For Emil Heineman, it has been a picture-perfect start to his 2024-25 season. Playing with the Montreal Canadiens has seen him realize his dream.
Back in Sweden, his parents have ensured not miss any of his games, even though it means getting up before work to watch. It's rewarding regardless to play in the NHL, but to have your parents who are overseas watching, is definitely a boost. It's a beautiful thing that his parents are as awe struck as he is by his playing in the NHL.
Watching Heineman play, the things he does to impact the game show how dedicated he is to being where is. The fact that he is still struggling to believe that he is in the position that he is, is a testament to how grateful he is. He isn't taking anything for granted, and if anything he is working twice as hard because he knows that he is in a position that many players would love to be in.
Emil Heineman today on his parents in Sweden 🇸🇪 watching him play for the Habs in the NHL:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 16, 2024
“It’s been fun, it’s fun to see them…watch the games & they tell me that they can’t believe it. Honestly sometimes I can’t believe it, it’s hard to take in a little bit still, just go out… pic.twitter.com/byKmfbSaDU
As committed as Heineman is to the game, his parents have shown they are equally commmitted to watching their son play. There are feel good stories in hockey each season, and this is another one of them.
Hard work paid off
Heineman has two goals on the season, and they didn't happen by mistake; this should come as no surprise though. For two reasons; number one, Heineman showed on multiple occasions last season that he is a pure shooter. Number two, well, he put in the work during the offseason to be prepared for his opportunity.
Emil Heineman, who kept working on his shot back home in Sweden 🇸🇪 this summer, on being ready & focused to play with the Habs in the NHL this year & beyond.
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 16, 2024
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/n9vqetpKBB
Heineman's mentality of team first has served him well, since he is always willing to throw his body around and stand up for his teammates. Developmentally, his physical game has taken significant strides and his confidence is serving him well. It shows that he wants to be in the NHL, and with each passing game, you can see that he is trying to assert himself as a very good top-nine winger.
All of the work has paid off for Heineman to get to the NHL, but it's only just begun. The mentality is there, though, and thankfully for the Canadiens that is something that head coach Martin St. Louis can work with. If the player is buying into the system and trusts in the culture, then he is likely to be in a good place.
Heineman looks to be in a good place and each game his confidence looks to be increasing.