Laval teen makes her mark as Montreal Canadiens’ in-game host

On game nights at the Bell Centre, Makayla Wight is all energy, confidence and connection — hyping up thousands of fans between whistles, contests and commercial breaks.

What many don’t realize is that when the lights go down and the crowd goes home, Wight returns to a very different life: she’s still a student.

At just 17 years old, the Laval native is one of the youngest in-game hosts in the NHL, working for the Montreal Canadiens — a role she landed at an age when most teenagers are still figuring out who they want to be.

“A lot of the time with youth, age is linked to our capacity to do something,” Wight said. “Because you’re 15, you’re not able to do this; you’re too young.”

Her story challenges that idea head-on.

From Laval arenas to leadership on the ice

Wight’s journey began in the rinks of Laval, where hockey culture is woven into daily life.

“I feel like there’s an arena every corner you turn,” she said. “If you grew up in Quebec, hockey is probably a big part of your life.”

Makayla Wight, left, celebrates with teammates after winning the Hockey Féminin Laval tournament. (Courtesy: Monika Wight)

She started playing around age seven and spent about a decade on the ice, competing primarily in girls’ hockey before joining a boys’ team during high school — a mixed roster that pushed her physically and mentally.

“What was quite fun about playing with the boys is that it’s a different style of play,” she said. “Typically men are a lot more physical.”

Beyond skill development, hockey taught her lessons that would later define her career off the ice.

“Through hockey in general, I was able to learn a lot of skills in terms of working as a team, persevering, and all that stuff,” she said.

In 2023, Wight represented Laval at the Jeux du Québec, serving as assistant captain — a leadership role that reflected both her experience and character.

A natural behind the mic

Long before she ever stepped onto the Bell Centre ice with a microphone in hand, Wight was drawn to the spotlight.

“I was a very chatty kid, and if you gave me a microphone, you’d have to fight me to get it back,” she said.

Her love for public speaking took shape early through talent shows, school projects and public speaking contests. A turning point came in elementary school, when a teacher trusted her to host the school’s YouTube channel for a show called “Sans limite.”

“It was my first time in front of cameras,” she said. “It was kind of the first time I saw a teacher really trust young people.”

Makayla Wight poses with the production team of her school’s YouTube channel, Art3S, while in Grade 6. Wight hosted the channel’s main show, Sans Limite. (Courtesy: Yanic L’Italien)

That trust stayed with her.

“I liked being in front of a crowd,” Wight said. “I liked making people laugh or making them feel emotions.”

Makayla Wight competes in the QAIS public speaking competition (Art oratoire), delivering a Grade 10 presentation on the effects of artificial intelligence in the medical field (Courtesy: Hannah Jesion)

A leap of faith at 15

The opportunity that changed everything came unexpectedly — through Instagram.

Scrolling through Stories during a Grade 10 class, Wight saw a post from the Montreal Canadiens calling for new in-game hosts.

“At first I thought it was a scam,” she said. “An open casting call like that didn’t make any sense to me.”

At just 15 years old, she hesitated, but ultimately decided to take the risk.

“The worst that could come out of this is that a bunch of people were going to see this really ridiculous video of me that I was going to make. It was going to be one minute long, and I’d never know the reaction — they’d just forget my name,” she said. “The best situation, the best possible outcome, is quite literally what’s come from it today.”

She submitted a one-minute video and forgot about it, until an email arrived weeks later inviting her to audition.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

During the audition process, her age became impossible to ignore.

“Someone asked for my actual age and I said I was 15,” she recalled. “And then someone went, ‘Oh, she’s a baby.’”

Instead of being turned away, Wight was given a chance — with clear expectations around safety, school and balance.

“Finally I got the email that I was officially an animator, and that was just… I can’t even describe the emotion,” she said.

“I really didn’t think this was going to work out. I just took a leap of faith. I was excited to see what could come from it. I’m a bit of a dreamer, and I was thinking of how this opportunity could turn out. But it honestly blew up in so many more ways than I could have expected,” she added.

Creating an experience, not just an announcement

As an in-game host, Wight’s role goes far beyond speaking into a microphone.

“An animator is most associated with is trying to elevate the experience of our fans,” she said.

That includes leading contests, engaging the crowd and working with sponsors — all while keeping the energy high inside one of hockey’s most iconic arenas.

“I think these Habs games are as much about the players as they are about the fans,” she said. “Yes, you come to the Bell Centre to watch the Montreal Canadiens, but you’re also coming to experience the Bell Centre as a whole, and the atmosphere that brings, and these young fans are very much a part of that.”

But for Wight, the most meaningful moments are personal.

“It’s an honour. When they come to see me and I get to fist bump them or high five them, or even have conversations with them, it’s this indescribable feeling of pride in what I do. I just feel so lucky,” she said.

She sees herself in those kids, not far removed from the dreamers in the stands.

Learning from mentors

Wight credits her co-hosts for guidance and inspiration, especially Michel Lacroix, whom she affectionately refers to as her “work grandpa.”

“Michel Lacroix is, without a doubt, one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. The entire crew truly feels like a big family, and working with Michel is very meaningful to me,” she said. “A constant ray of sunshine and amazing character; he also gives great hugs!”

Watching experienced hosts like Lacroix has taught her both professional skills and personal lessons, helping her navigate a high-pressure role at such a young age.

“While our roles are different, watching him has shown me just how much joy he gets from what he does. I think he’s an inspiration and a true example of pursuing what makes you happy.”

She also credits her other co-hosts.

“We’re all at different stages of life, but I genuinely love working with this group. I receive a lot of professional advice from those who have been in the industry for years, and I’ve also gained personal advice from a few coworkers I’ve grown especially close to over the past season and a half.”

Two lives, one purpose

Balancing school and NHL game nights has created what Wight calls a “Hannah Montana” existence.

“One night I might feel like a superstar, and a few hours later I’m back to being a regular student,” she said.

She credits her parents, teachers, coaches and coworkers for making that balance possible, ensuring she remains, first and foremost, a student.

“My boss has always been very intentional about making sure my education isn’t derailed by the job,” she said.

That support system, she says, has made all the difference.

‘Their age does not define capacity’

More than personal success, Wight hopes her presence sends a message.

“What I hope comes out of this is youth get to see their age does not define capacity,” she said.

She also hopes adults take note.

“Why not give this kid a chance?” she said. “I really hope that this kind of shifts — and thanks to the Montreal Canadiens for giving me this chance — I hope people can see that kids are capable of so much more than what they’re credited for.”

For Wight, the impact isn’t measured by fame, but by the moments she creates for others.

“Being in a position to offer that experience is a great honour, and seeing the joy it brings gives me a lot of pride in what I do,” she said.

At 17, Wight isn’t just hosting games at the Bell Centre, she’s redefining what young people can achieve when someone is willing to believe in them.

“If you want to encourage the changemakers of the future, then let’s start giving them chances to develop and grow in high-stake situations,” she said.