Pierre Gervais has been the Canadiens’ equipment manager since the 1980s.
He has therefore known ALL the players who have been to Montreal over the past 35 seasons. Anecdotes, he has a ton to tell!
Félix Séguin introduces the general public to the many facets of Gervais’ fascinating profession in a series of three episodes of the podcast “Dans l’œil du chat” which is dedicated to him. Listen to it here:
Among his related tasks, he has often chosen the numbers of players who come with the CH.
On the other hand, the general manager always has the last word. Especially under the Marc Bergevin era.
“Marc was very fond of picking player numbers. Most other general managers I have known, it went 10 feet over their heads! Marc, with his old mentality, liked to have the lowest possible numbers. But with all the numbers retired, there aren’t many more numbers available, I’m on the eve of dropping into triple digits! But it will soon no longer be my problem, ”said Gervais, who announced in mid-October that he would retire at the end of this season, following 35 years of loyal service and more than 3,000 games behind. the bench.
Much to Bergevin’s chagrin, the fashion is now for “big numbers”.
“I always try to give the lowest possible number, otherwise it falls into the 50-60-70-80, so called racing tank numbers. Young people coming into the league are increasingly choosing high numbers. He chooses when he makes the team, in agreement with the general manager. In the case of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, for example, Marc initially wanted him to take a smaller number.
Firsts kept secret
Thanks to his role, Gervais knew all the exchanges before the media and the supporters, but he never revealed a single one. scoop because of his discreet character and his professionalism. It still gives him “a little kick» to be among the first people informed of the changes that occur during the season.
“I learn the news before everyone else, it’s a small kickit’s cool. I always have sweaters made on the sly. Over the years, nothing ever came out,” he said proudly.
It is also a source of satisfaction for Gervais to contribute in his own way to the success of CH. He has two Stanley Cup rings to attest to that. In addition to the 1986 and 1993 conquests, he won gold with Team Canada at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games. He therefore not only rubbed shoulders with the Canadiens players, but also all the best Canadian players.
“We play a key role, but we have no influence on the outcome of matches, he said modestly. We help behind the scenes, like for a music group.”
What is different, however, is that he is the image of the organization when a new player joins it.
“When a player arrives in Montreal, he meets me first. The first image he has is that of me and my assistants. When he arrives in the locker room, there is already everything he needs. You are therefore a winner.”
Credit photo: Martin Chevalier / JdeM
“It’s not Guy Lafleur, but…”
Over the years, some of these newcomers have become friends with Gervais. This is particularly the case of the flamboyant Alex Kovalev. He is full of praise for him.
“Kovalev is really cool. To date, he’s probably the guy with the most raw talent I’ve seen with the Canadiens. It’s not Guy Lafleur, but it’s not far below. He has a great personality, he is endearing. I remained friends with him.”
He also highly appreciated another Russian, Andrei Markov… for his sense of humor. Who would’ve believed that!
“A lot of players booked in public are different behind closed doors. A player like Markov might be funny in droves. He was deadpan, cracking jokes in his own way.”
Price influenced by Allen
Furthermore, in the second and third parts of the series, other interesting topics related to the work of Gervais are discussed.
He notably talks regarding the evolution of equipment, the superstitions of Patrick Roy, the particular requirements of Sidney Crosby, the presence of Shea Weber and his close relationship with Carey Price. Our analysts Maxim Lapierre and Alexandre Picard also discuss the important confidant role that the NHL’s most widely regarded equipment manager plays.
Let’s finish with one last anecdote, this one regarding Price and Jake Allen.
“Price, it was going great until Jake showed up! Jake changes equipment often. It’s never new enough for him, whereas it’s usually the opposite for other goalkeepers. Before, Price changed gear three or four times a year, but now he’s got the same habit as Jake.
For Allen, the reason is very simple: his gear is always soggy.
“Jake sweats so much. He’s the most sweaty player I’ve seen in my life. It’s incredible! My counterpart from the Blues had warned me.
Photo credit: AFP
