(LaSalle) What was supposed to be the unveiling of a mural became an emotional reunion of former teammates and great friends on Thursday in LaSalle.
Mario Tremblay, Réjean Houle, Yvon Lambert — who had cancelled his presence at another event to “be here, with the boys » —, Pierre Bouchard and Pierre Mondou were all gathered outside the Jacques-Lemaire Arena for the inauguration of a mural paying tribute to Jacques Lemaire’s playing and coaching career.
When the main person concerned was invited to speak at the microphone, he still couldn’t believe the presence of his former teammates. It was the first thing he said, moved.
“I didn’t expect this, not at all,” he said to the small crowd that included the group of former Canadiens in the front row. “They say that when you’ve played hockey together, it stays with you forever. It’s true. My friends are here. I want to thank you very much, it means a lot to me.”
Out of the blue, the former number 25 of the Tricolore gave a speech of about ten minutes. Of these ten minutes, probably eight were dedicated to his teammates, a sign of his gratitude… and his humility.
“I didn’t plan on talking about you guys at all!” he exclaimed. “You don’t have to!” Mario Tremblay, whom Lemaire introduced as the one who “would have had the same record as [lui] If only he hadn’t had so many punishments!”
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The former Canadiens player spoke, mainly to talk about his former teammates, who were present in large numbers at the unveiling of the mural.
Author of 835 points in 853 games in the National League and winner of eight Stanley Cups, Lemaire would have “never” thought, by his own admission, that one day he would see an arena and a mural in his name. “When I was young, all I wanted to do was play hockey and try to get better,” said the former center.
Would he have thought that, more than 50 years after his first NHL game, he would still be involved in the circuit? Probably not. At 78, Lemaire still acts as an advisor to the New York Islanders, alongside his great friend Lou Lamoriello.
It’s the love of the game. I’ve spent my life in it. It’s been hockey since I was six years old. It was the dominant thing in my life. I hate to say it, but it’s a fact. I loved it. I never missed a chance to play hockey. Never, ever.
Jacques Lemaire
If Lemaire has “worked with good people all [sa] life,” it’s Lamoriello who keeps him active today. “Lou is an easy guy to work with. He trusts me and I trust him. We’re really similar, in ideas and stuff. That’s what kept me around longer. If it wasn’t for him, I absolutely wouldn’t be here.”
“It’s unforgivable”
We were talking above about Lemaire’s speech to his teammates. They also had a lot to say. All it took was one question to Mario Tremblay, who was Lemaire’s teammate and assistant coach for many years.
“I think the best testimonies I heard were last week,” said the Bleuet. “When we got together, the former Canadiens, those who won four Stanley Cups, [Scotty] Bowman spoke for about 45 minutes. At one point, Jacques came on the subject. Bowman said: on all the teams I’ve coached — he’s coached in Detroit, Montreal, Buffalo — the best two-way player on the ice is the former No. 25, Jacques Lemaire. That’s quite a testimony, and he’s absolutely right.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Mario Tremblay was Jacques Lemaire’s teammate, but also supported him as an assistant coach for several years.
” As much [Jacques] loved his job as a player, as much as he loved his job as a coach, he added. For that, we have to thank Serge Savard. Because Jacques, he didn’t want to be a coach. It was Serge Savard who pushed him to start in that. We were just talking about it the other day. Serge said: you should thank me for having had the coaching career that you had! And it’s true!”
To this day, Lemaire’s number 25 has still not been retired by the Canadiens. A fact that Tremblay has trouble explaining. Very poorly.
“Look at the number of Stanley Cups he’s won. I find it unforgivable that Jacques Lemaire’s jersey isn’t on the ceiling of the Bell Centre,” he said in all seriousness. “I hope Mr. Molson will listen to what I just said, please.”
When Lemaire was told about his friend’s statement, he smiled. His reaction? “No comment.”
— It’s not important to you?
— No importance!