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Zach Redmond couldn’t wipe the smile off his face in the Canadiens’ locker room following Monday’s morning skate in Brossard.

The team’s newest defenceman was thrilled to be in the starting lineup for the Canadiens’ first pre-season game Monday night at the Bell Centre against the New Jersey Devils.

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“It’s exciting,” a beaming Redmond said. “I’m glad I’m into the first game right away. I don’t like waiting around. The Red and White game was crazy yesterday (in front of 15,000 fans at the Bell Centre). I’m expecting more of the same tonight. I’m excited.”

Redmond scored a goal in the Canadiens’ 3-2 loss to the Devils and logged 20:57 of ice time with four shots on goal and three hits.

Redmond has reason to be excited every time he laces up his skates. After what he’s gone through in his life, there are a lot of things he doesn’t take for granted.

When Redmond was 15, he suffered a transient ischemic attack, which is basically a minor stroke as a result of a clot that briefly stops blood supply to the brain. Afterward, doctors told Redmond the odds of him playing hockey again were 50/50.