AHL All-Star Game | Three generations of Bordeaux

“It seems like it makes me even happier to make them proud,” said Thomas Bordeleau, all smiles. The Press leaving the rink on Sunday evening. He had just had his picture taken with his father and grandfather, Sébastien and Paulin, on the Place Bell rink after his first American League skills competition.

Sunday was the first of two days of AHL All-Star Weekend. Through the sea of ​​Rocket and Canadiens jerseys, you could see, at one end of the rink, a few San Jose Sharks jerseys. Of the lot, Paulin Bordeleau and his wife. “I’m happy to wear it! I am proud ! exclaimed Paulin before the event.

It’s no secret that hockey is a family affair with the Bordeleaus. Paulin played for the Vancouver Canucks and the Quebec Nordiques. His son, Sébastien, has worn the colors of the Canadiens, the Nashville Predators, the Minnesota Wild and the Arizona Coyotes. And his grandson, Thomas, is currently playing his first season in the American League with the Sharks farm club. His 29 points in 45 games earned him an invitation to the All-Star Weekend.

“I’m happy to be here, it’s fun for me, but I think it’s even more fun for them to see me develop. They’ve helped me so much in my life, it seems like I owe them a bit,” said the forward after signing dozens of jerseys at the edge of the rink.

The young man does not lack advisers; all his life, he was able to count on the help and support of the two men. Still to this day, his father and grandfather hardly miss any of his matches. However, they each have their role…

“My grandfather tries to keep it lighter because he knows that my father goes there more with the tough questions sometimes, notes Thomas with a smile. My grandfather is like a wise old man. He has so much experience. He’s been through so much. He has the answer to everything. He has experienced things that no one else has experienced as a player and as a coach. »

The 21-year-old discusses more technical aspects with his father. “I got to a point where I can explain to him that I did such a thing for such a reason. We exchange. My hockey head is more developed than before. It’s the fun. »

Good company

Sébastien Bordeleau came very close to not being able to attend his son’s All-Star game; the Predators organization eventually gave him two more days off. When it was pointed out to him before the skills competition that he didn’t wear a Sharks jersey like his father, the 47-year-old laughed. “There weren’t any more! he exclaims jokingly.

The ex-attacker, who spends his daily life developing hockey players with the Predators, tries not to take up too much space in Thomas’ development. “I try to let the coaches [du Barracuda] take care of him, he explains. He is well surrounded in San Jose. »

His son suffered a disappointment at the start of the season when the Sharks decided to return him to the American League to continue his development. Remember that the young man had already played eight games in the NHL last year. The father nevertheless sees the good side of things.

“I think the American League process is always important,” he said. Me, I’ve been there. There are several good players who are in the Hall of Fame who have come through the American League. We need only look at Martin St-Louis here, who spent several years there. I think it’s a normal process. There aren’t many players who make the direct jump. So far, it’s going well. »

Same story from the side of Paulin, who explains to us that “the organization [des Sharks] wanna [que Thomas] develops quietly”, without “burning stages”.

“Thomas finds it a bit difficult, but he has to go through it,” said the 70-year-old. It’s up to him to make sure he gets noticed and progresses. […] I like that he does his time in the minors and then goes up to the National League for two or three months before coming down. »

Whatever happens in Thomas’ career, the two men will always be there to encourage him, as was the case this weekend in Laval. Because before being coaches, before being former players, they are father and grandfather.

“If he [atteint la LNH], so much the better. But we’re going to be proud anyway, even if he doesn’t, suggests Paulin. He had a good run. He is our grandson and we will always love him, we will always be with him! »

Festive atmosphere

The atmosphere was festive within the walls of Place Bell on Sunday evening, when all the tickets had been sold for the skills competition. The supporters also gave a nice ovation to the two representatives of the Rocket, Anthony Richard and Alex Belzile. They also allowed themselves a few boos in the direction of the players of the Toronto Marlies. Like what the rivalry does not take a break.

After the skills competition, all of the players stayed on the ice for nearly 30 minutes for a photo and autograph opportunity on the edge of the boards. The bay windows had been removed, facilitating contact between players and supporters. “I think I’ve never had so much attention from the fans,” Anthony Richard said. […] For them, it was an opportunity to get to know us. It was fun to have an interaction with them at the end. Coming to encourage us like that is not obligatory. It shows the support of the crowd in Laval. »

“It’s all the Quebec love of hockey, it’s part of us,” said Alex Belzile. It was an amazing experience. Supporters answered the call. I wasn’t surprised, but it was even more than I thought. »

A broken record

The Eastern Conference edged out the Western Conference in all seven events of the skills competition. Hershey Bears rookie Ethen Frank won the fastest skater contest hands down; the 25-year-old forward clocked 12.915 seconds, an American League record. He also beat Andrei Svechnikov, who won the same event, but among the National League skaters this weekend.

Laval Rocket forward Anthony Richard finished third (13.322 s.) among the six skaters who took part in the event. “I had a little pressure, but I had never really calculated my speed over a lap, so I was happy to put a time on it, indicated the Quebecer. If it wasn’t for the broken record, I would have had a good performance! I am satisfied. »