Breaking news :Montreal Hockey Star Declines Flight, Opts for Ocean Voyage to Europe in Climate Statement

In an unexpected turn of events, Montreal Canadiens’ rising star forward, Étienne Rousseau, has made headlines off the ice by rejecting a team-funded plane ticket to Europe, instead choosing to travel by ship — citing environmental concerns and a personal challenge.

Rousseau, 24, was set to join Team Canada for the IIHF World Championship taking place in Prague, Czech Republic, later this month. While the rest of the team boarded a direct charter flight from Toronto on Monday, Rousseau began his transatlantic journey aboard the *MS Europa*, a passenger vessel departing from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The voyage, expected to take over a week, will see Rousseau arrive just in time for Canada’s second group-stage match.

In a statement posted to his official social media accounts, Rousseau explained his decision:
*”Flying contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. I’ve always believed athletes should lead by example. This year, I wanted to test myself — mentally and physically — and reduce my personal carbon footprint where I can.”*

The move has drawn mixed reactions. Environmental advocates and fans have praised Rousseau’s commitment to sustainability, applauding him for using his platform to raise awareness. The Montreal-based nonprofit EcoSkate commended the gesture, saying in a release:
*”Étienne is showing that climate responsibility doesn’t stop at the rink. His actions are symbolic, yes, but they’re also impactful in sparking discussion.”*

However, some critics have questioned the practicality of such decisions for elite athletes. Former Canadiens captain and hockey analyst Marc Dumont noted on RDS,
*”While the sentiment is admirable, preparation and recovery are key at this level. Missing training time and subjecting your body to long sea travel might affect performance, especially in a high-stakes tournament.”*

Team Canada has so far remained supportive. General Manager Scott Bowman said Rousseau had informed them of his plans well in advance and arranged for customized training equipment to be delivered to the ship to maintain conditioning en route.

Rousseau, known for his agile skating and sharp two-way play, has quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal. Last season, he posted 23 goals and 31 assists in 78 games, playing a pivotal role in the Canadiens’ playoff push.

Whether his unconventional travel choice impacts his on-ice performance remains to be seen. For now, Rousseau’s slow voyage across the Atlantic has become a conversation piece in both the sports and environmental communities — a rare crossover in the world of professional hockey.