Saku Koivu Returns From Cancer Ovation (04-09-2002)

[@yanl-c9748]

top 10 greatest hockey moments of all time

[@antonboludo8886]

Yes.

[@j.s.1016]

I fully agree. I have stored it in my KZbin Top 10 playlist.

[@richardfarrington1504]

this is 8 of the top 10 greatest moments of all time, idk what the other 2 are

[@toddgersh]

Shame the kid from the Flyers never got a chance to get something like this.

[@gregorysmaldino6947]

what is your top 10?

[@ArtDrumz]

Legend has it that crowd is still cheering.

[@bobbyboucher-k9t]

it is with the maurice richard crowd next to it

[@dwayneantle1142]

To me this was greater than a "feel good hockey story". It was a story about humanity, and a man's triumph over a cruel disease. Not sure how many people realize this, when he was first diagnosed he was given a 50/50 chance of survival! His response to this was "I'll be back before the season ends!! Amazing! Unreal!

[@norco4life518]

The reason he is my favourite player of all time. He might not have been the best in the league, but his determination and strength is something to be admired.

[@Iamtheskidoostig]

And played like a demon when he came back.

[@norco4life518]

KONG he played like hell spat him back out because they couldn’t handle his awesome sheer will

[@antonboludo8886]

Yes, it is amazing!

[@WayneOReilly]

@@sydcollado Dude it was in Montreal at the Molson Center my GF was there

[@nikolasgrenier9673]

was diagnosd with cancer in 2001,i was 4,watched this moment with my family cancer free the next year,tearing up a lot right now

[@kunai1362]

Hell yeah! True lil warrior you were!

[@DogInPajamaPants]

One of the finest NHL stories of all time, not only because I'm Finnish, not only because Saku beat cancer and came back to play and raised hell, but because of the fans who were amazing. He is one of our national treasures, any Habs fan is a friend of mine.

[@soap9816]

Any Finn is a friend of us

[@GillesPaquet-Allaire]

We loves Finn! Finn and the Habs will always be associated.

[@chrisbelos2834]

Story time : i was at that game. had 4 tickets in the reds and went with 2 friends of mine and my gf. while the ovation was going, one of my friend was in a lineup waiting for hotdogs and missed it all. i was screaming and cheering as loudly as i can. i remember vividly that everytime i cranked it up, the crowd cranked it up also. pure madness. the habs won the game and a playoff spot on that day, the first in 4 years. still have the match sheet in a binder, along with the ticket stub.

[@tyemaddog]

Jealous.. I live in BC, and wasn't easy finding the games on tv to watch. But managed to that night. Was my favorite player for whatever reason as a kid. Watching him go from rookie, injuries, to captain and through this.. Man oh man. True role model. Saku will always be my favorite.

[@chrisbelos2834]

Koivu = courage

[@dr.madthumbz2689]

That's the 20,000 you could actually hear, we were millions in our homes also cheering for this brother. Incredible, powerful moment! Go HABS Go!

[@JohnDoucet-v7g]

as a leaf fan...i had goose bumps on that evening watching this...and once again just now 22 yrs after...what a man on and off the ice...and a ninja fighting cancer...every one's hero and a prime example of a humble individual...many respects SAKU!!!!

[@davidsita6941]

This kills me every time ....as a montrealer makes me love my city .

[@intellect4840]

Same brother

[@mightymacaque]

I feel the same, and I'm a Leafs fan not living in Montreal XD. Second hand pride i guess.

[@TerryFGM]

@@mightymacaque i have second hand cringe for laffs playoff performances

[@mightymacaque]

Toronto fan here, love that Ottawa joined with habs fans to help make this special for Saku. I also love that every time the announcer talked, the cheers got louder to drown him out 😆.

[@mpraka]

i heard the announcer talk aboutthat moment on the radio a couple months ago, he said it made him tear up, after all im just human he said or something like that.

[@shawnperry3815]

This still sends shivers down my spine.

Same for me.

[@joeygray6859]

Still do for me years later

[@wannabepoet9647]

Iconic moment for NHL, Finnish hockey and Canadiens

[@tuntematonsotilas76]

This and Mario's return make me always cry. Such a moment.

