Laval’s Cardchasers draws crowd with appearance by Canadiens rookie Demidov
Posted October 15, 2025 10:48 pm.
Last Updated October 15, 2025 11:10 pm.
Less than 24 hours after stepping onto the ice at the Bell Centre, Montreal Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov stepped into a different kind of spotlight — this time at a trading card shop in Laval.
The 19-year-old winger made a memorable impact in Montreal’s thrilling 5–4 overtime win on Tuesday night, scoring the game-tying goal with under three minutes left in regulation. Just a day later, he was meeting fans face-to-face at Cardchasers.
Demidov was the featured guest on Wednesday as the Laval store celebrated the release of Upper Deck’s 2025–26 Series One hockey card set, as well as its four-year anniversary.
Celebrating the card release and a community milestone
Cardchasers co-owner Jordan Velenosi said having Demidov in-store made the day feel extra special.
“Of course Ivan Demidov is making his way to the store,” Velenosi said. “He’ll be doing a live Q&A as well as a special pack opening with the VIPs. This is because of his Young Guns release which is today, and of course he got that goal yesterday — so it makes it all that more special today.”
For collectors, the big draw was Demidov’s Young Guns rookie card, one of the most anticipated cards in the new set.
“On the Series 1 release we’re chasing the Young Guns,” he said. “Every box comes with six Young Guns. In a full case you’re guaranteed to get his Young Guns. We’re looking for the Gold Outburst, which is his one-of-one — so there’s only one print of this copy, as well as other rookie names as well, but obviously the main chase has to be the one-of-one Young Guns Gold Outburst for Ivan Demidov.”
Growth of the hobby fuels the excitement
Velenosi said the trading card industry — and the community around it — has grown quickly since Cardchasers opened.
“The hobby has been expanding year after year and we’re just excited with the growth behind everything so far,” he said. “It’s moving at a fast pace, maybe faster than we expected, and couldn’t be any happier after four years.”
The turnout for Wednesday’s event reflected that momentum.
“It’s definitely special,” he added. “There’s already so many people here and it’s just really a touching moment — especially to have the first overall pick for Montreal be here with us on his Young Guns Day. It’s a real special moment.”
Fans line up to meet the Habs’ top prospect
A crowd of fans lined up to meet the Canadiens’ newest star. For many, it was their first time seeing an NHL player up close — let alone one with the kind of buzz surrounding Demidov.
Giordano, a young fan waiting with his cap in hand, had one goal in mind.
“I came to Card Chasers to see Demidov and he’s going to sign my cap,” he said. “I’m really excited to see him because I’ve seen him in games, but I’ve never seen him in person.”
“I think he’s a very special player in Montreal, Canadiens, because he passes the puck really nice and it’s really spectacular to see him.”
A meaningful moment for young fans and lifelong supporters
Excitement ran high among fans of all ages. One young boy named Mason summed it up clearly.
“Demidov is my favourite player. I love him so much. I love to see him play. He’s so good in action. I’m really excited to meet him today.”
Eddie, who came to the event with a friend, said the experience felt surreal.
“I’ve been a hockey fan since I was a kid, watching games with my dad and everything,” she said. “Just having the opportunity of seeing Demidov — who’s been talked about as being the hotshot of NHL, like the rookie this season — is really a big opportunity. So I was like, you know what? Let’s do it.”
Meeting the future of the franchise
Anne, another fan, said being able to connect with young Canadiens players like Demidov makes her feel more invested in the team’s future.
“Being a hockey fan in Montreal and for the Habs is something really important,” she said. “The fan energy is really important for us too.”
“Meaning the new players we’re going to keep until like 2030 — it’s really fun for us to meet them and see who they actually are,” she added. “Seeing him in person, I’m really nervous, but it’s going to be really fun to know what he’s like.”
Maxime, who lives nearby, said events like this strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
“It’s a great event obviously. So Demidov gets to meet some of the fans and it’s right close to our home. I mean, it’s kind of nice that he comes to the Laval as well,” he said.
“Out of the current team, he’s probably the first one I’ll meet in person, so I’m really happy about that,” he added. “It’s just nice to see the players in person again. They’re busy with their lives and they have to be good and they have the pressure and everything, but they still take their time to get to see us. So it’s great for all of us here and we’re really happy to be there.”
‘Franchise-level potential’
Multiple fans said they believe Demidov could become the Canadiens’ next big star — possibly even their best offensive weapon.
“He has franchise-level potential and I think he’s going to reach that,” Maxime said. “Lane Hudson is obviously a great player as well, but [Demidov] might be the best offensive player we have — even considering Suzuki, Caufield, and all those players.”
Alex, another fan in attendance, echoed that excitement.
“It almost feels surreal, but now he’s coming here and it’s really nice to see him,” he said.
“He has a pure talent. He’s great. He’s good. He can make good passes. He’s crazy and he’s a great player.”
Looking ahead
For Cardchasers, the day brought collectors, hockey fans, and the local community together — and marked an important milestone in the store’s journey.
“Thank you everybody for all the support throughout the past four years,” Velenosi said. “Everyone that came here for us today — Demidov or not — I think we’ve built a nice community here and we’re really excited to see where this goes in the future.”
