By paNOW Staff

Sask. NHLer reflects on playing with, against Canadiens legend

Dec 4, 2014 | 6:14 AM

Regina-born Gary Peters was only in his second year as a professional hockey player when he got the call up to join the Montreal Canadiens in the 1964-65 NHL season.

He said he remembered legendary centre Jean Beliveau as a friendly face when he first arrived.

“He was one of the first guys, and he was so excited to see me and welcome me to the team and whatnot,” said Peters during an appearance on John Gormley Live.

Peters said he was saddened to learn that the Canadiens’ star died Tuesday night at the age of 83.

“I got a text on my phone and my heart just sunk,” he said.

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Peters only played a few games with the Canadiens before moving on to the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins.  In his career, he also played against Beliveau and he said that while he’s known as one of the game’s classiest players, he did have a mean streak.

“When he got angry, he didn’t show it and he didn’t spout off. But he was exceptionally strong and he laid the stick very heavily on you, and you knew that he was angry,” he said.

But memories of the odd bruise aside, Peters said he’ll remember Beliveau as a phenomenal talent on the ice who let his skills do most of the talking, and a true gentleman both in and outside of the game.

“He was so talented, and a true captain.  A guy that lead by example,” Peters said.

Beliveau won 10 Stanely Cups during his career with the Canadiens and stands as the team’s second highest all-time scorer.

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