very once in a while, a photo takes on a life of its own.
Not because it’s the sharpest.
Not because it’s the most dramatic.
But because of the story behind it.
For me, one of those moments happened on Boxing Day at the World Junior Championships in Montreal — and it involved Max Domi, a packed Bell Centre, and pure jubilation frozen in time.
The Story Behind the Shot
When you’re covering a big event like the World Juniors, there’s a “photo pecking order.” The best positions go fast — those coveted photo holes at ice level where you get a crystal-clear view with no glass in the way. On this day, I didn’t get one of the prime spots behind the net Canada attacked twice. Instead, I was on the opposite end.
Some might see that as a setback. I saw it as a challenge.
In the second period, Domi picked up the puck, attacked the net, and buried a goal against Slovakia. As the Bell Centre shook with noise, he spun toward me, arms in the air, face lit up with the kind of unfiltered joy you can’t fake.
I had him in focus. Exposure was perfect. Everything clicked. And in that instant, a “less desirable” spot became the perfect place to be.
Why It Stuck With Me
This photo isn’t just about a goal.
It’s about showing up ready, no matter your position or circumstance.
It’s about being in the right mindset so that when the moment comes, you can capture it forever.
Watch the Full Story
I recorded a video where I share this story in more detail — and show the exact photo that made the memory so powerful. You can watch it here: