On Tuesday, the death of the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, was announced, leaving millions of fans in mourning. While the news came as a shock to some, it shouldn’t have been given how the 76-year-old lived his life. When you mention Ozzy Osbourne to Montreal Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] fans, most recall the time when the Habs gifted him a Canadiens jersey bearing his name and the number 666. The singer looked chuffed with the gift and was spotted wearing it more than once in the following years. Canadiens: Big Weekend For Demidov And Newhook [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-big-weekend-for-demidov-and-newhook] Big Contingent Of Canadiens Players In Town For Suzuki’s Wedding? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/big-contingent-of-canadiens-players-in-town-for-suzuki-s-wedding] Former Canadiens Forward Signs With New Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/former-canadiens-forward-signs-with-new-team] For this reporter, though, the mention of Osbourne brings back a memory from 2021. As someone who lived alone during the pandemic, I was suffering from severe hockey withdrawals when the NHL shut down, and no amount of watching replays of classic games could cure it. But as the league was getting ready to launch the shortened 2021 season, the Canadiens released a video that took us through the trying months of the pandemic we had just endured, before showing us the players coming back home to Montreal to get back to work. The video’s background song was Osbourne’s Mama I’m Coming Home. I’m not a big fan of heavy metal, so there aren’t many of his songs that I like. However, that one has always been my favorite, and watching the emotionally charged images with that song in the background was truly moving to me. The thought of hockey’s return, coupled with everything that had gone on over the past few months, brought goosebumps to my arms and tears to my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a simple preseason video or by any video for that matter, but what can I say? Like many at the time, I was an emotional wreck. Rest in peace, Ozzy, and thank you for the memories. Photo credit: Robert Hanashiro -Imagn Images -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwo-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen], never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains [https://x.com/KarineHains] Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/karinehains.bsky.social] and Threads @karinehains [https://www.threads.net/@karinehains]. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/] for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens. Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] on The Hockey News.
