Canadiens' P.K. Subban: Man of the People

Canadiens’ P.K. Subban: Man of the People

There’s no question about it: Montreal Canadiens‘ star defenseman, P.K. Subban, is an exceptional hockey player. He continues to post career highs every season.

He’s the first one off the ice between periods in order to high-five his teammates and encourage them as they exit to the locker room.

He’s the first one to take responsibility for a loss, and the first to give credit to his teammates for a win.

He is the one every other fan base loves to hate: he’s clearly a player other teams would want on their side.

He’s a Norris Trophy finalist again this year and I recently listed the reasons I believe he will win this honor for the second time.

He loves the spotlight, never hesitating to celebrate his own goals (and, undeservedly, catching a lot of criticism for it, more so than other players around the NHL for their celebrations). And he’s got the character that has earned him that spotlight.

But what many people don’t see is the man who gives to his fans. He knows he has many, and he doesn’t forget those who have made him the beloved player that he is. But most of all, he has continued to encourage, support, and delight his younger fans; Subban is a player who gives kids his time and attention.

He continues to visit children in the hospital – a Habs tradition for the past 50 years – and is clearly a favorite:

He also supports children’s causes; recently, he appeared at a fundraiser for pediatric care. He gave a young fan the gift of attending a home game as P.K’s guest, a meeting with the players, and a post-game visit to the dressing room.

A year ago, a puck shot by Subban went over the glass and struck a young boy in the ear. P.K. was visibly concerned when he saw the boy being carried out, but he made it up to the boy in style, bringing him and his family to the Bell Centre for a game and a surprise meeting with Subban himself.

The latest story broke over the weekend and it went viral: P.K. and a friend were driving in a Montreal neighborhood when they happened upon a game of street ball hockey. They parked, and hopped out of the car, completely surprising the kids involved.

Moreover, P.K. joined the game. He took shots on the 8-year-old in net, a boy who plays at the Novice level in his local league, and he gave his all. He joked about pulling moves like his friend Alex Galchenyuk. He encouraged the young man in nets, even as he celebrated his own goals.

In the end, it was a short, but exciting time for a group of kids (and adults!) who will never forget this moment.

The video was posted online:

This, however, was not the first time P.K. has surprised young fans. In December, he donned a disguise, and pretended to be a security guard. Accompanying the kids on the school bus, even pretending to nod off (and snore!), Subban pulled it off beautifully.

This video, too, went viral, and elevated his reputation as a man who truly recognizes the need to acknowledge and reward those who not only helped him become the star he is, but to also encourage them in their own aspirations.

You can’t help but admire this charismatic, big-hearted celebrity who just continues to inspire fans everywhere.

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