Carey Price, the legendary goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens, recently shared his admiration for two young goaltenders following their standout performances on the world stage. Price's heartfelt messages not only highlight his respect for exceptional talent but also his role as a supportive figure for rising stars.
On December 28, 2024, Price took to X, the social media platform where he has cultivated a modest following, to congratulate Latvia's Linards Feldbergs after the young goalie played phenomenally against Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship. "Feldbergs, wow. Well done kid. On to the next one boys," Price tweeted, clearly impressed by Feldbergs' stellar skills as he helped secure Latvia's historic first-ever victory against Canada at this championship level.
Feldbergs, only 19 years old and playing for the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL, stopped 54 of 56 shots during regulation and the shootout, demonstrating poise under pressure. His standout performance earned him the Player of the Game honors, much to the delight of Latvian fans who saw him shine against one of their toughest rivals. "I'm still in shock. I think I need like an hour to process this, everything happened on ice. I was just looking at the crowd and my team. The Canadian fans were just in shock," Feldbergs described after the game, reflecting the surreal nature of their victory.
Price's gesture garnered significant attention, showing how the veteran goalie continues to inspire and uplift budding talents. This wasn’t the first time he extended this kind of support; just the day before, Price praised Jakub Dobes, another promising netminder for the Canadiens, with the words, "Congrats Jakub. Makes me happy to see a moment like this." Such gestures underline Price's commitment to fostering the next generation of hockey players.
The impact of Price's endorsements is invaluable as they provide young athletes with motivation and encouragement. Given Price's reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of all time—holding records for wins and accolades during his tenure—it is no surprise his simple words can leave lasting impressions on young players entering their careers.
Considered one of the top candidates for the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2025, Price's impact on the sport goes beyond his playing days. With statistics of 361 wins and nearly 50 shutouts over his 15 seasons, he has set the standard for excellence among goaltenders. His performances have included moments of brilliance, such as leading the Canadiens to the finals in 2021 and winning Olympic gold with Canada back in 2014.
More than just numbers, Price's sportsmanship reflects his character within the hockey community. By reaching out to the likes of Feldbergs and Dobes, he strengthens the fraternity among goalies—a connection based on shared experiences and the pressures of the position.
Being lauded by someone of Price's stature is more than just praise; it's validation for young goaltenders like Feldbergs, who have worked hard to make their mark on the ice. For aspiring players, knowing they have backing from established stars is reassuring—encouraging them to push boundaries and excel under pressure.
Price's comments, especially his willingness to openly praise younger players, mark him as not just a competitor but as someone who cares about the future of hockey. This mentorship goes beyond cheering from the sidelines; it shapes the journeys of the players he acknowledges. Young athletes likely will strive to match the qualities they admire within Price, including his determination and resilience.
The future appears bright with goalies like Feldbergs already making headlines and earning recognition through remarkable performances. Their journeys may be crafty but are enriched by experiences like these. Price's encouragement adds another layer—it can galvanize players to dream bigger, work harder, and build upon the foundations set by legends like him.
Indeed, it was not just another game for these young goaltenders. With Price's attention spotlighting their accomplishments, it serves as both inspiration and motivation for others, assuring their stories of success are just beginning.
