Audio: Fore! Golfing Habs high on season ahead

Below is an excerpt from Habs Inside/Out with audio clip collected by the Gazette's Dave Stubbs from players at the Canadiens annual golf tournament:

A good number of players and management figures stopped on the steps of the clubhouse to talk about the season ahead and their expectations for 2008-09, when the Canadiens will be seen not as the bottom-feeder many figured they'd be last year. Photos and a video from The Gazette's Allen McInnis will come later in the day. In the meantime, you can spend about 45 minutes listening to:

President Pierre Boivin, clip runs 6:18 (begins speaking about Mats Sundin).
General manager Bob Gainey, 6:35.
Head coach Guy Carbonneau, 5:40 (begins speaking about Sundin).
Goalie Carey Price, 4:24.
Defenceman Mike Komisarek, 8:00 (begins speaking about Alex Tanguay).
Forward Tom Kostopoulos, 4:03.
Forward Steve Bégin, 2:56.
New forward Alex Tanguay, two clips: 9:35 (French and English); and 1:14.

Habster:

Some really interesting comments from the players and management.

Pierre Boivin still sounds optimistic the Canadiens can convince Mats Sundin to play for the Habs. He also stated he felt Sundin would fit perfectly in the Canadiens style of play and was willing to wait a bit longer for his decision.

Give Boivin credit, he understands the history and tradition of hockey,particularly his own team. He also has a very good knowledge of hockey and is well spoken about the team.

Guy Carbonneau reiterated his belief the Canadiens have to use team toughness to succeed regardless of the acquisition of Georges Laraque. He also likes his team going into training camp with or without Sundin.

My biggest surprise comment came from Carey Price who stated that he has been working hard with a nutritionist and trainer over the last month. He has lost approximately 20-25lbs and stated that Rollie Melanson asked him to lose some weight to get a bit quicker in net.

Alex Tanguay sounds revitalized and ready to get his career in Montreal started with a solid season. He also mentioned how his style of game is much better suited to Montreal's style than Calgary's defense first style.

In the end, like every Habs fan, I'm just thrilled to see the players assembling in Montreal with training camp less than three weeks away..........HOCKEY'S BACK BABY!!!!!