[@jussisaari7683]

Saku is Mario in his spare time. Mikko doubles as Luigi.

[@pascaljutras178]

It was good to see Mario coming back but in his case the cancer was an easy one to treat. Situation for Saku was way more risky, his chances of survive were not the same at all.

[@andreprefontaine3824]

@@pascaljutras178 no such thing as easy for cancer

[@JayMakinen]

Montreal fans are so nice and so loving. I met some canadians in Thailand that year. When it occured that I was from Finland and I was a hockey fan we became friends immediately

[@BloggerMusicMan]

This was truly remarkable. Surviving is a great story; coming back to play elite level hockey within the season after being diagnosed is incredible.

[@robertoautore9252]

The greatest sports fans, congratulations to Saku Koivu for winning the battle against cancer something we don't see often.

[@tyemaddog]

Saku! My favorite player as a kid for whatever reason. Always exciting watching him play. Watching him from Rookie, injuries, team captain, and this, he will always be my favorite. A true role model.

[@bucktaylor9178]

I’m a leaf’s fan and I still get chills when I see this. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@holoholopainen1627]

First Finnish born C - Captain of any NHL / LNH - Team ! This moment was - Surely was noticed at the other side of Atlantic too ! Merci - Kiitos - Thank You

[@adamm1151]

That level of adoration and respect, very few men will experience in their lifetime.

[@andrewwalsh6401]

Montreal Canadian fans are the best fan base in the world out of any sport in the world. This is coming from a Leafs fan. 🍻

[@norco4life518]

I’ve been a fan since Guy Carbonneau was captain, and won’t be switching any time soon. Always was a habs fan and always will be. Koivu was one of my all time favourite players because he beat cancer and came back with a vengeance.

[@Jimkoons43]

hahahahahahahahahaha, no they aren't

[@DeluxeSlayer]

​@@Jimkoons43What team has the best fanbase then?

[@Lekky93]

This might be the greatest non-goal or win hockey moment of all time. Even as a leafs fan i get chills down my spine when saku steps on the ice.

[@shahramkhodadadi9542]

I was at this game and still get goosebumps watching this…

[@GillesPaquet-Allaire]

For my fellow 90s kids, we haven't seen a Stanley Cup, but we saw one of the greatest victories. Everytime I watch this video it make me emotional. That day, Saku Koivu became my hero as a kid.

[@ekeats2425]

He is loved so much in the city and the team, wish he could have retired ba Hab

[@Ejexion]

I was there at this game, in the box seats. People really did cheer right through the anthem. I remembered thinking that they might never stop, haha. What an amazing moment to have witnessed live!

[@humankirk9196]

What's not said in this video is the Habs won the 8th and final playoff spot on that emotional night, leading to yet another playoff series against their forever archrivals the Bruins... which they defeated in six games, with Koivu being a leading scorer with 2G 5A

[@jd0879]

2002 would’ve been a sick year to win it. If only they held onto that 3-0 lead in the third period of Game 4. Would’ve had a 3-1 series lead and probably would’ve went to the third round against Toronto and the Final against Detroit (facing 3 original six teams with Boston in round 1)

[@SK-nw4ig]

I am a Finn, few years younger than Saku. He was my favourite player growing up :) Glad to see this.

[@PetterLoke]

My favorit finn🇸🇪

[@crowlee5111]

Montreal embraced saku and forever loves him. Canadians sure know how to make an ovation.

[@TerryFGM]

and constantly shit on him in the media lmao

[@OVETMUSIC]

What Saku has is "sisu", what we finns call it. It's something that no matter how bad your situation is, you'll never give up fighting

[@mitya]

Saku on sisukasta mies :)

[@Oslolumi]

I named my last dog Sisu. We also had Lumi before. Love Suomi !!

[@SamiHukka]

If you get that response in Montreal from French Canadians, you know, that you are loved...

[@benmitchner2172]

This has me really choked up almost losing it. Montreal was our home away from home been there more times than anywhere else. I saw Koivu in 1998 and he was a hero to me, still is. I bought and wore a Saku T shirt for years after that game. Then the cancer diagnosis and the fact this great human being survived and triumphed. Fast forward to now for 2 years my health has been bad and we don't know the cause. I look at hockey players as my big inspiration to get through it- they are remarkably resilient, but this story beats them all. Fleury was pretty close, though.

