Back to where it all began

MONTREAL - Mark Streit missed everything about being a member of the Canadiens since his departure following the 2007-08 campaign.

After agreeing to terms on a one-year, one-way contract on Tuesday, though, the now 39-year-old Swiss defenseman will have the opportunity to relive the experience all over again.
Needless to say, Streit couldn't be happier to call Montreal his hockey home for a second time and return to the city where his NHL career began.
"Montreal always had a special place in my heart because I started there. One thing I really always missed was playing at the Bell Centre. It's a unique rink with unique fans and a unique atmosphere. If you get the chance to play in front of them every night - with the atmosphere and the life in the city - I think it's very motivating," said Streit, who spent three seasons with the Canadiens, before moving on to stints with the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and most recently with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he claimed the Stanley Cup in June. "There's a lot of pressure, but I think players need that in order to perform and play great. I love the city and the fans. I'm excited to come back."

When Streit does finally arrive in Montreal, he'll be reunited with Carey Price and Tomas Plekanec, of course, both of whom he still calls "good friends". He also knows head coach Claude Julien, having played under him during his rookie year.
"I want to play the sport I love for as long as possible. If someone told me 10 years ago that I'd be playing with the Canadiens again… It's like a dream for me. It's an exceptional organization. If you have an opportunity to play for the Canadiens, it's incredible," said Streit, who is eagerly anticipating the reunion. "I started with the Canadiens and I had three incredible years. Money wasn't the most important thing for me. It was more important to come back to Montreal and be with the Habs again."
With 784 games under his belt, Streit brings plenty of experience along with him to the Canadiens' blue line, and he's ready and willing to do anything that's asked of him going forward.
"Every player wants to play as many games as possible and play a lot of minutes, but I learned over the last four months in Pittsburgh that it's very important that everyone on a team accept certain roles. I'm doing that. I'm working very hard right now, and if I have the chance to play, I'll give it my all," shared Streit, who put up six goals and 27 points in 68 games between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh last season, before chipping in with two assists in three playoff outings. "Now, team success is the most important thing to me. I'm motivated."
Capable of playing on both sides of the ice, the 11-year NHL veteran - who was selected in the ninth round by the Canadiens, 262nd overall back in 2004 - is adamant that he can be especially valuable when the Canadiens find themselves up a man.
"I'm still a pretty good power play player. I think that was my biggest asset 12 years ago, and it still is. I think power play is about experience and reading and reacting, and I think that gave me the opportunity to establish myself in the NHL. If I can help the PP out, I would love to do that," mentioned Streit, who boasts 47 goals and 207 career points with the man advantage. "You get older and you get smarter. The game is getting faster and faster. I think I picked up a few things and got better at it."

On June 11, Streit was finally rewarded for all of his efforts over the years with hockey's top prize. In just one week, he'll welcome the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Bern for a long-awaited celebration.
"I get it on August 2. It'll be a unique day. I'll have a reception with the mayor of the city, have a little bit of media and have the fans get a chance to see it downtown," said Streit, who believes lessons learned during the Penguins' Stanley Cup run will also prove beneficial to his game next season. "The big part after that is having it with family and friends. The Cup has only been in Switzerland twice and never in Bern. Everyone is excited. It's going to be a day for Bern and Swiss hockey, and for myself and my family."