“Suzuki has an 8-year contract, it seems to me that is enough to learn a few words in French if only to please the fans. »
Guy Carbonneau is clear. Being captain of a hockey team is first and foremost for the unity of the club promoting a harmonious bond between team members, young and old, the coach or member of management.
In Montreal, the French fact is there, and for Carbo, it’s undeniable, but above all, it’s the team. Bob Gainey was a perfect example for him.
“Congratulations to Bob who learned French, but you have to be honest. In the locker room everything happens in English. »
Yvan Cournoyer was served by two types of superb leaders. Jean Béliveau, the tallest, had warned his teammates that he was just as much captain during the winter, during the season, in the playoffs as when the summer had arrived. Family, personal or other problems, all the players knew that the big Jean had an attentive ear and that he was a real big brother. Yvan even speaks of a father in his case.
“My other outstanding captain had only one thing in mind: winning. Henri Richard made it a disease. He was unable to swallow the defeat and his interventions multiplied as soon as the team began to experience difficulties. No patience. »
He didn’t win 11 Stanley Cups for nothing.
“I still wonder if he didn’t intervene faster than the coach. He wasn’t embarrassed, he got angry and it was impossible, practical or match, to get his hands dirty if Henri was around. »
Yvan learned a lot from these two very different men and when he found himself with a “C” on his jersey, he tried to amalgamate his own character and what he had learned from Jean and Henri. .
“I liked being a confidant, a big brother like Jean. Help the young, the injured and those who had difficulty in asserting themselves. Nor did I hesitate to invite the players to a meeting private when we were on the road. No coach, I liked when we talked in the whites of the eyes. »
Yvan adds that it is also important that the captain treats all his teammates at the same level and that the players end up welding together, forming a real block of cement.
FROM EDMONTON AND LACHUTE
Vincent Damphousse first learned the role of captain from a guy from Lachute who had won in Edmonton.
Vincent played for the Oilers, but after the most glorious years with the Gretzky, Kurri, Messier and also a certain Kevin Lowe who saw all the others leave.
He stayed in northern Alberta like a good soldier with a “C” on his chest. A really good captain will say Vincent.
“Kevin taught me a lot with his courage and the confidence he installed in the locker room, even if we were in reconstruction. He had experience and also a great sensitivity. Under the circumstances, it was important. »
Kevin Lowe will become general manager later, which did not surprise Vincent Damphousse who retained the great sense of responsibility that a captain must have, and this, at all levels.
With teammates, it is essential, but also with members of management, journalists and supporters.
At the Canadian, Vincent was not chosen by his teammates as captain. One evening in Detroit, from the mouth of the coach, Mario Tremblay, he learned at the same time as the whole team that he was succeeding Pierre Turgeon.
“I immediately thought of Kevin Lowe and this leadership that I had appreciated. From the start, I applied myself to preaching by example, and, also, I did not hesitate to consult with the elders. »
One who had advised Vincent well when things were not going well for the team was Guy Lafleur who had encouraged the new captain not to hesitate to bring the players together while being sincere.
“Be yourself,” said Flower, who, according to Serge Savard, could have become captain himself if the team’s management had let the players choose instead of appointing Bob Gainey.
By the way, Damphousse is happy to see Suzuki become captain.
“It was my choice…”
AND SERGE
Serge Savard, if he is a great leader at heart, like his predecessor Cournoyer, was chosen by the players and he is very proud of it.
“I have always been inspired by the great Jean Béliveau who imposed respect, distinction and great loyalty. »
For Serge, it was important that the team become the meeting of 20 leaders devoted almost blindly to the team. Earn first and then the rest.
Serge Savard does not know Nick Suzuki and does not care about his English unilingualism.
“Me, I always leave the chance to the runner. He’s young and if he’s smart, he’ll understand who he’s playing for…and the team and their fans. We’ll see along the way. »
For Serge, the captain must dictate respect for the organization, and mainly the coach. He tells a funny anecdote.
“Every day, I traveled to the Forum with Claude Ruel. We were friends. One day he was made the team’s instructor. Our relationship has changed. He was the boss, I was the employee. In the same sense, I have never lacked a second of respect towards Scotty Bowman. »
Respect for authority, a religion and that comes from Laurent… his father.
If he wants to talk about it, Nick Suziki has resources all around him. Even Bob Gainey is often at the Salon des Anciens.
From the enclave
- Admit that you were surprised to see the RBC ad appear on the Canadiens jersey. You saw the Milk of dairy products on that of the Maple Leafs. Canada Life insurance on the Jets jersey will be a natural. In Minnesota, the Wild will display the logo of Tria, which specializes in sports medicine around the world. Obviously, you can imagine that sites for sports betting or casinos were going to carve out a place for themselves. Gali River with the Coyotes in Arizona and Caesars Sportbooks with the Capitals in Washington. It is believed that half of the NHL teams will have their new sponsor this season. In Edmonton, we do not say we are ready to make the leap yet.
- Roger Federer never did anything halfway. He has four children: Myla-Rose and Charlene-Riva, two 8-year-old twins. Also, Leo and Lenny, two twins who are 4 years old.
Very strong in doubles, Roger.
- Who was the first Russian player to play for the Canadian? Oleg Petrov who even participated in a single playoff game in 1993, the year of the last Cup. He still resides in Montreal.
- At the renowned Beaubien Déli in Montreal Alain Bonamie will launch his biography on October 25.
- The former president of the Canadian Ronald Corey underwent a one-day operation on the top of his head and he was simply delighted with the care provided at the CHUM.
- Do you remember the big blue march in Quebec for the return of the Nordiques? It’s been 12 years today.
- 50 years ago today Bill Stoneman pitched a no-hitter game with the Expos against the New York Mets. It was his second, having managed the first against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
- She has long presented you with the Expos games and also those of the Canadiens. It even tried to become an entirely sports radio station. Happy birthday to the beautiful old CKAC which is 100 years old today. I worked there with pride for more than ten years. Lots of elders will meet on October 16th and I’ll be there in tabarnouche…