HABS-TOWN: "If Bill Lindsay takes any face-offs its over for me"

I've known Sasha Guindi a really long time. Somehow I was always convinced he was a Habs fan in the womb - and I know for a fact his son was.

Sasha is a Media Expert. He's been working online for years. He helps people with online marketing strategies, he sells online ad space, Sasha does it all. His real passion however, lies with the Habs.

Sasha has had partial or full-season plans at the Bell Centre for as long as I've known him v- and as long as I've been going to games - so well over a decade.

If there is ever someone who is always willing to talk Habs, it's Sasha. Fans like Sasha are all around the city. They can be found in every Pub, Club or Restaurant. In every chic store, on a bike-path or at the port. Hab-Fans like Sasha are everywhere and they each have their own ways of connecting with the franchise. It's people like Sasha and their stories that truly make this a HABS-TOWN.

 

What got you into hockey, more specifically the Habs?

As a young kid, growing up with immigrant parents who didn't know much or care about hockey, my older cousins got me into hockey. One in particular, would babysit and we would always watch Habs games! Not to mention, some of my first hockey memories are watching the Habs lose the cup to Calgary. Luckily, I have better memories of 93! It was hard not to love the Canadiens growing up in Montreal, and that has only continued to grow with age.

You were at every playoff home game in 1993?

Yes I was. My sister missed the last one, she had an exam the next day and her teacher apologized to her.

Aside from seeing a stanley cup won in front of you, what other vivid memories do you have from that playoff run?

I remember the Desjardins hat trick like it was yesterday in game 2. What a scene. Besides that, I remember staying up late many nights watching overtime win after win!

Do you remember your first Habs game?

I don't remember when it was, but I do remember it was against Vancouver. Nobody can forget those horrible Jerseys! I went with my mother and sister. but don't remember much more besides the seats being in the reds.

Do you have a favorite Habs player ever?

I always loved Saku Koivu. He had a lot of heart, and being a smallish guy myself, always gave me the hope that anyone could make it to the NHL -  which eventually I did on Sega Genesis...

Do you wanna see Saku Koivu come back one day to retire as a Hab?

That would be cool, especially if the habs would have a chance to win with him, or a trade deadline deal for a final tour could be cool. I'd be surprised to see it happen

Where do you like to watch games?

Usually at the Bell Centre, or on my couch with my wife, cousins, friends and family.

Do you prefer to watch with guys? with girls? why?

I don't care as long as people are quiet when Charles Prevost-Linton is singing the National Anthem. Honestly, as long as you are a fan, you are going to be fun to watch with.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions?

I always try to go to Mr. Steer before games that I go to. Besides that, nothing really.

What's the best game you ever went to? what do you remember about it?

Well, one of them was of course when the Habs won the Cup in 93. As an eleven year old and not missing a home game all playoff game was quite special. Another one that I will never forget, is the game Saku Koivu returned from Cancer. Seeing those highlights still bring chills down my entire body.

What do you think of the hiring of Marc Bergevin and his moves so far?

So far so good. Only time will tell, but he seems to have his shit together.

Do you like the re-hiring of Head Coach Michel Therrien?

Its been 10 years. People change, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. But if Bill Lindsay takes any face-offs its over for me.

What would Sasha Guindi do with Scott Gomez?

Maybe he will disappear ice fishing this summer? Seriously, he gets a shot a training camp and if he's the same old, ask him to stay home. Don't even send him to the AHL, why take away playing time from the kids.

Will the NHL season start on time?

I hope so! Would be a horrible business move to not have it on time. I am sure all parties can agree on that.

Do you have any funny or interesting stories that are somehow related to the Habs?

Too many to say, and most that I want to share I should not ... So lets leave it as that ....