It is with great nostalgia that Raymond Bourque attended the reopening ceremony of “his” arena on Saturday, in the borough of Saint-Laurent, in Montreal.
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The amphitheater that saw the member of the Hockey Hall of Fame grow up was given a facelift, which will benefit all young athletes in the area. The iconic Boston Bruins captain was one of those boys who, when the complex opened in 1968, aspired to a career in the National Hockey League.
“It allowed me to live a dream, from a young age. I was spoiled watching the Canadian play, then he made me dream of playing in the National League. The town of Saint-Laurent and the arena, here at [boulevard] Thiemens, allowed me to accomplish it, ”explained Bourque, who took charge of the ceremonial game following a ceremony of regarding thirty minutes.
“It took work, sacrifice and determination,” he added, happy to see others follow in his footsteps.
Impact immense
Although he retired more than 20 years ago following fulfilling his dream of winning the Stanley Cup – with the Colorado Avalanche – Bourque is a character that draws crowds. Dozens of young hockey fans surrounded the 61-year-old at all times during this special day.
“What gives me shivers is that here, there are young people who have never seen Raymond Bourque play, people who are a little less young who have heard of him and people of my generation who have had the great privilege to have seen him. […] We are talking regarding a model that has the ability to unite a community,” said former hockey player Danièle Sauvageau, one of the event’s ambassadors.
Kim St-Pierre, who played under Sauvageau with Canada’s national team, was also on hand for the ceremony. She now lives in Saint-Laurent and coaches her two boys, ages 8 and 10, in hockey. For the retired goalie, Bourque is a true role model.
“When you enter the arena, you see his jersey exposed. We all know his exploits. He’s a boy from here, from Saint-Laurent, and it’s always impressive to know that someone has succeeded. It allows young people to dream,” she explained with a big smile.
More ecological
The City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec have invested $28.8 million in the renovation project for Aréna Raymond-Bourque, which has borne the legendary defender’s name since 1990. The place has has a new look, and above all, has been modernized by becoming more ecological.
The amphitheater might obtain LEED Silver certification from the Canada Green Building Council since it meets several program criteria, including access to public transport, the use of materials with low environmental emissions and the addition of a roof to avoid urban heat islands.
In terms of improvements made to the arena, the two rinks were refurbished, 1,100 seats were replaced and the entrance hall and exterior cladding were brought up to date. Refrigeration systems, lighting and the display board have also been changed.
“Saint-Laurent is a big city and deserves such a classy arena,” Bourque said. It was beautiful to see. When I got back, I mightn’t believe it. I had tears in my eyes with my wife. It hit us pretty hard.”
Free skating had resumed at the arena since July 22, but it is on September 6 that the clubs will be able to resume their activities. In addition to hockey, fans of ringette and figure skating will also find their account.
