Reporters and cameramen rushed to Joe Veleno at the opening of the Canadiens' locker room Monday in Brossard. We wanted to talk to him about the short scrimmage he had with Tyler Kleven in the Habs' win over the Senators on Saturday night at the Bell Center.
For those who missed the incident, Veleno came to the defense of Alexandre Carrier, who had just taken a hard hit from Kleven in Senator territory. If you didn't already know, Carrier is a target player among the Canadiens defensemen.
We saw this in the series against the Washington Capitals last spring.
Veleno was in only his third fight in the National League.
“I don’t fight much, but I know how to do it,” he told reporters who wanted to know his impressions.
“I will protect my teammates when I deem it necessary. Alexander took a serious blow.”
Such actions are valued in a team. Veleno received signs of recognition from his teammates as he headed to the locker room.
This brings the rows together.
Still looking for the first point
However, Veleno is still looking for his first goal and his first point after seven games. He is one of the Canadians' third and fourth lines where higher production is desired.
Martin Saint-Louis might have stomped his foot if his team hadn't won. But for now, he's positive when we talk to him about the two trios.
“Yes, I’m happy,” he replies when asked.
“But could we have gotten more points from them? That's for sure.”
What does he think of Veleno's performance since he brought him into the squad?
“He plays very good hockey,” the coach says in no uncertain terms.
“He has good intentions. His actions are positive. His personality fits the type of player he should be at this point in his career. He handles the puck well, he gets in the huddle.”
“He deserves an award [pour ses efforts]. He is a player who deserves to score.”
Veleno does not have the reputation of being a major eyewear manufacturer. His NHL career high was 28 points, achieved two years ago with the Detroit Red Wings.
With Martin St. Louis on the bench, he may have found the coach he needs. St. Louis has the right approach to players looking for each other.
Small beer near Montreal
What Veleno can say after two months with the Canadian is that he is very happy with his choice.
“I played in Detroit and Chicago, which were one of the original six National League teams,” he recalls.
“It doesn't compare to Montreal. Here, when you walk around the city, everyone recognizes you. I love playing here. It's definitely a city where you want to play hockey.”
We hear this phrase more and more often. It's nice after all these years when Montreal was considered hockey Siberia.
Habs supporters were vomiting.
“The omnipresence of the media can be stressful sometimes,” admits Veleno, who grew up in Riviere-des-Prairies and then Kirkland.
“But if you understand the importance of hockey here and can put that aside a little bit, there’s no better place to play.
“When you achieve great success, you are treated like a king. It is a little more difficult when there are no results, but the coaching staff can help you. There are no perfect seasons.”
This was the first time I talked to Veleno. The young man is polite and well-mannered. This is exactly the kind of son parents want to have.
He deserves some success.
