The Canucks' AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose will be without their captain for one game, but it's not because of an injury.
Mike Keane won't dress for tonight's game against the Peoria Rivermen because he'll be at the Bell Centre as part of the Montreal Canadiens historic centennial celebration.
The Habs take on the Boston Bruins in an Original Six battle tonight as part of the 100th anniversary of the franchise and before the game, the bleu, blanc et rouge plan to honour as many past players as possible.
"To be a part of it is a huge honour and to be able to see a lot of the old guys is going to be great," said Keane. "It'll be something that I never forget. To be part of the 100th year anniversary and to be part of the great history is something not a lot of players get to do.
"Once you're a Montreal Canadien, you're one for life."
Keane, a 42-year-old Winnipegger, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Canadiens in 1985.
After a year the minors with Sherbrooke in 1987-88, Keane spent eight NHL seasons with the Canadiens before he was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche.
Keane also suited up for 64 games with the Vancouver Canucks in 2003-2004, notching 17 points.
