Pride and excitement among the Suzukis

“His dream was to play in the NHL. He put that goal ahead of everything else. It’s still unreal for me to know that he plays in the NHL and is now the captain of the greatest hockey team in the world. It gives me chills when I think regarding it. »

• Read also: Nick Suzuki intends to surprise François Legault with his knowledge of French

• Read also: Suzuki has already proven himself as a captain in the junior

• Read also: Surprising, but logical

Amanda Suzuki, mother of Nick Suzuki, is still floating on cloud nine. At the same time, last week, she saw her son being named captain of the Canadiens. A great source of pride for her, but also for her husband Rob and for her other son, Ryan.

At the end of the week, we contacted her to find out more regarding the number 14 of the Canadian. Several topics were discussed during the 30-minute conversation.

We notably returned to the days and hours which preceded the announcement of the golf tournament. Amanda and Rob knew regarding the rumors that had been circulating since the beginning of the summer, but Nick decided to do things on his own. Not a word to his parents.

Courtesy picture

With his mother Amanda and behind his father Rob.

“We did not know that he had met with the leaders of the Canadian, mentions Ms. Suzuki. Then, when asked regarding what was going on, he always said he didn’t know.

“I’m pretty sure he told his girlfriend regarding it. He was serious regarding the process because he took two months to think regarding it properly. He had no doubt in his mind that he might fulfill this role. »

A virtual ad

Suzuki wanted to do everything not to spread the news. He waited until the day before the Habs event before informing his parents and his brother Ryan.

He texted his dad first. The attacker wanted to know if his mother was with him. The latter sensed that there was something important going on.

“I decided to call him by Facetime to ask him what was going on, says Amanda. He asked me if his father was with me and if his brother was at home.

“Ryan joined the conversation. We were the four on Facetime and the suspense was unbearable. At least I felt that was good news.

“He said to us, ‘I’m going to be named captain of the Canadiens tomorrow morning at 8:45 a.m.'”

The Suzuki family members didn’t fall out of their chairs when they heard of Nick’s promotion.

“We weren’t too surprised. We were very proud and excited for him. We knew there were other good candidates in the team, but we are happy that our son was chosen. He will do a good job for his team, his teammates and the organization. »

A natural

During his hockey journey, Nick Suzuki was never a vocal player. On the other hand, he has always been a unifier within his teams.

“He always had confidence in himself and his abilities, but never too much,” explains his mother. In the locker room, he was silent. His calmness set him apart from the others. He showed up at every game.

Courtesy picture

In the Lambeth Lancers uniform at the age of 6.

“He was showing off his skills on the ice. With his talent, he dragged his teammates in his wake. He was always ready to help them. He was loved and respected by all. »

Keen

Moreover, the passion for hockey runs in the veins of his son since his first steps.

Courtesy picture

The Suzuki brothers, Ryan, two years younger, and Nick. Ryan was drafted in the first round in 2019 – 28th overall – by the Carolina Hurricanes. He has spent the last two seasons in the American League

“He was a child who was always happy. He enjoyed sports at a very young age. His first word was ball. He still had a mini-stick and a soft puck in his hands.

“Rob, my husband, was very athletic when he was young. He practiced several sports. I knew that my two children would be athletic one day. »

Few people know it, but Nick started playing soccer when he was 3 years old.

Courtesy picture

Nick Suzuki playing soccer at age 3. He excelled at this sport to the point where at age 6 he was playing with 8-year-old players.

“He was phenomenal. At 6 years old, he played in a competitive team with players who were… 8 years old. No one believed Nick was his age. »

Delayed celebration

Going back to the 23-year-old athlete’s big announcement, everyone went back to their business due to the distance. As if nothing had happened. On the other hand, it is only a postponement.

“I would have liked us all to be together during this evening, underlines Amanda Suzuki. It was not possible. On the other hand, we will celebrate the nomination of Nick when we attend the first home game of the Canadiens [12 octobre contre Toronto].

“We’re going to have dinner with him following the game. »

From his first press briefing as captain of the Canadiens, Nick Suzuki said a few words in French. He then answered questions in English.

In the following hours, we witnessed a political debate. Prime Minister François Legault, a big supporter of the Canadiens, mentioned that the captain of his favorite team should be able to speak French.

The last captains failed following making the same promise as Suzuki. They never learned French during their reign. What if the new captain changes the game?

“Nick took French and German lessons between his first and eighth year, says his mother Amanda. Nick is aware that French is important in Montreal.

“I know he will do his best to learn this language. If he says he will, he will. It’s a process. He lives in Montreal and he bought a house there.

“He’s going to get better as he speaks it. Journalists and politicians will have to be patient with him. You have to give him time.

“I’m curious to know where he will be in a year at this level. »

Millions to manage

This season, Suzuki will complete the first year of an eight-year, $63 million contract. A huge sum for a 23-year-old athlete.

“Nick has never been a big spender. He is very solid. We are not worried regarding that.

“For his contract, we focus on surrounding him with the best people possible to help him manage his money.

“You have to think regarding putting money aside for your retirement, paying your taxes and investing in the right places. »

In love with Montreal

Nick Suzuki is the cornerstone of a rebuilding team. He is now the most popular player on the team.

A popularity that continues to grow since he set foot in Montreal.

“He loves Montreal, confirms his mother. I grasped the extent of his popularity walking with him in the streets of Montreal.

“I am proud to say that I am his mom. Everyone I meet is always very complimentary. They always have good words for Nick. »