I was off the hook. It's true. I would never have to think about the Montreal Canadiens ever again. I could leave the anxiety, anguish and heartache to others.

So imagine my surprise this afternoon when I was doing some "research" on the web and I stumbled across some interesting news:

Former Montreal Captain, former Dallas General Manager and Hall of Famer Bob Gainey is joining the Montreal Canadiens as Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Be still my beating heart! Not only is Bob Gainey a great hockey mind, a patient and gentle manager who can inspire a young team, but he was also my Mum's favourite player. She told me that years ago. Really. "He seems so nice." He does, doesn't he? And he can speak well too. In both official languages!

I had put away my Habs' sweater, my Montreal paraphernalia (well, except that Yvan Cournoyer towel that hangs in the bathroom) several months ago...and why even follow hockey when Michael Eisner has anything to do with it...but now it looks like I'm just going to have to pay attention again. Sigh.

But good golly, welcome home, Bob!