O'Reilly stated that playing against such an esteemed team adds a layer of excitement, and he hopes to contribute to the Blues' legacy of success against their Canadian rivals. Overall, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of such loyal fans, marking this experience as one of the highlights of his career.

Players Mentioned