[@jouniman7954]

That must be one of the greatest moment in Saku's life.

[@SpooN12344321]

i remember i was cying watching it... it was just mindblowing :)

[@Débribu]

It makes me cry every time.

[@mikrosixtysix]

Crybaby

[@MrDecelles]

One of the biggest cheers ever …. For an introvert like Saku :) What a story!

[@math2222322]

Montréal's spirit right there!

[@jonathanbernard411]

SE moment me donne encore plus de frisson que la coupe de 93!!!!! sa pis l ovation du rocket probablement les 2 best moment du hockey que j ai connut!!!

[@Beep-Boop101]

I remember going to that game , what a moment, literally no mute button on that crowd.

[@420people]

The little Viking returns. Epic moment I'm a Leafs fan, Super Mario and Saku's return are some of my best hockey memories. MTL. You guys are nothing but love.

[@jakemaanimeikalainen248]

Leave that viking stuff for the scandinavians. Saku is a finn not a scandi!

[@johnvermette9466]

To this day, this gives me goosebumps! Saku Koivu was my hero, and still is! I think it's a damn shame that the Montreal Canadiens haven't retired is number! Only two players in the Habs history has been the Captain for 10 years: Jean Béliveau, AND Saku Koivu! Now granted, he never won the Stanley Cup, but he was an inspiration for all of us who had to battle with some forms of cancer. He is responsible for bringing the first MRI machine in a Montréal hospital, by raising more than 8 millions dollars in 2001! A true gentleman, an amazing athlete, and an amazing human being!

[@MarcoIdolo]

Cancer is the fight that anybody can relate on, saku was feeling a big shy cause the attention was on him but I think the attention was on the common fight that we will maybe face someday that is cancer

[@caesardicktator3301]

Now, the cancer is Russia!

[@Drekt666]

What a great player.

[@khalilac17]

esti que je manque Saku

[@pascalpotvin3156]

One of the great moments in sports period

[@davidbecker5107]

And now we have his son. What. A. Moment.

[@waterlilyqueen]

Is his son playing hockey? In the NHL? That’s cool!

[@redbeardryan8391]

22 years later and I still get goosebumps.

[@709mash]

0:52 a wild Jay Baruchel appears!

[@Mahakasmieslapsi]

thanks for this upload mate great work

[@louisstabile1182]

I mean, I know he got the best treatment possible that not everyone could always afford. Still a fucking feels-good story, kudos to Koivu for beating cancer. He'll always be my captain.

[@David_Larkin]

He was in Canada mate, everyone can get the best treatement regardless if they can afford it or not. That's the beauty of universal healthcare

[@louisstabile1182]

@@David_Larkin yes and no, sometimes the waiting just takes too long and it kills you. You can still go private in Canada to get immediate treatment

[@aurorasstorm5877]

@@David_Larkin Yes everyone can get the same treatment if they can live that long to wait for it. I know many who have died just waiting to get a catscan or an MRI because of the backlog so no it isn't all its cracked up to be.

[@barsk1]

Why does it matter how good treatment he got when he helped the montreal general hospital to get their first cancer scanner which in turn made diagnosing process faster. Also his foundation has kept raising money to help. I do believe his contributions helped a lot of people. Not a lot of people who have the possibility decide to help others in need.

[@adamwatson6916]

@@David_Larkin he was treated in Finland . Not Canada.

[@costantino8358]

This is why im a die hard habs fan , What a great moment . Go habs go

[@Leanmeat00]

Leafs fan here and the standing ovations that the habs fan give to there loved players is like no other.

[@michaelmacintyre6996]

Can’t wait to see him cheer on his son wearing that same uniform!!

[@sahiblindberg]

If I want to have a good cry I'll come here. Allez Les Habs de Finlande, Montreal has always been a good place for our people. I hope to see a game at Centre Bell some day! Or better yet, see Stanley Cup returning where it belongs, to the banks of Saint-Laurent...

[@siberiantiger1975]

God bless you Saku 🙏❤️

[@rhyaamn]

Little known fact the broadcast is the Senators all time radio and TV broadcast duo Gord Wilson and Dean Brown, absolute legends. I remember quietly hoping the Habs could take that W for Saku, an absolute class act on and off the ice.

