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Last Friday, when the Canadiens players took to the ice in Ottawa at 1 p.m. for a practice session, Martin St-Louis was not present with his group.
It was announced that a family commitment prevented him from being there.
Of course, it was unclear whether the personal commitment was positive or negative. In the past, he had already been absent for family reasons, without it being positive.
Martin St-Louis is not at practice due to a family commitment @CanadiensMTL @TVASports
– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 16, 2026
But then Eric Engels, on Tony Marinaro's Sick Podcast last night, broached the subject.
The Sportsnet reporter spoke to St-Louis, who told him that his son Mason was celebrating his 18th birthday. The coach didn't want to miss it.
New Episode
Incredible comeback in Ottawa
Full pod
Watch: https://t.co/m5IkjIlrNC
Listen: https://t.co/M7eARHO16K#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/LRN6nyKYiK– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) January 20, 2026
So, after Thursday's game against the Sabres, St-Louis stayed in Buffalo. And when his boys left for Ottawa, he flew home instead.
And on Friday, in Connecticut, he celebrated his son's birthday with his teammates. That's why he missed Habs practice.
Afterwards, he returned to the team entourage in time for the Saturday morning meetings, in preparation for the evening game against the Ottawa Senators.
After the game, when his players returned to Montreal, he didn't follow. Instead, he headed back to Connecticut to see his son play on Sunday. His game was eventually canceled, but hey.
And on Monday, yesterday, he was back at practice in Brossard.
Combining work and family isn't always easy (especially not with a condensed and exhausting schedule), but clearly, he's putting in the effort. And his bosses obviously help him in all this.
St. Louis has always described himself as a family man. And as long as that doesn't affect his work, it's hard to argue with that.
Because, like most people, he doesn't have to spend his days off in Montreal.
overtime
– Interesting.
According to my information, Alessandro Biello has officially signed a contract with FC Supra. Biello is a central midfielder capable of playing anywhere on the defensive line as needed.
Alessandro is, of course, the son of Mauro, who played for Supra in 1991-92… pic.twitter.com/HbBP3GujEN
– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) January 20, 2026
– Read more.
The Xhekaj family | “They make me so proud” https://t.co/qLqWxcBEUs
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) January 20, 2026
– Indeed.
NHL | “The Sharks are the big surprise this season” -Jean-Michel Bourque https://t.co/uipuqLDQSG
– 98.5 Sports (@985Sports) January 20, 2026
– QMJHL: the big prospects for the next NHL draft get ready. [98.5 FM]
– Wow.
