Stu Cowan: Canadiens prospect Michael Hage bleeds bleu-blanc-rouge

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Michael Hage was born in Oakville, Ont. He was also born to be a Canadien.

While playing youth hockey in the Toronto area, Hage wore No. 9 in honour of Canadiens legend Maurice Richard.

“I think my dad was a huge Maurice Richard fan, so that’s why I first wore it in minor hockey,” Hage said Wednesday when he met with the media at the Canadiens’ development camp in Brossard after being selected in the first round (21st overall) of last Friday’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas.

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Hage’s father, Alain, was born in Montreal and worshipped the Canadiens. Hage’s mother, Rania, is also from Montreal and was at the draft with him.

Alain pushed his two sons hard in hockey, hoping one day they would make it to the NHL. Tragically, Alain died last July in a freak swimming-pool accident.

The online obituary for Hage’s father read: “Alain was a devoted husband and father, and his greatest joy in life was his family. He was a pillar of strength and a constant source of encouragement for his two sons, Michael and Alexander. Alain believed in their dreams and aspirations, and he was their biggest advocate in every step they took. He cheered them on from the sidelines of their hockey games and provided unwavering guidance and support as they pursued their passions and dreams. His love and belief in his sons will continue to inspire and guide them throughout their lives.”

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After getting drafted, Hage said he holds himself to a high standard because of the way his father pushed him — which he appreciated — and that he expects a lot out of himself as a result.

“Especially this year,” Hage told reporters in Las Vegas after getting drafted. “You want to continue everything as if he’s watching. Do it to the best of my ability.”

Hage was thinking about his father when his name got called at the draft and again Wednesday at development camp when he put on a Canadiens sweater for the first time at the CN Sports Complex. He can’t wear No. 9 with the Canadiens — it was retired for Richard — instead wearing the No. 88 the team assigned him.

“To look down and see that logo, it’s really special,” Hage said after the first on-ice sessions were over.

“Really special, especially growing up as a Habs fan,” he added. “My parents growing up in Montreal … it’s a dream for me. Now trying to just step back and understand that it’s the reality and I got to continue to work and do everything I can to be ready as soon as I possibly can be and make an impact when I get here.”

Hage had 33-42-75 totals in 54 games last season for the USHL’s Chicago Steel and is headed to the University of Michigan next season. Hague’s brother, Alexander, has followed in his skate strides and had 31-55-86 totals in 68 games last season with the Vaughn Kings U16 Triple-A team.

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Hage was measured at 6-foot and 185 pounds at development camp and the 18-year-old realizes he will need to get stronger before he’s ready to play in the NHL. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes believes Hage has the talent to become a top-six forward in the NHL.

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“If you want to play at this level you’re playing against grown men,” Hage said. “I think I understand that I have to continue to get stronger, continue to work in the gym. It’s just another level of strength that you got to get adjusted to.”

By taking the U.S. college route, Hage will have plenty of time to work out in the gym at the University of Michigan and will be training like his father is watching.

When asked what’s the best advice his father ever gave him, Hage said: “I think controlling your work ethic and what’s in your control. With him it was never about scoring goals or putting up any numbers. All he cared about was my work ethic and if I could look back at a game and everything I did in life, honestly, with no regrets. That’s what I still try to do to this day.”

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Hage speaks very good French after going to French school from age 4-12 and he’s looking forward to the opportunity now to speak it more and shake off some rust.

He grew up cheering for the Canadiens and took great joy when they came back from a 3-1 series deficit to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2021 playoffs en route to the Stanley Cup final, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hage remembers jumping up and down and celebrating the win over the Leafs at home with his father and brother.

“I can’t imagine what he’d be thinking right now,” Hage said about his father. “Him and my grandpa were the biggest two Habs fans I’ve ever seen. If they are able to see me a part of this organization and wearing the jersey, I think they’d be pretty pumped.”

scowan@postmedia.com

x.com/StuCowan1

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