By: Bryce Doiron
Jay Burachel is a Canadian actor and screenwriter. (Peter McCabe/Montreal Gazette)
When Canadian actor Jay Burachel was writing his book about his experience as a fan of the Montreal Canadiens, he gave himself a daily target.
“The problem was when I would put out 3,000 words on a computer, I had nothing left to say to anyone,†said the Canadian actor.
Apparently, that was not so fun for his fiancé. “I would emerge from the basement after eight hours of just being a little computer troll and then she would ask me what should we have for dinner and I would just be like, I write book,†said Burachel as the audience laughed.
This was one of many stories Burachel shared Nov. 7 at Holland College’s Florence Simmons performance hall in Charlottetown. Burachel was promoting his new book, Born Into It: A fan’s life.
The event was a question and answer session hosted by CBC P.E.I.’s Island Morning hosts Matt Rainnie and Mitch Cormier.
Jay Burachel told stories and read an excerpt from his new book Born Into It: A fan’s life. The new book is about Burachel’s love for the Montreal Canadiens. (Bryce Doiron)
“We were just cast in Goon Three: They’ve let themselves go,†Cormier said joking.
Rainnie, a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, gave credit to those who arrived dressed in their Canadiens hats, jerseys and shirts.
“Well, you are dressed for the occasion,†he said to those waiting in the lobby. Burachel was also dressed for the occasion, sporting a Canadiens ball cap, which has made some big screen appearances.
“When you came on scene in This Is The End wearing that hat, I will even admit, it was pretty cool,†said Rainnie.
Burachel’s passion for the Canadiens has created many stories, including one about Habs owner Jeff Molson and legendary tough guy Chris Nilan.
“I was hosting the Just for Laughs gala and was getting ready to go back on stage and someone stopped me and said oh wait, there’s this little video thing.â€
A video played of Molson congratulating Burachel on the gig and naming him a honourary captain of the team.
“I was like that’s pretty cool, not something you see every day,†said Burachel.
At that moment Chris Nilan emerged on stage with a special jersey.
“I then got down on my knees and hailed like Wayne and Garth, then guilt tripped the audience for not cheering what I though was an adequate amount for Chris Nilan.â€
Burachel is still a little star struck about the whole thing.
“The fact that I can text Chris Nilan is a pretty cool thing.â€
Burachel was also once a season ticket owner at the Bell Centre in Montreal until work demanded too much travel.