PK Subban marked the fans with his words and his gestures on the ice. He was also talked about for his flamboyant clothes during his social outings.
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Over the years, the defender has made the Montreal boutique Sartorialto known all over the planet. She designed more than a hundred outfits for Subban.
He became a friend of the store’s founder, Mark Patrick.
“We started working together in 2010, says Patrick during a telephone interview. He has become an ambassador for us. He made us known.
Photo archives, AFP
PK Subban got his hands on the Norris Trophy, awarded to the defenseman par excellence of the National Hockey League, at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
“We could have put millions in advertising, but I’m not sure it would have had as much effect as him with his personality and his charisma. He brought the major American networks to our shop.
“He gave us a showcase that we couldn’t afford. We owe him a lot for that. »
An open mind
Subban met Patrick by chance in a bar. The athlete gave the Quebec entrepreneur a chance.
“After the first costume, he became addicted, explains the businessman. He was an ideal client for us. He was very open to our suggestions.
File photo, Sports Illustrated
Subban’s popularity went beyond Montreal and Canada when he made the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
“When he went to play in New Jersey, he opted for more subdued colors. Before that, we were far from sobriety. When you put on a flamboyant costume, you get noticed.
Photo courtesy, CNW, RW&CO
PK Subban also wore clothes from the RW&CO chain.
“So you have to space out the times when you wear them. »
Last I heard, Subban would be hosting a TV show in the next few months. It is not impossible that he will call on the boutique that has served him well for several years in Montreal.
A reassured foundation
Before announcing his retirement, Subban called the leaders of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. He reassured them of his intentions for the future.
“He told us how important it was for him to continue our partnership,” said the president of the foundation, Renée Vézina, in a written statement. He looked forward to spending more time with our young patients and fundraising on their behalf.
“PK has already marked countless lives. The projects funded by his foundation and the helping hand from PK help more than 9,000 families each year. »
Photo archives, Ghyslain Lavoie
The Ontarian has always been comfortable in front of the cameras, like here when he improvised weather presenter for CTV Montreal in 2012.
Subban will continue to be the Foundation’s spokesperson. However, it was impossible to know where he was at in his goal to raise $ 10 million for this one. This is what he announced with great fanfare in 2015.