The frenzied roar of the crowd still echoed through the corridors of the Bell Centre, but behind the closed doors of the press room, something far more profound than hockey was unfolding. Martin St-Louis stood before the cameras, his eyes shadowed by a weight that had nothing to do with the scoreboard. The night should have been about victory—about strategy, about a young goaltender’s heroics—but the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens was about to share a message that would silence even the most passionate fans.

A chilling sense of unease had gripped the Canadiens organization since the final whistle, but few knew the true reason. As reporters shuffled their notes, anticipating the usual post-game analysis, St-Louis paused. His words, when they finally came, carried the tremor of a father’s fear and the gravity of a tragedy that had struck far from the rink.

What happened off the ice that night would shake not just a legendary hockey family, but an entire university community. The details were still emerging, whispers of a crisis that had forced St-Louis’ son, Ryan, to take shelter in his dorm at Brown University—an ordeal that had unfolded in real time as Martin coached his team through a tense battle against the Edmonton Oilers.

The press room was hushed, waiting. No one expected the emotional statement that would follow, nor the raw vulnerability of a man who had always embodied strength. The tragedy at Brown University had hit home for the St-Louis family, leaving fans, teammates, and the hockey world at large searching for words. In that moment, the lines between sport and life blurred, and the usual boundaries of post-game commentary dissolved into something much deeper.

But what exactly happened on that campus? Why was Ryan St-Louis forced to shelter in place, and how did the events of that night ripple through the Canadiens’ locker room and into the hearts of so many?

As you read on, you’ll discover the full story behind Martin St-Louis’ emotional press conference, the harrowing ordeal faced by his son, and the way a single night changed everything for a family whose name is synonymous with resilience. The answers are as gripping as the questions—and the impact reaches far beyond the ice.

Photo of Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: Canadiens

We mentioned it last night, but we now have the full emotional statement from the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis.

Here is what St-Louis had to say at the very start of his press conference following the game against the Edmonton Oilers.

An extremely concerning situation involving Martin St-Louis’ son and a tragedy at his school

See the details.

“My son goes to Brown University. He’s a senior. He was at campus yesterday. So he was sheltering during last night’s game.

It’s a tragedy, it hit home. I want to send my thoughts and prayers to everybody involved: the students, the families, that community. Stuff like that shouldn’t happen.

He’s safe, he’s back home. It was a difficult time for everyone…” – Martin St-Louis

We are at a loss for words.

We are relieved that Martin’s son, Ryan St-Louis, is safe, but this is so heartbreaking for all the affected families and for all the victims.

Credit to Martin for taking a moment at the beginning of his press conference to pay tribute to them.

Ryan St-Louis, born June 13, 2003, is a 22-year-old senior forward with Brown University’s men’s hockey program. A 5-foot-10, 170-pound left winger, he wears No. 9 and has recorded six points in 12 games this season, including four goals and two assists, along with a game-winning goal.

Known for his energy and offensive presence, St-Louis contributes through pace, shots, and reliable secondary scoring within Brown’s lineup.

We obviously remind you that Martin St-Louis’ squad earned the win Sunday night against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, notably thanks to a brilliant performance by young goaltender Jakub Dobes.