Former Yorkton Mauler (Harvest) Bud Holloway is getting a shot with the Montreal Canadiens organization.
“It was my first year off of my contract with L.A., so I wanted to give North America another shot,” said
Holloway, who is from Wapella, SK. said, “There were talks with a few different teams on July 1, but the best fit to try to get an opportunity to play was Montreal.”
Asked if the signing was a dream coming true Holloway, who played last season in the Swiss League said, “Well it’s a step in the right direction. There still is a lot that I need to put into it to get there. I just need to give myself the best odds by being ready when camp starts.”
While the NHL has long been the dream, playing in Switzerland was a positive for Holloway, including affording him a chance to play for Team Canada at the most recent Spengler Cup.
“Yah I loved playing in Europe,” he said. “The chance to visit different countries and learn different languages and cultures has been great. It was something that was right for me as a person not just a hockey player.”
The European experience also allowed Holloway to grow as a player.
“It’s just things that come to you as you mature as a player,” he said. “Every year you work at being better there is a reward for the work you’re putting in! I also gained confidence and trust in myself from my coaches and organizations trusting my judgement with the puck.”
But now he will concentrate on his shot with Montreal where he has a one-year deal which is what he wanted.
“I want to see how it goes coming back before committing to anything longer,” he said.
And the real work starts now.
“Main camp starts up on the 17th and I will be attending,” said Holloway. “I’ve been down in Montreal already working out and preparing to try and grab a roster spot or at least give the G.M. and coaches a good reason to call me up at some point in the season.”
Holloway said so far the Canadiens haven’t laid out too much of what they expect from him.
“They don’t have a lot of contact with the players during the summer usually,” he said. “During camp I’m sure there will be meetings and casual chats to give feedback to me and the rest of the players attending camp.”
From his perspective he just wants to work at being a better all-around player.
“You can always do things better and quicker,” said Holloway. “If it’s your skating or the way you read the play it can always improve.”
If a Canadiens roster spot is not immediate Holloway will end up in the American Hockey League (AHL) with St. John.
“The ‘A’ (AHL) is nothing new to me. I played there for three-years previously and know how the league is and what to expect,” he said. Adding, “I also hear St. Johns is a great place and take care of their players well.”
