The glare of Madison Square Garden’s lights danced off Jacob Fowler’s mask as he lunged across the crease, a wall of determination standing between the New York Rangers and their next goal. The crowd roared, but for a brief, electrifying moment, time seemed to freeze—every eye locked on the young goaltender as he made a save that would echo far beyond the rink. Yet, it wasn’t just the fans in the stands or the cameras clicking from the press box who were watching. Somewhere hundreds of miles away, another legendary pair of eyes was following every move, ready to make a gesture that would change Fowler’s night—and perhaps his career.

Even after his headline-making trade to the San Jose Sharks, Carey Price’s presence in Montreal remains unshakeable, a shadow and a beacon for every young netminder who dreams of greatness. But what happened next wasn’t in any scouting report or post-game analysis. As the Canadiens celebrated their recall of Fowler, the phone rang with a number every goalie in Montreal would recognize instantly. It was Price, and his message wasn’t about technique, stats, or pressure—it was something far more personal, and far more powerful.

In the middle of the media frenzy, Fowler’s voice trembled with the excitement of a dream realized and the gravity of a legend’s support. Price didn’t just reach out—he offered wisdom, encouragement, and a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of hockey’s most revered figures. “Soak in all the NHL experience,” Price told him. “Have fun.” Simple words, but loaded with meaning for a rookie standing at the crossroads of expectation and possibility.

The moment would become the talk of press conferences and social media, with reporters and fans marveling at Price’s class and Fowler’s composure. But beneath the surface, a deeper story was unfolding—a story of mentorship, pressure, and the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity. Fowler’s response, raw and honest, hinted at the challenges ahead. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wanna be like every great goalie that’s ever played,” he admitted, “but I understand that I gotta be myself and that starts everyday…”

What exactly did Price say in that private conversation? How did it shape Fowler’s mindset as he stepped onto NHL ice for the first time? And what does this unexpected bond mean for the future of Montreal’s goaltending—a legacy so often defined by icons and the young dreamers who follow in their footsteps?

As the season unfolds and the Canadiens’ net becomes a crucible for hope and pressure, the story of one phone call stands out as a reminder that greatness is built not just on saves and shutouts, but on moments of connection and wisdom passed from one generation to the next.

Dec 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Montréal Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler (32) makes a save on a shot on goal attempt in the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Even though he has been traded to the San Jose Sharks, goaltender Carey Price continues to closely follow the Montreal Canadiens’ activities.

Following the recall of young Jacob Fowler, he made a remarkable gesture by picking up the phone and immediately reaching out to the young goalie.

Wow! Hats off, Carey.

That is what Fowler himself revealed during his press conference.

Carey Price immediately called Jacob Fowler to support him

If the two can develop a certain bond, that would truly be extraordinary.

“Jacob Fowler said Carey Price reached out to him when he was called up. Price’s message to Fowler: he is supporting him, to soak in all the NHL experience and have fun.”

– Priyanta Emrith

That is really classy coming from Price.

“On RDS, Jacob Fowler just said that Carey Price reached out to him after he got called up by the Habs, saying that he’s supporting him and to just have fun.”

– HabsOnReddit

Still during a press conference, young Fowler then added the following.

“Just living in the moment everyday, right here, right now. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wanna be like every great goalie that’s ever played but I understand that I gotta be myself and that starts everyday…” – Jacob Fowler, via HabsOnReddit

You can say he clearly understood Carey Price’s wise advice.