IT’S A GATORADE SHOWER FOR PATRICK ROY! #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/AxhGKKoIuS
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 5, 2023
![Quebecers are still (often) called “Frenchies](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/06/Roy.jpg)
Last night, the Québec Remparts played an exemplary game to get their hands on the famous Memorial Cup. Patrick Roy and his men are truly the best in the CHL this year.
It’s the fourth time in a row that the QMJHL has claimed the Memorial Cup. It’s the seventh time in 11 editions that clubs from here have won the Canadian junior field hockey title.
On the sidelines of last night’s Remparts victory, Justin Robidas, son of Stéphane, who has been an excellent Remparts player in recent months, said the guys still had to live with the old insults.
The Remparts’ “Frenchies” sent a message to Kamloops! https://t.co/9H1JWDHA5U
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) June 5, 2023
As you can read in Mikaël Lalancette’s article above, despite the QMJHL’s big performances, there’s still mockery of the language used by the guys from here.
We’re often called “Frenchies”, but we’re sending a message. – Justin Robidas
“I’m really proud of them, it makes no sense what they’ve just achieved.” – Patrick Royhttps://t.co/xJziVohSV8
– RDS (@RDSca) June 5, 2023
But here’s the thing: even if the QMJHL clubs are better, do we actually see the locals getting the recognition they deserve?
In the short term, it doesn’t look like it.
After all, you can’t say that Quebec City won because the QMJHL boosted a club. The Mooseheads, Phoenix and Olympiques also put together a big club this year, and that forced the Remparts to redouble their efforts to win.
I really think the Petes would have achieved the same result at the end of the tournament against any of the Q’s top four clubs, which says a lot about the strength of the league.
The greatest field hockey man in Quebec City history.
He’ll take no credit, always praising his players. With good reason.
But we know. pic.twitter.com/4MZO0H7o6q– Vince Cauchon (@VinceCauchon) June 5, 2023
The subject came up yesterday on RDS during the post-game celebrations, and it’s an important/interesting one: the QMJHL has quality field hockey men who aren’t represented enough.
Why are the guys still being called “Frenchies” in 2023?
Quite the last 10 months for Nathan Gaucher (ANA):
– 2022 World Juniors
– 2023 World Junoors
– 2023 QMJHL title
– 2023 Memorial Cup title pic.twitter.com/8nR52P1yEA– Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 5, 2023
Why does a good QMJHL GM have to prove himself as a scout when he makes the jump to the NHL instead of having a job as an assistant GM of a team directly? It’s not like that in other leagues, as was said last night on RDS.
In short, there’s still a long way to go, but every victory like the Remparts’ yesterday lends credibility to the QMJHL.
Extension
Will the NHL call? After all, we’re talking about a wicked good winner… and a guy better equipped to coach the next generation than a guy like Mike Babcock. After all, winning the Memorial Cup 17 years apart shows an ability to adapt.
Patrick Roy coaching & playing career awards so far:
5x William M.Jennings
3x Vezina Trophy
3x Conn Smythe
1x Jack Adams
4x Stanley Cup
1x Calder Cup
2x Memorial Cup @CHLHockey
1x Gilles-Courteau Trophy @QMJHLBorn to be a winner.
– Field hockey Of Tomorrow (@HockeyTomorrow) June 5, 2023
But beyond that, we’re talking about a guy who’s matured, who’s learned from his mistakes and who always puts his players in the spotlight. He’s never bragged publicly in a long time.
I think teams (Anaheim, New York, Calgary… and Ottawa, maybe) looking for a coach really need to consider him. And it’s bound to make a big hole in the QMJHL.
What a wholesome answer from Patrick Roy! #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/89gHDv79KW
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 5, 2023