A fan has started a GoFundMe page to make sure a billboard of Carey Price goes up, to show Price he's still loved despite a tough season.
"I felt he got unnecessary criticism," said Mattis Pelletier, the 16-year-old behind the campaign, in an interview with TSN 690. "He carried the team for five years and when he has a bad season everyone wants to trade him."
"I hope he understands the message that even through the hard times we're there for him."
Pelletier said he was tired of seeing all the hate that Price was getting online. Now past his goal of $1,500, he says it's only a matter of time before a poster of appreciation arrives near the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard. Pelletier hopes it can stay up from September to October so training camp players can see it every morning.
Since June 14, $1,570 has been raised. He said he was surprised the campaign went viral so quick.
"After half a day we were at $900, I was thinking damn I really need to be serious about this, it's not a joke anymore," Pelletier said. "I never bought a billboard before, so I was just sending random emails trying to figure out the costs and locations, but people weren't really taking me seriously."
Though he's past his goal he's encouraging more donations, since chances are the billboard could cost more than originally planned. "Apparently it's way more," Pelletier said.
Through Reddit he's been receiving submissions from fans for what should be on the poster. He said it'll most likely have a heart, Carey's number and a sign-off saying it's "from your fans."
"It breaks the language barrier. It's a universal message," he told NHL.com.