P.K. Subban returned to Montreal on Thursday for the first time since a controversial trade that sent him to the Nashville Predators. The Canadiens showed a tribute video pregame that left Subban in tears on the ice.
Video
Bon retour P.K.! / Welcome back P.K.! pic.twitter.com/PFijB3hsGP
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 3, 2017
And here’s video of Subban’s reaction.
What a beautiful tribute! An emotional P.K. Subban is saluted by the @CanadiensMTL for his time playing with the #Habs. #NSHvsMTL #Preds pic.twitter.com/hUTNrkzGeH
— FOX Sports Tennessee (@PredsOnFSTN) March 3, 2017
After the video aired, fans gave Subban a roaring standing ovation. Subban openly wept.
He then mouthed, “Thank you” to the fans in a very emotional moment.
The standing ovation lasted nearly two minutes after the tribute video concluded.
The crowd can't stop chanting. PK can't stop crying. This was an incredible moment. pic.twitter.com/5E0lKnPsME
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 3, 2017
Subban was drafted by Montreal in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, joining the team in 2009. Subban was known as one of the biggest philanthropic sports figures in Canadian history. In 2015, Subban donated $10 million of his own money to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
“It is really an amazing feeling being here,” Subban told the crowd during a speech that day, according to NHL.com. “As I was walking out of the back room, I noticed the ‘Atrium P.K. Subban’ lettering back there and I got goosebumps. It’s not many times I get goosebumps in what I do, playing hockey for a very, very long time in front of a lot of people. That’s probably the only time I’ve gotten goosebumps in a long time. It’s pretty special to see that.”
Subban’s donation created a fund called P.K.’s Helping Hands which provides financial help to families with sick children.
SportsNet interview Subban ahead of Thursday’s game.
“I can look at myself in the mirror and feel pretty good about some of the things I have done both on and off the ice,” Subban said. “I think the more we understand that everyone is different that just puts everything to rest. Some guys want to think of hockey 24/7 but that doesn’t make them anymore dedicated than someone who has other interests outside the game when they leave the rink.”
It’s great to see you standing strong for Montreal’s kids, @PKSubban1. Congrats on the well-deserved honour. #GGCaring https://t.co/PH7xE8YCfw
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 1, 2017
In 2017, Subban was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) award for his donation to the Children’s Hospital. On Wednesday, Subban was awarded the Governor General Award and was recognized by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.
Montreal je t'aime! pic.twitter.com/OGWesJdGmc
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) March 3, 2017
Header Photo: @PeteBlackburn
