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Jonathan Ferland was in Hamilton on Jan. 2 with his roommate and best friend, Jean-Philippe Cote, preparing to do laundry when the telephone call came in, telling the two they had been summoned to Montreal to play for the Canadiens.

Cote was returned to the minors the following day without playing a game. Ferland, a right winger, played a regular shift that night and scored his first NHL goal, against Pittsburgh. Today, more than a week later, the 6-foot-2, 209-pounder remains with the Canadiens.

For how long? Who knows. Ferland is in a battle with Garth Murray for ice time on the fourth line, and wasn't dressed on Wednesday, when the Canadiens allowed a pair of third-period goals to the Colorado Avalanche in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss.

All Ferland can do for now is keep his nose to the grindstone and continue working. One thing's certain: he's going to enjoy every moment of this ride - the out-of-town trips, top-class hotel rooms, delicious meals in upscale restaurants - thanks to a per diem of $82, double the stipend American Hockey League players receive - and chartered flights.

And he can probably afford to have his laundry sent out now.

"It has been great so far, a great experience," Ferland, 22, said during an interview this week. "I worked hard all my life to get here. Now that I'm here, I'm going to enjoy every day.

"It's great to be a rookie in the NHL. Just to be here and see players who have achieved so much. It's great to be around them and be treated so nice. They take me for dinner and make sure I'm included and feel good."

That Ferland made it this far is improbable. Not many seventh-round draft choices (212th overall in 2001) see the bright lights of an NHL arena, but Ferland refused to give up, even after a debilitating knee injury this season.

"I was surprised a bit to get the call-up, but I've been happy with the result," said Ferland, who has played three games. "I waited to be here. It's a great spot and I want to start my career for a while here."

Ferland displayed some scoring talent while playing junior for Acadie-Bathurst. During the 2001-02 season, he scored 28 goals and 74 points in 55 games. The following season, he was second on the team in scoring, producing 45 goals and 89 points in 68 games.

But that offensive spark eluded him in the AHL. He had only five goals and 15 points in 70 games as a rookie with the Bulldogs. Last season, his ice time diminished as Montreal sent rehabilitating players to the minors during the lockout, Ferland was held to six goals and 14 points in 62 games.

"I'm a physical player, strong along the boards," he said. "I finish my hits. That's my big asset. I work hard and bring intensity. I play a simple game, so I don't put myself in trouble."

Entering his third season with the Canadiens organization, Ferland knew he had to leave a good impression at training camp or run the risk of being labelled a career minor-leaguer. He thought his performance was solid and remained undaunted when he was returned to Hamilton.

There has been much movement between the two cities this season as the Canadiens struggle on the ice and with injuries. Ferland might have been recalled earlier, but missed 24 games between Oct. 26 and Dec.16 after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. In 14 games with the Bulldogs, he had five goals and nine points.

"I played well for Hamilton. The organization saw that and now they want to see what I can do here," he said. "If I want to be in the NHL a long time, I've got to be strong defensively and physical."

hzurkowsky@thegazette.canwest.com

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006