Shea Weber happy to be in 'mecca of hockey'

Shea Weber says he's happy to be playing in Canada again, especially in hockey-crazy Montreal.

The all-star defenceman made his first appearance this morning before the Canadiens media throng at coach Michel Therrien's annual golf tournament.

"It's exciting to be back in Canada, let alone the mecca of hockey, the place where people just eat, sleep and breathe hockey," said Weber, who has spent his entire NHL career in Nashville up to now.

"It's going to be something new but I'm definitely looking forward to it," he told reporters. 

Weber said he's optimistic the team, which struggled last season after goalie Carey Price got injured, can turn things around this year.

"I think we've put together a really good team, a competitive team," he said.

Weber arrived at the event wearing his new Habs jersey alongside team captain Max Pacioretty.

Pacioretty said he's pleased to have Weber, a key member of Canada's Gold-medal-winning team, join his team's leadership group. 

Pacioretty called Weber "one of the best leaders in the league." He will serve as an alternate captain this year. 

"With all the moves we made, I feel a little less pressure," Pacioretty said, alluding to last year's tumultuous season that ended with the Canadiens missing the playoffs. 

"I've already learned a lot from Shea."

Weber arrived in Montreal on Monday and visited the team's training facility in Brossard.

He was acquired by the Canadiens in June in exchange for fellow defenceman and fan favourite P.K Subban, in a move that angered many Habs fans. Weber said he tends not to follow such debates.

"I understand P.K. is a popular player here, and the fans are passionate," he said.

• A closer look at the man traded for P.K. Subban​​
• Habs owner gave his full blessing to Subban-for-Weber trade