Article content

A conversation late Thursday afternoon with Nathan Beaulieu was interrupted by two things: spotty cell-phone coverage 100-plus kilometres northeast of Lake Superior, and the Canadiens defenceman being momentarily distracted by a Trans-Canada Highway bystander.

“Just passed a big bear,” Beaulieu said matter-of-factly on a crackling connection.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Beaulieu prepares for training camp battle on Habs' crowded blue line Back to video

The 22-year-old was about a half-hour outside of Longlac, Ont., his destination at the end of a two-day, 1,300-km drive from London for a weekend of fishing.

It’s the second annual excursion for Beaulieu and his father, Jacques, to where Beaulieu’s dad grew up and still has family and friends. Lines were to be dipped Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the two-day drive back to London, where training would resume for the 2015-16 NHL season.

“We mostly catch pickerel. At least, that’s what we want to catch because it’s what we eat,” Beaulieu said. “My dad caught the big one last year. I’m hoping to get it this weekend.”