The life of a professional hockey player is one of intense schedules, travel, and pressure. But a new kind of shift change is happening within the Montreal Canadiens organization, one that involves diapers and late-night feedings instead of power plays. This personal milestone has sparked a conversation about balancing elite sport with family, led by those who have skated the path before.
A Captain's Joyful Announcement
The topic of fatherhood became especially timely for the Habs after captain Nick Suzuki and his wife, Caitlin Fitzgerald, shared joyful news on Instagram on December 21, 2025. Their post announced they are expecting their first child, a baby girl, in the coming spring. "The greatest joy of our lives, we can’t wait to meet you," the couple wrote, marking a significant personal moment for the team's on-ice leader.
Stanley Cup Champions Turned Parenting Experts
In a special bonus episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show, host Stu Cowan was joined by two members of the Canadiens' 1986 Stanley Cup-winning team: Chris Nilan and Rick Green. The former teammates opened up about their own journeys into parenthood, which followed very different timelines.
Chris Nilan experienced fatherhood during his active playing career with the Canadiens, navigating the demands of the NHL alongside the new responsibilities at home. In contrast, Rick Green chose to wait until after he hung up his skates to start a family, offering a perspective on the transition from hockey to full-time dad.
Paternal Wisdom for the Current Roster
Nilan and Green didn't just share their own stories; they also offered heartfelt advice for the several Canadiens players who welcomed new children into the world this year. This group includes:
- Brendan Gallagher
- Josh Anderson
- Jake Evans, whose family expanded dramatically with the birth of twin boys.
The discussion highlights a supportive culture within the hockey community, where veterans pass along wisdom not just about hockey, but about life's most important roles. The episode is part of a series of bonus holiday content from the Hockey Inside/Out Show, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
As the Canadiens navigate their season, the team's narrative now warmly includes these personal milestones, proving that even the toughest competitors are embracing the softest moments of life beyond the rink.