[@xhekaj2309]

Un grand moment dans lhistoire❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@Petteri82]

Every coach that ever came across this gyu immediately put a C on him. He's that kinda guy and you see it here.

[@domboulanger]

This night we all beat cancer

[@catchdafever]

Yep, like it was yesterday. Koivu 4 ever.

[@ITLIFER]

Say what you will about Habs fans, they sure know how to honor thier own! 💪🏽

[@supmofo123]

Still my favorite video on KZbin

[@dundaravewine2390]

Saku is a dude - so much respect.

[@jaakkojokinen1797]

Saku celebrates his 50th birthday today💪🏼

[@och70]

The people who disliked this video must be fans of cancer. Seek help.

[@GregoryWright-dh9rh]

Hab fans will know when I say this. That ovation was FORUM LOUD!

[@joshshute1591]

Amazing

[@tonybelgiony2884]

RIP that child ears

[@stevecharbonneau4134]

that was a unique moment

[@choosenone2die]

Fans gave Koivu an eight-minute standing ovation when he skated onto the Molson Centre ice for the first time on April 9, 2002, in the team's 80th game of the season. Koivu helped the team to gain a playoff spot and they went on to beat the top-seeded Boston Bruins in six games

[@bobbyboucher-k9t]

That CCM jersey is amazing

[@norco4life518]

I still have a rookie card of his somewhere here

[@mitchmommy]

No one does it Better than MONTREAL.

[@simonlarouche2138]

Here after Montreal just drafted his son !

[@amxterxsu138]

i'm an oilers fan and i really don't like the habs, but... wow. just wow. incredible reception and incredible grit from koivu.

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I fucken cry every time man

[@grega1461]

Anybody else read that title to quickly and thought it said ovarian cancer??..

[@soc2168]

No.

[@ericlunger8090]

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@masaboy02]

I was 14 days old when that happened😁

[@AKmumu]

Habs just drafted his son, time flies by

[@costantino8358]

What a moment , I will never forget his day . Go habs go

[@jlindien8972]

Forever a Habs😊

[@woodyforest2334]

We all loved Saku here in Montreal, it was a disgrace when PQ Leader Pauline Marois demanded the Habs Captain speak French, in turn putting pressure on Saku. Don Cherry was very outspoken and supportive of our Finnish Captain, the French media was terrible..

[@ShawnS14]

0:54 is that jay baruchel?

[@thomastims6763]

It is, he's a big time Habs fan

[@Daniel_Delayne]

Doesn't look anything like him

[@ShawnS14]

Lol it actually is him Daniel. Thank you for your input@@Daniel_Delayne

[@costantino8358]

Its not

[@Vessanpönttöpää]

Touchavle momentum= koskettava hetki!

[@mmooney6860]

i was there

[@MP-qr5ts]

Capitaine Saku Koivu. Nice audience.

[@antonboludo8886]

Amazing.

[@notalk90thst]

This, The ROCKET RICHARD and THE HULK HOGAN standing ovations all held in MONTREAL

[@jdigg2007]

Awesome. Wish the French media wasn't so disrespectful towards him.

[@umadbrew]

Not one person with their stupid ass phone out... Miss those days.

[@sergiolandz6056]

make phones great again, ban camera's on phones. That would solve a lot of problems, it would anger the slaves but who cares.

[@FEBEAULIEU]

On l’aimais tu notre Saku!!!

[@MAC0319]

Amazing… just amazing…

[@ayroau]

Our closest North American brothers, Canadians

[@villealanen3288]

Hodgings..well..hot kings 66..I saw the light..with Mario Lemiux..🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@JeanFrancoisLapointe-ur7ix]

❤

[@jc339]

did they win this game

[@meganjodouin2669]

Yes

[@mostertrucks]

yes and they clinched a playoff spot with a win

[@InsideTSX]

4-3 Montreal vs Ottawa. No points for Saku but he scored 2 points the game after that and 10 pts in 12 games in the playoffs

[@mafiaboy23ca]

The return of the little viking is a great memory of that time.

[@TrickyHaze.]

The habs have the best fans hands down

[@flyer3154]

One of the best Finnish players of all time