NHL Playoff

The First Habs Superstar - Newsy Lalonde

One of my favorite fugures in Montreal Canadiens history has always been Edouard "Newsy" Lalonde.

A premier player in the pre NHL era of hockey in the early 1900's, Lalonde was a Habs pioneer. I've often thought that without his prowess and determination for the Canadiens cause in those early stages of hockey, the Montreal Canadiens as we know them, might not exist today.

Though he starred in a day when numbers weren't yet worn on jerseys, I've long felt that his number 4, worn in the NHL years of his career should hang proudly from the rafters of the Bell Centre, despite the fact that the number is forever attached to the great Jean Beliveau.

I often think about "Newsy" and the heritage he has left. LIke myself, Lalonde was born in Cornwall, and he rest in peace at the St. Columbans graveyard in town here. When I pass by there, the notion of going to visit his stone and paying my respects crosses my mind. It is on my to - do list, let's say.

I started thinking about "Newsy" again this past Sunday night. I was at the Bell for the Springsteen show, and when I came out of section 105, there was Lalonde's plaque in the builders section.


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