Merci, Maurice Richard

Just a warning... you'll be hearing a lot about what I learn (or don't learn) in school over the next few months!

One of my favourite classes this term is Aspects of French Canada - a course that takes a deep dive into understanding and appreciating Canada's francophone community and culture. We've looked at identity, language and so much more that really makes me wonder how the French language will be maintained in future decades in Quebec and in other areas in Canada.

I had to watch the movie "Maurice Richard" today for one of my assignments. I watched this movie a few years ago as a hockey fan, but this time I watched it from the perspective of a French student, examining the role of French hockey players in the NHL, a league and sport dominated by the Anglophone community. What did I get out of this movie? So much more than you would ever think and nothing related to hockey itself. I have more respect for one of Quebec's - and Canada's - greatest hockey players, Maurice Richard... I regret not knowing his impact on the sport and in the French community prior to this movie. Did you know that French hockey players faced discrimination in the league in its early days? Me neither. They were viewed as second class to the English players, coaches, general managers and NHL management just several decades ago. I felt like diving through the screen to defend Richard and all French players whenever a comment about their French identity was hurled on the ice. Case in point? Sean Avery's character, Ranger player Bob Dill smirked "Come here, damn Frenchman" to Richard to trigger an on-ice fight (...let's just say many hockey fans would enjoy watching this scene - around the 6:40 mark if you're not a fan).

So how does this affect us now? About a month ago, the city of Montreal were in a major uproar when the Habs replaced their head coach with a coach who speaks only English. This movie reminded me of why Habs fans reacted that way and I empathize with them... what a slap in the face to have an English coach after years of "progress", having French coaches behind the bench who can communicate with players, the media, and the fans and respected the French language and culture. While one could argue that Montreal is a bilingual city and the language of hockey is English, it's more so the history behind the make-up of the Montreal Canadiens management team and respect for the French community that one of the mandatory requirements of this coveted coaching position SHOULD be a solid grasp of both English and French.

My first hockey-related post isn't about the Maple Leafs... eek!! I promise this will change... go Leafs go :)