Growing up in Sherbrooke, Quebec, during the 1970s, I spent many evenings glued to the television with my dad, watching the Montreal Canadiens’ games. I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed the glorious era of the 70s, during which my beloved team clinched six Stanley Cup championships. Despite being of school age, my viewing was typically limited to just the first period before bedtime. However, on those thrilling nights when the Canadiens had a shot at the Cup, my father graciously extended my curfew, allowing me to witness the entire game and bask in the post-game celebrations.

Playing days

My hockey journey began later than most, joining the ranks at the peewee level. Inspired by my idol Ken Dryden, I aspired to be a goaltender. However, fate had other plans as the team already boasted two netminders. Undeterred, I adapted, honing my skills on the ice as a defenseman. Growing up alongside my teammates, the opportunity to don the goalie pads eluded me until later years, but that’s a tale for another time. As my skating improved, I transitioned to the forward position, where I continued to play through my junior hockey years.

Realizing my dreams of a professional hockey career were unlikely, I shifted my focus to refereeing. Concurrently, I maintained my love for the game by participating in a beer league as a forward. However, fate intervened one evening when a goalie failed to appear. With spare goaltending equipment available, I stepped up to the challenge. It was a revelatory experience; the demanding role of a goaltender taught me the importance of spatial awareness and split-second decision-making. Embracing the opportunity to fill in whenever needed, I eventually made the transition to goaltending permanent, dedicating the next 25 years to mastering the position.

My journey as a goaltender began with the purchase of gear from a former QMJHL goalie forced into retirement due to a career-ending herniated disk. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling chapter in my hockey career.

Off-ice days

In 2008, while living in Penticton, BC, the closure of the ringette league left my youngest daughter without a recreational outlet. Determined to fill the void, I decided to channel my passion for hockey into action. With my extensive knowledge of the sport, I approached the Penticton Minor Hockey Association (PMHA) with a proposal to establish a Female Division from scratch. My vision was clear: to build a program from the ground up, focusing on recruiting players at the entry level and trusting that success at higher levels would naturally follow in the long term.

Assisted by a few fellow fathers, I initiated a program tailored for young girls. Our first session on half-ice saw seven enthusiastic players, a number that swiftly grew to 20 by Christmas, prompting us to cap enrollment. Our objective was clear: to afford these young ladies the same unique experiences and camaraderie we cherished as boys. We aimed to cultivate team spirit, foster the dressing room camaraderie among peers of the same gender, and facilitate the formation of enduring friendships.

The subsequent year, I collaborated with the coaches of the Female Midget team at the Okanagan Hockey Academy to spearhead a recruiting initiative. Joined by Rebecca Russell and Gina Kingsbury, a three-time Gold Medalist with Team Canada, we took to a soccer pitch to champion registrations for Female Hockey. That season, our efforts bore fruit with the formation of an Atom team and the continuation of our Initiation program. Additionally, we inaugurated the Fire On Ice Annual Tournament, where Gina and Rebecca graciously engaged with players, sharing their experiences and posing for photos with the coveted Gold Medals.

The expansion of our program garnered the attention of BC Hockey and the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association (OMAHA), as well as coaches from surrounding cities in the Interior BC region. Together, we collaborated to establish all-female hockey divisions at every level. Reflecting on this achievement, the creation of a comprehensive Female Hockey Program in BC remains one of my proudest accomplishments to date.

Devoting countless hours to coaching, serving as an Association Director, and assisting BC Hockey, I’ve found immense joy in witnessing the growth of female hockey. Seeing the ponytails peeking out from behind helmets, the distinct tape patterns adorning sticks, and the meticulously tied skate laces has been incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe that without the presence of dedicated female programs and leagues, the vast majority of young ladies in BC would have never had the opportunity to embrace the sport, navigating the challenges of playing alongside boys and navigating separate dressing rooms.

As a writer

My love for hockey continued to drive me forward. When the Montreal Canadiens launched their fan forum, I eagerly stepped up as the inaugural Moderator, volunteering my time. It was a thrilling opportunity, bringing me closer to the organization I had admired since childhood, even if only in a virtual capacity.

In addition to moderating, I uncovered a newfound passion for writing. Over the years, I contributed articles to numerous websites, showcasing my insights and love for the game in both of Canada’s official languages.

In French:

• Tricolore.ca
• Vestiaire.ca
• All Habs Le Mag 
• LeHockeyHerald.com (permission to translate and post my articles in French)

In English:

• AllHabs.net (as a Senior writer)
• TheHockeyWriters.com
• HabsWorld.net
• AWinningHabit.com

Additionally, I founded CheeringTheLogo.ca, a platform where casual amateur writers could freely express their thoughts on the game and the Montreal Canadiens. With the collaboration of a dedicated team of writers, we elevated the website to become one of the top 15 Montreal Canadiens’ blogs. Being listed alongside renowned blogs such as Eyes on the Prize, A Winning Habit, Habs World, and The Athletic within our inaugural year was a source of immense pride. While I have since sold the site, I still occasionally contribute articles to it.

In conclusion, my journey with the game of hockey spans over 50 years of unwavering dedication and passion. Through it all, I kept playing the game that I love until too many concussions forced me to retire at 45 years of age. From my earliest memories watching the Montreal Canadiens with my father to founding initiatives for female hockey in British Columbia and creating popular hockey websites, hockey has been an integral part of my life.

However, as the current landscape of the NHL evolves in ways that distance me from the sport that I love, I recognize that my hockey story is slowly heading to a painful end. While the future may hold new chapters and different directions, my enduring connection to the game remains a constant source of pride and nostalgia, shaping my identity and leaving an indelible mark on my life.

⇢ Continue reading Part 2: Lost Puck: Nostalgia in Modern Hockey ⇠