Friday, 15 Jul 2022. 07:30
MONTREAL – It was intriguing that Martin Madden grabbed attention last week by drafting three Quebec players in front of the Montreal crowd. Because for the assistant general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, it was a particular draft.
Just five months ago, Madden was coaxed by Pat Verbeek in the race to become that organization’s chief executive. The recruitment specialist therefore participated in his first draft under the orders of his new boss.
Madden had to comply with the criteria established by Verbeek to decide in the selections.
“It went well, the transition was done in the right way. Obviously, I was disappointed, but there are only 32 positions like this in the NHL,” commented Madden, who understandably preferred to talk regarding the prospects he had just selected.
“I love hockey and what I do so we roll up our sleeves,” he continued.
The Ducks’ relaunch, which looks promising, should allow Madden to be considered for other leadership races. No doubt, he still aspires to play this role eventually.
“Of course, we will see the other changes that will occur,” confirmed Madden Jr., who can rely on Stéphane Pilotte to patrol the QMJHL arenas.
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Draft week allowed us to make our way to a hotel where a coaching conference was being held. In the morning, Martin St-Louis was one of the coaches to address the audience, which was made up of coaches of different calibers.
The goal was to provide inspiration and answers to up-and-coming coaches. But we also came across several big names in the industry, including Mike Sullivan, Peter DeBoer, Jacques Martin, Pascal Vincent, André Tourigny, Jean-François Houle, Éric Veilleux, Sylvain Lefebvre, Stéphane Julien, Louis Robitaille and Daniel Jacob.
A few days earlier, Vincent had seen the Winnipeg Jets prefer Rick Bowness to him to become the club’s new pilot. This disappointment did not prevent Vincent from giving us a few minutes of his time.
“Yes, it’s a disappointment because I’m convinced that I might have done the job. At the same time, I tell myself that if I don’t have the profile they are looking for, I am in a good position in Columbus. In the end, I was going to come out of all of this a winner. I know where I’m going, in a role that I really like and an organization that I appreciate just as much, ”reacted Vincent.
“With what happened in the last year, the departure of Paul Maurice and the team that did not reach the playoffs, they were looking for a coach with a different profile from mine,” identified the coach who s t was a pleasure to talk with participants of all levels (NCAA, junior, ECHL, AHL) who wanted to know more regarding the path that led him to the NHL.
Obviously, Vincent took the opportunity to attend the draft and he was eager to discover the hopes that were going to be grafted to the Blue Jackets. The Ohio club drafted seven players including defensemen David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk in the first round.
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Jacques Martin was just as generous towards the next generation who attended this event.
“It’s a pleasure to share with the many coaches who were present. I have always been a fan of clinics, conferences and different ways to improve as a coach. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the hockey fraternity,” said Martin.
“The formula was even more interesting this year. We were able to have a lot more interaction with the participants and answer specific questions,” continued the experienced coach.
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Pascal Rhéaume, former NHL player and assistant to Éric Bélanger with the Trois-Rivières Lions, was also present.
Rhéaume was obviously very proud of his sister, Manon, who was hired as a consultant to hockey hopes and operations.
“I’m happy for her. We see that, in 2022, many girls have been able to enter the NHL. I knew it was only a matter of time for Manon,” Rhéaume noted.
“It’s gone well for everything she’s done in the hockey world. She has the skills and a certain facility to obtain positions in this environment. Manon is a hockey maniac, she only lives for hockey and her children. I am not surprised at what is happening to him, ”added the one who knew that this news was coming.
According to her information, she should continue to live in Michigan for the next two years and move to California therefollowing.
“It’s fun to join other QMJHL players”
“It’s special to be drafted with two Quebecers”
