It is always nice to visit with my constituents.

This week I dropped by the home of Jason Genis and Samantha Druzin to chat with their  wonderful two children Matthew, 9, and Paige Madison,6.

Matthew shown here all suited up.

Matthew recently got to be one of the mini captains for a Montreal Canadiens home game at the Bell Centre. Paige wanted me to visit with their pet bunny Hershey (don’t let the name fool you, Hershey is a girl). The fact that this was Easter Sunday made it only too perfect. Both children attend JPPS Elementary School in Côte Saint-Luc.

First let me tell you about Matthew. The Mini Captains of the Game contest, presented by IGA, rewards two lucky members of the  team’s 1909 Fan Club with a unique opportunity to participate in the opening ceremony during each home game. The winners   welcome the players on the ice and proudly stand with the team during the national anthem(s). The prize also includes a captain's jersey for the winner, and four tickets for the whole family to attend the game and have an extraordinary experience!

Matthew where the press conferences are held.

Samantha credits hubby Jason for entering Matthew into the contest daily for the past three years. Matthew is quick to remind us that last season he had a chance to ride on the Zamboni at a Habs-Islanders game.

This time the Buffalo Sabres were in town to face the Habs. Matthew is a huge fan and I must say very knowledgeable about the game and the team. He plays for the Canucks in the CSL Minor Hockey Assocation and wears number 62.

What was his favorite part of the Habs experience? "Holding the flags during the warmup and the national anthem was so cool! “ he was quoted in the JPPS newsletter. “The flag lit up! I got to fist bump all the players as they were coming onto the ice. One of them fist bumped me so hard I stumbled backwards. 

  How did it feel to be on the big screen? “I was nervous,” he admitted. “I had to guess the player that was on the screen. I knew right away it was Cole Caufield, so I won a hat, and some snacks.”

See my Instagram chat with Matthew.

Paige Madison (she goes by Paige but I told her that using the middle name makes her sound like a movie star) is full of personality. She and Matthew adore their three year bunny, who takes up a of space in the living room. Jason and Samantha placed two cages and playpen with passageways so the kids can climb inside and play.

See my Instagram chat with Paige Madison