The Canadiens are still far from being first-overall in the standings, but yesterday, an honorary member of the team showed she was still first-overall in the world.

There are moments that transcend news categories and yesterday, we saw one. As the Paris Olympics opening ceremony unfolded in front of our eyes taking us through French history with panache and pleasing even those who tuned in solely for the final act, anticipation built for the return of a star on the grandest stage of them all. 

At the end of June, when the Montreal Canadiens made the fifth-overall pick at the 2024 draft in Vegas, it was announced by a special lady. No, it wasn't vice president hockey communications Chantal Machabee, but it was someone she had asked herself. One of the most famous Canadians and Quebecers ever, singer Celine Dion.

While fans and media alike celebrated the star's presence in Vegas days after the I am Celine Dion documentary hit Amazon Prime, they had no idea what the pride of Charlemagne had in store for them next. 

If you've watched the documentary, you know what the singer has been through with the stiff-person syndrome and how it has robbed her of her ability to take the stage and sing with the passion that has always characterized her since 2020. Yesterday afternoon or last night in Paris, she shown just how strong she was and just how much she wanted Paris to shine. 

On the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, Celine Dion lit up the city and the Olympic games as the world watched on. The singer, who enjoyed tremendous success in France at the start of her international career, stole the show by singing Edith Piaff's classic Hymne à l'amour (Hymn to Love) in magnificent fashion. 

Wearing a shiny Dior dress, Dion had the whole world rooting for her and she didn't disappoint, just like she hadn't in Vegas. There are times that make you truly proud to be Canadian and after the Soccer Canada drone scandal had made the headlines in Paris, we all needed our brightest star to come off the bench and make us all remember what a pride it is to be Canadian.  

The Canadiens are still far from being first-overall in the standings, but yesterday, an honorary member of the team showed she was still first-overall in the world.