'It'll be a slam dunk': Comedians weigh in on P.K. Subban's Just for Laughs gala hosting debut
Proceeds from Hab's All-Star Comedy Gala will go to defenceman's foundation for Montreal Children's Hospital
"I've been shouting from the rooftops all morning," said 14-time Just For Laughs comedian Mike Paterson about the news that popular Habs defenceman P.K. Subban will host a gala at this year's comedy festival.
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Between National Hockey League fans and Montreal pride, Paterson said the gala will be "a slam dunk," no matter what.
"You just have to bring P.K. Subban out, and he will have a standing ovation for two hours," Paterson said.
"It will just be chanting: 'Thank you, P.K.' for at least the first 10 minutes."
This isn't the first time the hockey star takes the JFL stage. He was a crowd favourite at the Seth Rogen gala in 2014.
But could he bomb?
With all the money from the gala going to the Montreal Children's Hospital, Paterson says there's no chance the crowd will be hard to win over.
As the host, Subban will also get the help of JFL writers from Montreal and international comedy hubs, including Los Angeles.
Paterson thinks Subban will bring a lot of his own material or have his own spin on what the writers give him.
"You see how he is with Michel Therrien: If he doesn't want to do something, he won't," Paterson said.
What to expect
There's still no word on who will be appearing in Subban's gala, but Paterson says the defenceman is already so charismatic, JFL won't need to lean on its comedians to make sure the show is a success.
You see how he is with Michel Therrien — if he doesn't want to do something he won't.- Comedian Mike Paterson
"The acts they could put in the gala are wide open," Paterson said. "As long as they don't invite Brad Marchand."
(Marchand, a left-winger with the Boston Bruins, has had spirited differences of opinion with Subban on the ice, over the years.)
Paterson hopes Subban's infamous Don Cherry impression makes an appearance.
JFL's gift to Montreal
Despite JFL being an international phenomenon, Paterson says with this gala, the festival is acknowledging its host city.
"It's JFL saying, 'Hey Montreal, we're in your city, and we love you, and here's this massive gift.'"
All the proceeds from the P.K. Subban All-Star Comedy Gala will go to P.K. Subban Foundation which supports the Montreal Children's Hospital.
Last year, Subban donated $10 million to the Children's Hospital.