Canadiens: The Boys Are Going Golfing

Habs players are making their way through 18-holes for a good cause this Summer.

There are a plethora of ways for professional athletes to enjoy the offseason. Some travel home to spend time with family and loved ones, others enjoy the outdoors by hiking. TNT’s Inside the NBA has the famous Gone Fishin’ segment when a team is eliminated from the playoffs. Yet, for most athletes—especially hockey players—golf is the best mix of competition and camaraderie to play during the dog days of Summer.

Golf is not merely a pastime. Many players hold charity tournaments that are held for a good cause. Having high-profile athletes at these events not only heightens the level of competition but can be great promotion for fans to attend in the hopes of meeting said celebrities.

Recently, former Canadiens enforcer Chris ‘Knuckles’ Nilan held his first annual golf tournament in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Titled the Chris Nilan Classic Powered by the Liam Foundation, it collects funds for the Montreal Children’s Hospital to help kids dealing with mitochondrial disease.

This isn’t the first instance of a Chris Nilan Classic. Back in the 1980s, when Nilan was still playing for the Habs, he held the tournament five years straight to procure funds for the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

What is new with this installment, is the contemporary Canadiens making appearances. Namely, the newest enforcer for the Tricolore, Arber Xhekaj. The six-foot-four, 240-pound blueliner hit the lengths alongside hockey greats like Chris Chelios and other sports figures such as former TSN anchor Dan O’Toole. The event raised $140, 000 for charity.

Nilan and Xhekaj aren’t the only two on the back nine. Canadiens’ forward Alex Newhook has marketed his charity golf event on Instagram as of late. Taking place in St. John’s, N.L., the Alex Newhook & Friends Golf Classic is supporting The Real Program, Cancer Care Foundation & the Iris Kirby House.