by Barry Stagg
November 1995
SAD TIMES IN MONTREAL
There is a time in the affairs of men when a summing up of a long and prosperous life must be made. This is usually done when the poor soul is about to depart this mortal coil. However, in the sports pages these fanciful obituaries sometimes have to be done while the poor beast is flailing in futility. Such is the case with the pitiable hockey team now known as the poor Montreal Canadiens. The present version of Les Glorieux is not to be confused with the wondrous apparitions that floated about the ice rinks of the 1950's, 60's and 70's when Rocket Richard, Boom Boom Geoffrion, Jean Beliveau and Guy Lafleur dominated the team and the entire National Hockey League. Now Montreal loses games 7-1 to expansion teams and coach Jacques Demers has taken on the same sickly hue that Cito Gaston has assumed with the equally ghastly Toronto Blue Jays.
It would seem prudent that Mr. Demers and his general manager Serge Savard not permit retired general manager Sam Pollock to have any sharp cutlery in their presence. While I only attribute the most civilized of motives to Mr. Pollock surely he of such fabled trading acumen would be forgiven for at least considering violence when it comes to the assessment of his successors at the helm of the Montreal hockey club. Savard, who is a Hall of Fame defenceman and veteran cigar smoker, seems to be doing for the Montreal Canadiens what Gerry MacNamara did for Harold Ballard and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1980's. That is to say they have successfully reduced a great franchise to extreme and desolate mediocrity. Sam Pollock on the other hand was able to put together such a power house in the 60's and 70's that the Canadien's farm team in the American Hockey League was often better than most National Hockey League teams.
This scribe remembers well the fine hockey players that Mr. Pollock parked in Halifax in the 1970's on the roster of the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. That minor league team would trounce the Demers-led squad of today with little effort. Players like Pierre Mondou, Brian Engblom, Rick Chartraw and Ron Andruff were sure bet NHL'ers with any other organization. With the power house in Montreal these fellows cooled their heels in the maritime vapours of Halifax until Sam felt they were either good and ready to play in Montreal or they were suitable trade fodder in one of Sam's usual one-sided deals.
My sympathy and utter concern for the plight of the Canadiens comes from the perspective of a lifelong Maple Leaf fan. Canadiens fans realize that of all observers, Maple Leaf fans will be most certain to recognize the dire straits of the Montreal team. This skill at effectively and immediately diagnosing a hopefully terminal ailment of the Habs is something that Toronto hockey fans have developed with precision over the many years when they have had to endure perennial ridicule of the local team's efforts by high flying Montreal supporters. Now the Micron is on the other foot so to speak.
However all loyal Maple Leaf fans will cast aside partisan rivalry and extend their deepest and enduring sympathy to any Canadiens fans who exhibit symptoms of profound depression over the sad future of this squad. I intend to play my part in offering my sincerest wishes for the rapid recovery of the Canadien squad to the point where they can at least contemplate a tie or even an overtime win against the Ottawa Senators. I am certain that my sentiments are echoed by many in the Newfoundland sporting community who would be loath to let the predicament of Montreal hockey pass without a solicitous comment. The thought of such concern being accompanied by anything remotely resembling a snicker is a truly reprehensible thought. Certainly all right thinking Maple Leaf fans are above this.
This is the year when an Irishman from Montreal is the Maple Leaf coach and a worthy Qu‚b‚cois is their goaltender. Leaf fans are thankful for the significant contribution that Quebec has made to this year's roster. With the departure of the Quebec Nordiques, Montreal is left alone as the provincial representative of all that is fine and true and powerful about Quebec hockey. Perhaps with the latest Referendum out of the way, on or about Halloween, Premier Parizeau might wish to apply to the corporate nabobs at Molson Breweries for permission to traverse the gulf between political and corporate life in Quebec with a view to supplementing Mr. Savard's efforts as chief hockey administrator for the Canadiens. His track record of success would be a natural complement to the managerial efforts of Mr. Savard and would surely be welcomed by the vast array of Mike Harris supporters who fill Maple Leaf Gardens to capacity game after game.
Once again Montreal Canadiens fans can count on my utmost consideration, sympathy and moral support in these trying times. Hopefully this will bring some comfort to those fevered brows.
Until next month be proud, be prosperous.