In Montreal, during the 2024 NHL Draft, Michael Hage was selected as the 21st overall pick by the Canadiens. As the announcement was made by co-director of amateur scouting Nick Bobrov, a wave of cheers erupted from the stands at Sphere in Las Vegas, where almost 30 of Hage’s family members, coaches, and friends were present.

It was a perfect moment for the bilingual 18-year-old centerman who grew up a Habs fan and who has many relatives residing in the city that bleeds bleu-blanc-rouge.

Hage, born and raised in Oakville, ON, engaged in a conversation with the Habs’ content team regarding his experience of being chosen by his beloved childhood team, overcoming challenges, his unique playing style, and other topics.

Please note answers have been modified for clarity and conciseness.

Was there an element of surprise when your name was called by the Canadiens, or did you have a feeling that moment was coming?

I had a positive intuition about it. Of course, there are no guarantees and one can never be certain about what the decision-makers are thinking. However, I have a strong inclination that certain teams might be interested in me, and overall, I have a good feeling about them. It’s always an unexpected and surreal experience when you finally hear your name. Even if you’ve imagined the scenario countless times and anticipated a team’s selection, the moment of hearing your name called by the management is still incredibly unbelievable.

What were your impressions of development camp, from the facilities to the staff and players and everything in between?

Honestly, it’s hard to believe. From the management to the individuals we encountered, everyone was incredibly kind. The facilities are truly remarkable. I was absolutely astounded; they have everything you could possibly need right there. And if there’s something you think you need that’s not available, they’ll make sure to get it for you. It’s truly unmatched. The camp was an absolute blast, working with the staff in the gym and Big Cat (director of hockey operations Adam Nicholas) on the ice, engaging in some healthy competition. I really appreciate the way everything was organized. Overall, I had a fantastic time.

It goes without saying that the last year has been difficult for you from a personal standpoint [Hage’s father passed away in July 2023]. What have you learned about yourself in the last 12 months or so?

I consider myself to possess strong mental resilience, which I believe is advantageous both in life and in hockey. Despite facing numerous challenges at my age, I have learned to handle them effectively, particularly in games when minor setbacks occur. These obstacles do not affect me as significantly as they used to. Moreover, I have developed a perspective that allows me to recognize that there are often more severe hardships happening elsewhere. This ability to swiftly move on from setbacks has contributed to my growth as a mentally tough individual.

How would you describe yourself as a player for those who don’t know your playing style?

I am an extremely dynamic and innovative centerman who thrives on utilizing my speed and skill to elevate the performance of my teammates. My main objective is to constantly pose a significant threat whenever I step onto the ice.

Now that you’ve been drafted by Montreal, have you put any thought into your general capability of being able to speak French fluently, and how important is it to you to be able to connect with the French community and fanbase in their native language?

During my childhood, I acquired this skill at a young age. Of course, if you don’t use it frequently, it becomes slightly weaker and less polished. However, being able to speak and comprehend it, particularly with an enthusiastic fanbase that mostly speaks French, is truly amazing. I believe they genuinely value this ability.

In your NHL Draft questionnaire, you wrote Venice, ITA as your dream city to play a hockey game in. Why there?

I visited Italy not too long ago for vacation, and I believe it would be an excellent location to play a game. I have a strong affinity for Italy as it is a fascinating country, and playing hockey there would be quite remarkable.

Start, Bench, Cut: poutine, smoked meat and Montreal bagels

Begin with: Poutine. Replace: Bagels. Eliminate: Smoked meat.

What is your Mount Rushmore as a Habs fan growing up?

There are several unforgettable moments that come to mind. Firstly, there was the exhilarating Game 6 against the Leafs, where Jesperi Kotkaniemi secured the victory in overtime with an incredible goal. Another remarkable moment was when Tyler Toffoli sealed the series against Winnipeg with a clutch goal. I can never forget the electrifying sight of P.K. Subban emerging from the penalty box during the Boston series, swiftly going on a breakaway, and ultimately scoring. And of course, being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens remains a cherished memory.