LASSO: Nick Suzuki and Arber Xhekaj brought the crowd to its feet on stage yesterday

It was country music time in Montreal this weekend, as the LASSO festival was held in the city. For the occasion, country music fans gathered to listen to artists such as Kane Brown and Chris Stapleton, who were the two headliners.

However, we also know that a fine array of CH players were on hand for the occasion. They included Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson, Kaiden Guhle, Juraj Slafkovský, Arber Xhekaj (and his brother Florian) and Logan Mailloux.

And, of course, we mustn't forget Youppi! who was also on hand.

What we do know is that most of these players are crowd favorites in Montreal. Xhekaj quickly won the hearts of fans last year for his physical, spectacular style, while Suzuki is the captain of the club and is the face of the franchise right now.

We're talking about two guys whose popularity ratings are pretty high in town, let's say.

And clearly, the guys know how to endear themselves to Montreal audiences. Last night, for example, the five guys who played with the CH last year (Suzuki, Anderson, Guhle, Slaf and Xhekaj) took to the stage and brought the crowd to its feet.

Well, they were already on their feet, but they got them “up” by galvanizing them.

After Xhekaj had introduced the next performer (Dean Brody), Suzuki took the microphone and began a classic Olé Olé Olé to energize the crowd before Brody's arrival.

Just when I said the guys know how to get loved, here's more proof.

A magical sequence that will surely remain etched in the minds of the many people in attendance.🤩🥰 https://t.co/T9zIU7oQf7

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 20, 2023

It's a nice gesture on their part, and the CH fans on hand certainly appreciated it. In reality, it doesn't take much to win over Montreal fans: all it takes is for the guys to make a minimum of effort to show that they identify a little with the city.

Just getting up on stage at a festival in the middle of summer in Montreal is good enough, we agree. Especially since we know that both guys love the city.

In short, a great time at the festival yesterday, and the popularity of the two guys may be even greater today. I don't know if there was room for it to increase, but it probably did a bit yesterday.

In gusto

– Speaking of the CH at the LASSOfestival .

Canadien Boys 🤠#GoHabsGo #LASSO2023 pic.twitter.com/V3aZkgshCU

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) August 20, 2023

– Indeed.

This kid was an absolute legend during the playoffs!🥬👏

🎥: @mnwild pic.twitter.com/NLRZfRDKto

– BarDown (@BarDown) August 20, 2023

– This will be one to watch.