Saturday, November 20, 2010

Thank You Pat

Thank You Pat
For the great memories.If I may,I will speak on the behalf of the fans of the Hull Olympiques.There was never a dull moment in the Robert-Guertin arena.It have may have been destiny,but thirty years before you started coaching junior in Hull at the time,an another legend was being schooled also,I believe he was William Scott ''Scotty'' Bowman.Like him,you ended up coaching the Canadiens.

Pat,not too many people can brag about having the chance to have coached two legendary goaltenders,Roy and Brodeur,both brought you to cup finals.

When looking at your coaching career,Pat,in your first five years behind a bench,you never got less that 85 points.In the first seasons behind the Canadiens,Leafs,Bruins and Devils bench,you averaged 45 wins,and 103 points per season.Three Jack Adams trophy wins.All coaching original six teams,Montreal in 89,Toronto in 93 and Boston in 98.You may have not gotten it in New Jersey,but won a better trophy, The Stanley cup.

Lets take a look at the players you had the pleasure to coach.Larry Robinson,Bob Gainey,Chris Chelios,Guy Carbonneau and Patrick Roy in Montreal.Doug Gilmour,Wendel Clark,Dave Andreychuck,Grant Fuhr in Toronto.You got to coach Joe Thornton, when you where both in your first season in Boston.You had a pretty good line-up in New Jersey when you won the cup.

In all, you had a pretty good career as a bench boss,Pat.You will be missed.I know your looking down and wondering and reading the papers delivered to the pearly gates,and saying to yourself, ''Move on boys and girls.'' We will Pat,but it won't be easy.

Pat,we will look after Line,Jason,Maureen and your grandson,Samuel.

Thank you again,Pat,for the great memories.