‘Completely insane’: SPVM officer on the Montreal Canadiens’ bench
Posted April 27, 2025 7:18 pm.
Last Updated April 30, 2025 6:39 pm.
Most people dream of playing for the Montreal Canadiens. For Patrick Chèvrefils — a Montreal police officer and lifelong Habs fan — that dream took an unimaginable turn last Friday night.
Growing up, Chèvrefils’ passion for hockey was ignited by his father.
“It was a passion from a very early day because as far as I can remember my father was a goaltender,” he said. “I grew up with his goalie equipment in the basement. I would always grab his stuff when he wasn’t playing and try to make imaginary saves.”
That childhood passion never let go. Chèvrefils battled asthma and tough competition from local elite goalies like Corey Crawford to pursue his NHL dream — a dream that always trumped his eventual career path.
“I was still convinced I was going to make it to the NHL. I wouldn’t take no for an answer. To me, the police was always a plan B, and being a goalie in the NHL was plan A.”
Even after transitioning into policing, he found ways to keep hockey in his life through police tournaments and the World Police and Fire Games. But nothing could prepare him for what was to come.
“We need you — now”: The call that changed everything
Chèvrefils serves as the Canadiens’ EBUG — emergency backup goaltender — a position most fans don’t even realize exists. Normally present at home games during the regular season, he wasn’t expected to be on site during the playoffs.
On April 25, as he watched Game 3 of the Canadiens vs. Capitals series from his couch, Habs starter Sam Montembeault left the game with an injury. Then, his phone rang.
“I get the phone call right away in the game. I’m like, ‘I know this number,’” Chèvrefils said. “It was John Sedgwick putting out the bat signal, saying, ‘We need you to come here as soon as possible.’ And I did.”
Within moments, he went from spectator to NHL roster player.
“It was really a focus of getting my gear done, making sure I have both skates… I didn’t want to show up to the Bell Centre and have a skate missing.”
The jersey, the crowd, the moment
When Chèvrefils arrived at the Bell Centre and saw a Canadiens jersey with his name on the back, emotion hit him hard.
“That was surreal. It was completely insane. And then I was directed towards the bench.”
“I’ve seen myself with a jersey walking in the Bell Centre all my life,” he said. “As I was doing it, I thought I was still dreaming.”
It wasn’t just about making it — it was about honouring a promise to himself and a memory of his late father.
“My father probably missed five games in my whole life,” he reflected. “I spoke to my dad for a little, like, maybe five seconds as I was walking through. Like, ‘Hey dad, I know it’s not official, but I made it. I made it somehow.’”
An NHL dream realized — on the bench
Though he didn’t get into the game, Chèvrefils took his spot on the bench, surrounded by players he had long admired.
“It’s a special moment I’m never going to forget,” he said. “Maybe not on the ice, but I’ve seen myself with a jersey walking in the Bell Centre all my life.”
“I thought I was having a waking dream moment… I couldn’t really pinch myself — goalie gear doesn’t let you reach much skin — but if I could, I would’ve.”
He noted that players finally recognized him — not just as the “weird guy” who stands near them in the press box, but as a fellow teammate.
“When I was close to the locker room giving high fives, we all had a big exchange of laughs because they finally figured out who I was.”
The long road to the NHL (sort of)
Chèvrefils has spent three years in his emergency backup role. The opportunity stemmed from a chance encounter with former NHLer Guillaume Latendresse, leading to practice invites with NHL and AHL players during a lockout.
“I played with the NHLPA in Candiac. I was able to share the ice with Carey Price, Marc-André Fleury, and others. I raised my level of play to compete in practices with NHL players.”
Despite never being drafted, he proved to himself that he could hold his own in elite company.
“The practice level, the game level, and the playoff game level are three very different things. I can compete in practices. I can’t wait to find out if I can compete in a game.”
The loyalty test: What if it had been the Capitals?
What if the opposing team had needed him instead?
“I’ll be honest — whatever jersey you put on me, if you give me the opportunity to play in the NHL, I will play for any team, anytime. Even if it’s against the Habs.”
He emphasized that professionalism comes first.
“Even if I have a tattoo of the Canadiens, that doesn’t matter. You’ve got to be able to put your personal feelings aside. If I had to go in without a mask on, I’d still do it. I don’t care. That’s my dream.”
Beyond the ice: The Pro Wrestler within
Few know Chèvrefils had another unexpected detour: professional wrestling.
“My pro wrestling name was Kaden Rose. You can find some of my old matches online,” he said with a grin. “He was the cockiest guy you could ever meet — confident, thought he was the best looking dude out there. It was so fun to live that dream and play that character.”
A hometown hero, backed by his force
While the moment was unforgettable for Chèvrefils, it wasn’t just him who beamed with pride. The Montreal Police, where he serves as a police officer, shared in his joy with a heartfelt message on social media:
Last night, one of our own had an incredible experience. Our colleague, Officer Patrick Chèvrefils, was called in as the emergency backup goalie for the @canadiensmtl during the game against Washington. Ready to jump onto the ice if needed, he proudly took his place on the team bench. Wearing the CH’s red, white, and blue, he had the honour of living out an unbelievable dream.
The adventure continues on Sunday. He’ll be back at the Bell Centre, ready to defend the net if necessary for Game 4 of the series.
The SPVM team is behind him. Go Habs Go!
The message echoed what so many felt — that even if Chèvrefils didn’t step onto the ice, he had already lived a dream few ever come close to.
From plan B to plan A — If only for one night
The Bell Centre moment wasn’t a full NHL debut. But for Chèvrefils, it was enough.
“I never bought a Canadiens jersey with my name on the back. I told myself I’d only wear one if I earned it. And somehow… I did.”
