Pascal Vincent’s coaching career took a turn after a challenging season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, leading him to the Laval Rocket. Emphasizing a playoff mindset, Vincent has revitalized the team’s spirit, resulting in a strong performance with a 37-15-3 record. He credits the solid chemistry among players and the importance of drafting skilled individuals who quickly adapt to strategies. Vincent acknowledges the high expectations he sets, which contribute to their current success at the top of the league.
Pascal Vincent’s Journey Back to Passion
In just a single season as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Pascal Vincent faced challenges that made him question his passion for coaching. Hired in September 2023, right before training camp began, Vincent took over from Mike Babcock. Unfortunately, his tenure resulted in a disappointing record of 27-43-12, placing the Jackets at the bottom of the NHL’s Eastern Conference. After a tough year filled with scrutiny over his decisions, he parted ways with the team in June 2024. When the opportunity arose to coach the Laval Rocket, Vincent viewed it as a chance to rekindle his love for the game, having grown up just minutes away from Place Bell.
Revitalizing Team Spirit and Performance
This fresh start came after Jean-François Houle’s departure to lead Clarkson University’s men’s program. Vincent expressed, “I love my job, but last year was a tough season, and this year I wanted to find the love for my job again. It’s not that I had lost it, but it was a bit more distant.” Surrounded by a cohesive group of players committed to his vision, Vincent found his enthusiasm reignited. “I must admit that this year is in my top 3 of the best years I’ve had in 30 years of coaching. It’s a damn good group of guys.”
Last season, the Rocket battled for a playoff position but fell short. In contrast, this season they are leading the American League with an impressive record of 37-15-3, accumulating 77 points before Wednesday’s games. While Vincent refrains from comparing this squad to last year’s, he acknowledges the strengths of his current team. “I don’t know the group from last year and I don’t know what the difference is. All I know are the guys who are here this year, and honestly, since day one, we’ve been talking about a playoff mindset. If you wouldn’t do something in the playoffs, don’t do it now.”
The camaraderie among the players has been pivotal. Vincent notes, “I might have three or four players who could have been called up, and it’s Josh who was, and the guys are happy for him, they’re not disappointed. The chemistry is there; they enjoy playing hockey and for each other. There’s nothing more powerful than a team that has that.”
When asked about his team’s surprising success at the top of the standings, Vincent shared insights into the team’s foundation. “I was talking with scouts recently and I mentioned one of the good things the team has done is drafting good people, which is important. We have smart guys in terms of hockey sense; we teach them something, and they grasp it immediately, adhering to our strategies.”
Vincent is aware of the demanding expectations he sets for his players. “What we’re asking them to do isn’t easy, and there’s a reason we’re in first place. We’re asking them to execute challenging tasks in every game, but if you commit to it consistently, you increase your chances of winning.”