Hab at Heart: Chuck Hughes

A world-renowned chef, co-owner of two of the most well-known restaurants in Montreal, television personality, and the man in charge of keeping some of the biggest names in the music industry fed at Osheaga and Heavy Montreal alike, Chuck Hughes rarely takes a break between projects. But, if he’s not in front of a stove or traveling the world to make an appearance, chances are that you’ll see him on a rink or watching the Canadiens battle it out for NHL supremacy. We caught up with the 39-year-old chef before festival season got underway to learn more about his love for the CH.

How long have you been a Canadiens fan? CHUCK HUGHES: I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. On the other hand, my biological father was a fan of the Flyers and the Broad Street Bullies in the 1970s. The first jersey that I ever got – and I still have it today – was a Flyers jersey in 1976. When you can barely speak, you don’t have a choice but to wear it. (Laughs) But, when I was younger, I loved the Canadiens. That passion for the team was passed on to me by my adoptive father because. I knew all the Canadiens players and the players on the other teams, too, because I collected all the cards I could get my hands on.

Who was your favorite player as a kid? CH: Back then, my favorite player was Stephane Richer. I met him a few times recently, and I was taken aback by just how strong he was. When I was younger, I thought that he was a talented player, a finesse player who scored goals all of the time. Being a pretty physically imposing guy myself, I didn’t think he’d be more imposing than me. I was speechless.

What’s been your favorite Canadiens moment up until now? CH: Winning the Stanley Cup back in 1993 was incredible, but I think Guy Lafleur’s return to Montreal when he was with the Rangers was very special. I was at the Forum that night. I heard so many stories about him from my mother. She was a flight attendant with Quebecair at the time. That was the airline the Canadiens used. I’ve actually got a story that happened recently that’s tied to the Canadiens, though. Many years ago, my biological father played baseball in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system for a team in Drummondville. After being forced to retire because of an injury, he stayed in the area and became a coach. This past season at the Bell Centre, I had the chance to visit the …

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