While his Montreal Canadiens teammates enjoyed a winter break, rookie defenceman Lane Hutson found a different way to spend his time off: playing a casual game of shinny with a group of young fans on Christmas Eve.
A Surprise Visit at Confederation Park
The heartwarming scene unfolded on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the popular Bleu Blanc Bouge outdoor rink in Confederation Park, located in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (N.D.G.) neighbourhood. Hutson, easily recognizable in a winter tuque, seamlessly joined the kids for a spontaneous pickup hockey game.
This community gesture came just one day after the young blueliner made significant on-ice contributions for the Habs. Hutson recorded three assists in Boston, helping propel Montreal to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Bruins. That win marked the team's first triumph in Boston since 2019.
From NHL Intensity to Community Spirit
Video from the rink shows a noticeably relaxed Hutson compared to his intense NHL game the night before. He is seen gliding gently alongside the children as they move the puck up the ice. In another clip, Hutson handles the puck along the boards, where he faces some friendly opposition and stick checks from the enthusiastic young players sharing the ice with him.
The visit highlights a strong stretch of play for the promising defenceman. Hutson has amassed 13 points, all assists, in his last eight games. Impressively, no defenceman in the entire NHL has recorded more assists in the 2025 calendar year than Hutson.
Connecting with the Next Generation of Fans
Initiatives like the Bleu Blanc Bouge rinks, championed by the Montreal Canadiens organization, are designed to promote physical activity and community engagement. Hutson's decision to spend part of his holiday at one of these rinks provided an unforgettable experience for local youth and demonstrated a direct connection between the team and its community.
This spontaneous Christmas Eve shinny game serves as a reminder of hockey's roots in Canadian culture—the simple joy of a pickup game on a community rink. For the kids in N.D.G., getting to skate and play with an NHL star like Lane Hutson was undoubtedly a holiday memory that will last a lifetime.
