Shea Weber happy to be in 'mecca of hockey'

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

The all-stardefencemanmade his first appearance thismorningbefore the Canadiensmedia throng atcoach MichelTherrien'sannualgolf tournament.

"It's exciting to be back in Canada, let alone the meccaof hockey, the place where people just eat, sleep and breathehockey," said Weber, whohas 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, whichstruggled 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 teamcaptain Max Pacioretty.

Pacioretty saidhe's pleased to have Weber, a key member of Canada'sGold-medal-winning team, join his team'sleadership 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 fromShea."

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

He was acquired bythe Canadiensin June in exchange for fellow defencemanand 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 playerhere, andthe fans are passionate," he said.

• A closer look at the man traded for P.K.Subban
• Habsowner gave his full blessing toSubban-for-Webertrade