Reilly: The support of friends and family means everything

BROSSARD - After scoring his first goal in a Canadiens uniform on Wednesday night in a big win over the Blues, Mike Reilly was a very popular man.

His cell phone was inundated with text and social media messages congratulating him on the accomplishment.
And, the 25-year-old defensemen appreciated every single one of them.
"I got some texts from some former teammates back home. Zach Parise texted me and Alex Stalock. Guys like that, and my closest buddies messaged me, too. It's always good when they're being supportive and changing their schedule just to watch me because we're close friends," shared Reilly, following Thursday's practice at the Bell Sports Complex. "They just want to check in on me and make sure things are going well."

It shouldn't come as a surprise that his family's group chat was going strong, too. The goal was an absolute beauty.
"Everyone was kind of chiming in on that," mentioned the four-year NHL veteran, who is one of five Reilly children - all of whom played hockey in the NCAA ranks at one point in time. "My younger sister Caitlin who is currently playing professionally in Austria] was sleeping, so I think I got a text from her this morning at like 6:00 a.m. I wasn't awake yet. But, they all watch the games."
[Tweet from @caitlinreilly95: Not a bad first goal as a Canadian!! Congrats @mreilly93 !! https://t.co/OwXj3JkMoV
Reilly can't say enough about the unwavering support and encouragement of his parents, Mike and Lisa, and his siblings, in helping him along the way.
"There were some times in Minnesota when it was really tough, but it helped me grow up and face some adversity that I didn't know would possibly come. They've been so supportive of me and they've always known that I had it in me to play a big role somewhere," explained Reilly, referencing his tenure with the Wild, before joining the Canadiens' fold in February. "It just so happens that I'm with Montreal right now and I'm just rolling with it and making the most of it."

He most definitely is, averaging 22:57 of ice time per game on the Habs' blue line through six outings. That ranks him second on the squad in that department behind fellow rearguard Jeff Petry.
Things have clearly changed for the University of Minnesota product since his NHL playing days back home in the Twin Cities when he wasn't suiting up on a consistent basis.
"Coming in and out of the lineup, that's not easy. I don't care, I know you're playing at the highest level in the world, but we're human and we want to be the guys in the lineup every single night," affirmed Reilly. "When you rely on people like that, it's definitely special how supportive they are for me."
And, Mike and Lisa absolutely adore Montreal and have already visited several times. In fact, they were recently in town.
Unfortunately, the couple wasn't in the stands to witness their son's goal in person, but they'll be back to watch him at work soon enough. You can count on that.
"It's great when they come. I think they're going to come back in a month. They love it here, they love the atmosphere and they love the city," said Reilly. "The reviews they're bringing back to Minnesota are pretty positive and they're definitely kind of spreading the word that people should come up and visit."

Will the puck have a permanent home?
Following the tilt against the Blues, Reilly was presented with the puck he blasted by goaltender Jake Allen in the second period.
It will soon be headed to the Midwest and be housed amongst some of his father's favorite artifacts.

"Next time my parents are in town, I'll give it to them. My dad has a little den back home. He's really Irish, so there are a lot of Irish things in there and a lot of old sticks we used. There are also pictures of us three boys in high school and college together, and some other pucks as well," concluded Reilly. "When I'm back home, I'll always stroll around there. Every once in a while, you're just looking around the room and seeing a lot of cool things, so it'll definitely be in there."